Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Mediterranean lemon chicken recipe features juicy, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts seared to perfection and baked with garlic, Yukon gold potatoes, green olives, fresh thyme, and bright lemon slices. The dish balances savory flavors with the fresh, zesty citrus, making it a vibrant and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 1/4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2/3 pound Yukon gold potatoes, washed and halved or quartered depending on size
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup large pitted green olives (such as Castelvatrano)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 6–7 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prep chicken: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Brown chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the skin naturally releases. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and broth: Scatter the halved or quartered Yukon gold potatoes and minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the rest: Stir in the pitted green olives, then arrange lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs evenly on top of the chicken and potatoes, distributing the flavors throughout.
- Bake: Transfer the oven-proof skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the potatoes are soft.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Mediterranean lemon chicken immediately with your choice of sides like rice, bulgur, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet or a cast iron pan to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
- Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and remain juicy; breasts can also be used but may cook more quickly.
- If you prefer, use chicken drumsticks instead, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- For a zestier flavor, add lemon zest along with the slices before baking.
- Make sure potatoes are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, chicken thighs with potatoes, garlic chicken, healthy chicken recipe
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/mediterranean-lemon-chicken-recipe/
