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Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons & Olives

Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons & Olives
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Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons & Olives is a vibrant, zesty, and savory dish combining juicy chicken thighs or breasts with fresh lemons, briny Kalamata olives, herbs, and garlic. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in recommended for juiciness)
  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and slices)
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted)
  • 4 garlic cloves (whole)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season all sides generously with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook without moving for 5-7 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes to lock in the juices and create flavor.
  3. Add Lemons, Olives, and Garlic: Remove the chicken temporarily. Add garlic cloves, lemon slices, and Kalamata olives into the hot pan. Stir gently to release their aromas, then nestle the chicken back among the ingredients.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is flavorful.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. Serve directly from the skillet with your choice of sides for a warm and inviting meal.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Don’t skip the browning step; it adds essential texture and depth.
  • Always prefer fresh lemons over bottled juice for vibrant flavor.
  • Opt for high-quality pitted Kalamata olives for best taste.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes off the heat to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken with lemons, chicken with olives, one-pan chicken, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dish

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/mediterranean-chicken-with-lemons-olives/