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Flavorful Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Lemon, Olives & Artichokes

Mediterranean baked chicken - featured image

A juicy, tangy Mediterranean baked chicken recipe featuring lemon slices, Kalamata olives, and tender artichokes, perfect for easy, healthy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 fresh lemon, thinly sliced plus zest
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts (canned or fresh)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin get crispy. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Toss chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature if possible.
  5. Place marinated chicken skin-side up in an oven-safe baking dish.
  6. Nestle artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives around the chicken. Scatter lemon slices on top and around the dish.
  7. Pour white wine or chicken broth into the dish if using.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), skin is golden and crisp, and juices run clear.
  9. About 20 minutes into baking, baste the chicken with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  11. Serve by spooning olives, artichokes, and lemon slices over the chicken.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before marinating is key for crispy skin. Tent with foil if lemon slices brown too quickly. Avoid overcooking to keep chicken juicy. Kalamata olives preferred but green olives can be substituted. Rest chicken after baking for best juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, baked chicken, lemon chicken, olives, artichokes, healthy dinner, easy recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free