Easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Olives Recipe
Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner in NYC? This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Olives is the answer: a 30-minute, one-pan recipe inspired by the vibrant flavors of Greece, Italy, and Morocco. Using fresh ingredients from Union Square Greenmarket or any local store you’ll enjoy a protein-packed, heart-healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Bright, zesty, and satisfying, this classic brings the Mediterranean to your table effortlessly.
Why NYC Loves This Mediterranean Dish
The Mediterranean diet is a global favorite, and NYC’s food scene from Williamsburg cafés to Flushing markets embraces its fresh, bold flavors. A 2025 study by the American Heart Association found the Mediterranean diet reduces heart disease risk by 30% (source). Explore more Mediterranean diet benefits from the American Heart Association. This dish fits perfectly into NYC’s fast-paced, health-conscious lifestyle:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes for busy evenings.
- Local Ingredients: Source lemons and herbs at Union Square Greenmarket.
- Versatile: Adaptable for vegetarian, keto, or gluten-free diets.
Real Story: “This recipe is my go-to for weeknight dinners in Brooklyn. It’s fast and tastes like a restaurant meal!” – Alex, via X.
Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken & Olives
This dish is a nutritional powerhouse, aligned with the Mediterranean diet’s benefits:
- Protein-Rich: Chicken supports muscle health.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil lowers cholesterol (source).
- Immunity Boost: Lemons provide vitamin C.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Oregano and rosemary reduce inflammation (source).
Expert Insight: “The Mediterranean diet’s balance of lean proteins and healthy fats is ideal for urban lifestyles,” says Dr. Lisa Young, NYU nutritionist (source).
Ingredients & Prep Tips
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken & Olives
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (organic from Whole Foods)
- 2 lemons (juice + zest, fresh from Greenmarket)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt & black pepper: To taste.
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata & green, from Mast Market)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp capers
Instructions
- Prepare the ChickenPat chicken dry with paper towels.Mix paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; rub onto chicken.Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over chicken, add zest, and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Sear the ChickenHeat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Build the SauceIn the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes.Add broth, scraping up browned bits.Stir in olives, capers, and juice of 1 lemon.
- Finish the DishReturn chicken to skillet, coat with sauce.Simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Prep Tips
- Lemons: Choose fresh, unwaxed lemons for vibrant flavor.
- Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin for a fruity profile.
- Marinate: Let chicken sit in lemon juice and spices for 15 minutes (or overnight).
- NYC Sourcing: Find olives and herbs at Union Square Greenmarket ($4-6/jar) or Brooklyn Grange for fresh parsley ($2/bunch). Visit find a Greenmarket near you for the freshest local ingredients!
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Mix paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; rub onto chicken.
- Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over chicken, add zest, and marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in olives, capers, and juice of 1 lemon.
4. Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce.
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Serve hot for best flavor.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Veggie Boost: Include cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs, shrimp, cod, or tofu for vegan.
- Olive Variety: Try Castelvetrano for a milder flavor.
NYC Tip: For a vegetarian version, try our NYC Veggie Stir Fry for a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner!
Perfect Side Dishes & Meal Prep
Side Dishes
- Couscous/Quinoa: Absorbs the sauce, available at Whole Foods.
- Greek Salad: Cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olive oil dressing.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy and savory, perfect with the tangy sauce. For a lighter pairing, try our Classic Chicken Caesar Salad for a healthy, NYC-style meal!
Meal Prep
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth to keep moist.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for easy weeknight meals.
NYC Tip: Prep ingredients on Sundays for quick dinners. Try pairing with our Classic Chicken Caesar Salad for a complete Mediterranean meal!
FAQ
Can I use other meats?
Yes Try chicken thighs, shrimp, cod, or tofu for vegan (source).
Best olives for this dish?
Kalamata or green olives for bold flavor; Castelvetrano for milder taste.
Good for meal prep?
Absolutely Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
Keto-friendly?
Yes, serve with low-carb veggies like zucchini instead of grains.
Where to find ingredients in NYC?
Shop at Union Square Greenmarket or bodegas for fresh lemons and olives.
How to make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Check out our Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for another veggie-packed option!
Share your dish on X with #NYCMedDinner!
Join Our NYC Food Community
This lemon chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to NYC’s busy evenings, from Harlem to the Lower East Side. Cook it tonight and share your creation on X with #NYCMedDinner. Sign up for our newsletter at CookFlareRecipes.com for more recipes like Classic Chicken Caesar Salad or NYC Veggie Stir Fry. Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean, NYC-style!
About the Author: Samantha Lee is a Brooklyn-based food blogger with 5 years of experience crafting family-friendly recipes. Follow her on X or visit About Samantha Breslyn.
