Description
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken breasts with tangy lemon, savory artichokes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs. Searing the chicken first to lock in juices, then baking it in a zesty sauce, results in a tender, succulent meal perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, halved
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the recipe.
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in juices.
- Remove Chicken: Take the seared chicken breasts out of the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add Artichokes and Olives: Stir in the drained, quartered artichoke hearts and halved green olives into the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, white wine if using, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the vegetable and sauce mixture over each piece to coat them well.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can omit the white wine if preferred or replace it with additional chicken broth.
- Make sure to use an ovenproof skillet to transfer directly to the oven.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with a side of rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently.
