Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

Introduction

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives captures the fresh, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean coastline in a simple, one-pan meal. Juicy chicken, tangy lemon, briny olives, and tender artichoke hearts come together for a dish that’s light yet deeply satisfying. It’s an effortless crowd pleaser—ideal for busy weeknights or sharing around the family table—bringing sunshine to your plate in just under an hour.

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

What sets this recipe apart is the aromatic, vibrant sauce created by the melding of lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. The salty olives and subtly sweet artichokes balance the bright citrus, creating a harmony of flavors. Made in a single pan, this dish is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve—making weeknight meals and gatherings stress-free without sacrificing flavor.

Perfecting the Lemon Sauce

For a truly show-stopping sauce, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and plenty of zest. Combining them with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and your favorite Mediterranean herbs (like oregano or thyme) creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with unparalleled flavor. Allow the chicken a 10-minute rest in the marinade if time allows for an extra depth of taste.

How to Assemble This Mediterranean Masterpiece

After browning the chicken, you’ll add the artichokes, olives, and lemon slices, letting them simmer together. The pan juices merge with the vegetables and chicken, developing a glossy, aromatic sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a final squeeze of lemon for a vibrant finish. Serve alongside rice, couscous, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with herbed couscous or buttery orzo, allowing the flavorsome sauce to shine. A crisp green salad tossed with feta and cucumber offers a refreshing contrast. For a rustic touch, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delectable lemon-garlic sauce.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each portion contains approximately 320-350 calories, depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the amount of olive oil used. Rich in protein and lower in carbohydrates, it’s a balanced choice for those seeking Mediterranean nutrition.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat; let it marinate for 10 minutes if time allows.
2. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Add artichoke hearts, olives, and optional chicken broth to the skillet. Arrange lemon slices on top.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld.
5. Uncover and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving. Enjoy warm!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a great candidate for make-ahead dinners and batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan to generate smart, consolidated shopping lists—making meal prep and grocery runs streamlined and efficient.

Planning Benefits:

• Get total ingredient quantities for your entire meal plan—no more guesswork or running out midweek.
• Ingredients organized by grocery store section for quick in-and-out shopping trips.
• Easily see ingredient overlaps with other planned recipes, reducing food waste and duplicate purchases.

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes to coordinate shopping for multiple meals—you’ll automatically know exactly how many lemons, chicken thighs, or artichoke hearts you need for the week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes