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Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons and Olives Recipe

4.8 from 150 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Lemons & Olives features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a fragrant blend of garlic, oregano, and Italian seasonings. Combined with bright lemon slices, marinated olives, and a flavorful white wine and chicken broth sauce, this dish is a savory and vibrant meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or minced garlic)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 pieces skinless boneless chicken thighs

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small lemon, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup white wine (your favorite variety)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup marinated olives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the garlic paste, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful paste.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the skinless, boneless chicken thighs to the bowl and rub the garlic-herb paste evenly over each piece until well coated. Set the chicken aside to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat the Oil: Place a large nonstick skillet or pan over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm sufficiently for cooking the chicken.
  4. Brown the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the bowl and add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown on one side. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes until browned and partially cooked through.
  5. Remove Chicken: Take the chicken thighs out of the skillet and set them aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
  6. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Season with salt and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.
  7. Add Lemon and Wine: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the thin lemon slices and pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow this mixture to cook for 3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  8. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for 5 minutes to allow it to finish cooking and absorb the liquids.
  9. Add Olives: Stir in the marinated olives and continue simmering the dish for another 10 minutes, enhancing its Mediterranean character.
  10. Final Rest: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the chicken stand uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes so most of the liquid is absorbed by the chicken and sauce thickens slightly.
  11. Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot, ladling the olive and lemon sauce generously over each piece for a bright and savory presentation.

Notes

  • Use skinless boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat and easier preparation.
  • White wine adds depth, but chicken broth can be used alone if preferred.
  • Marinated olives add a salty, briny flavor; adjust salt accordingly.
  • Letting the dish rest after cooking helps the flavors meld and sauce thicken.
  • Serve with crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken thighs, lemon chicken, olives, garlic chicken, one-pan chicken, easy dinner