Mediterranean Chicken with Artichokes & Olives (Skillet or Oven)
Serves
4 people
Time
About 40–45 minutes total
Ingredients
Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce & Veg
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (halved)
1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano)
¾ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for extra depth)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp lemon zest (optional but 🔥)
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: 1 tbsp butter (for a glossy sauce)
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
Dry chicken = better browning. Don’t skip this.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Chicken does not need to be cooked through yet.
Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan:
Add chopped onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Scrape up the browned bits—this is flavor gold.
4. Add Artichokes & Olives
Stir in:
Artichoke hearts
Olives
Thyme / Italian seasoning
Let them warm and soak up the oil for about 1 minute.
5. Make the Sauce
Pour in:
Chicken broth (or wine)
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Bring to a gentle simmer and let reduce for 3–4 minutes.
Optional: stir in butter now for a richer sauce.
6. Finish Cooking
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top.
Two ways to finish:
Stovetop:
Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes
Oven (like the photo):
Bake uncovered at 375°F / 190°C for 15–18 minutes
Chicken is done when internal temp hits 165°F / 74°C.
7. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over everything. Taste and adjust salt or lemon.
Serving Ideas
This dish is 🔥 with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Rice or orzo
Crusty bread (mandatory for sauce)
Roasted potatoes or green beans
Pro Tips
Use chicken thighs if you want extra juiciness
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
A splash of cream at the end turns this into a luxe, silky sauce
Leftovers are even better the next day
