Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Lemons

Introduction

Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Lemons is a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while being exceptionally easy to prepare. The tang of preserved lemons, briny richness of olives, and tender, juicy chicken come together to create a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe’s combination of savory, citrusy, and herbal notes captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking, making it a hit at both family dinners and special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Lemons

This recipe stands out for its bold flavors and simplicity, delivering maximum impact with minimal fuss. Marinating the chicken ensures depth of flavor, while roasting concentrates the aromatic combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs. Olives add a satisfying salty bite that plays perfectly against the brightness of citrus. This one-pan wonder is equally suited for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal with guests.

Key Tips for Prepping Your Ingredients

Efficiency and consistency are key when working with a variety of vegetables and aromatics. A Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of prepping onions, garlic, and even slicing lemons uniformly, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful finished dish.

Be sure to pat your chicken dry before adding spices—this step helps achieve a golden, crisped skin during roasting.

Cooking – Bringing the Flavors Together

For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet like the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet to brown the chicken, enhancing both flavor and texture. After browning, add your remaining ingredients and transfer the skillet directly to the oven for a hands-off finish that melds all the flavors beautifully.

Maintaining the perfect internal temperature is crucial for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Use the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to check that thighs or breasts reach 165°F before serving.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve your Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Lemons straight from the skillet family-style, or plate individually for a polished presentation. Accompany with crusty bread or a simple side of couscous or rice to soak up the delicious pan juices.

For an easy, mess-free cleanup, line your baking tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll if you finish in the oven, or invest in dependable storage like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for meal prep and leftovers.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each serving typically contains about 320–380 calories, offering a protein-rich meal with healthy fats from olives and olive oil. The dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free.

Recap: The Pleasures of Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Lemons

This dish offers a stunning balance of salty, tangy, and savory notes—just what you’d expect from classic Mediterranean cuisine. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy maximum flavor and elevate any meal with this timeless recipe.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, slice the onion and garlic for even, quick preparation.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika.
4. Heat olive oil in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken, skin side down, until golden (about 3–4 minutes), then flip and remove from heat.
5. Scatter onions, garlic, olive halves, and lemon slices (and preserved lemon, if using) around the chicken. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
6. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking registers 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes