Mediterranean Chicken with Artichokes & Olives (Skillet or Oven)
Serves
4 people
Time
About 40–45 minutes total
Ingredients
Chicken
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce & Veg
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (halved)
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1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano)
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¾ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for extra depth)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 tsp lemon zest (optional but 🔥)
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1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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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.
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Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Chicken does not need to be cooked through yet.
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Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan:
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Add chopped onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Scrape up the browned bits—this is flavor gold.
4. Add Artichokes & Olives
Stir in:
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Artichoke hearts
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Olives
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Thyme / Italian seasoning
Let them warm and soak up the oil for about 1 minute.
5. Make the Sauce
Pour in:
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Chicken broth (or wine)
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Lemon juice
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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:
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Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes
Oven (like the photo):
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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:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Rice or orzo
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Crusty bread (mandatory for sauce)
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Roasted potatoes or green beans
Pro Tips
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Use chicken thighs if you want extra juiciness
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
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A splash of cream at the end turns this into a luxe, silky sauce
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Leftovers are even better the next day
