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    Home » Keto, Paleo, or Gluten Free

    Updated: Feb 24, 2025 · Published: Mar 1, 2023 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

    Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

    Jump to Recipe

    This simple recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with olives and tomatoes is one of my favorite busy weeknight recipes. Seared juicy chicken plus a herb lemon sauce cooks quickly for an easy 30-minute dinner that's sure to be a family favorite.

    Mediterranean recipe for Chicken thighs with tomatoes and olives in a skillet.

    Why this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is Amazing: One-pan, 30-minutes, & a combination of ingredients that is both yummy & loaded with Mediterranean Diet health benefits makes this dish a winner!

    This was the first chicken thigh meal I remember enjoying as a kid - I mean really, most kids want breast tenders but whenever my grandma made this I was all smiles & you will be too. It's also a great way to add more veggies into your diet.

    Mediterranean paleo Chicken Thighs with greek ingredients.

    This is great on it's own for a complete low-carb meal. But if you want something hearty, this goes perfectly with my Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Ok, now we cook!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
    • Serving & Storing
    • Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
    • Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
    • More Mediterranean Recipes

    Ingredients

    This Greek-inspired chicken thigh recipe is loaded with classic Mediterranean veggies, spices, & flavors. The combination of fresh ingredients & pantry staples ensures this recipe is packed with salty, briny, citrus, pungent, & herbaceous flavors.

    This recipe is not just paleo-friendly but it is also Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, & low-carb. Like my recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Skewer it's got a fun presentation & a favorite for hosting friends & family.

    Paleo Greek Chicken Thighs ingredients

    Here are important notes for some ingredients:

    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs - these come out juicy without drying out & cook quicker than breast meat.
    • Olive Oil - a classic ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, do not use a seed or vegetable oil.
    • Dill Weed & Parsley Flakes - dried herbs that are classic in Greek dishes.
    • Salt & Pepper - to season the chicken
    • Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed citrus is best for bright tart flavors that is popular in Mediterranean cooking.
    • Garlic - fresh cloves minced
    • Roma Tomatoes - these hearty/ meaty fresh Italian tomatoes hold up well when cooked in the pan.
    • Marinated Artichoke Hearts - both the hearts & some of the flavorful marinade is used in this recipe.
    • Green Olives - the salty item is a must-have in this dish.
    • Capers - the salty pickled ingredient helps balance the lemon & richness of the chicken.

    See the recipe card for full list, quantities, & any substitutions/variations.

    How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

    This is a skillet chicken thigh recipe that is made on the stovetop. No oven or grilled like other recipes.

    If you have never used a cast-iron pan before, this recipe is great for beginners. I highly recommend cast iron for this recipe for that amazing outer crust that seals in the chicken juices. (see below for brands I recommend)

    Here are the easy steps for making Mediterranean Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs:

    1. Sear Chicken in Cast Iron Skillet
    2. Make the Greek Lemon Pan Sauce
    3. Add Vegetables

    See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.

    1 - Sear Chicken in Cast Iron Skillet

    To start off it is important to preheat the cast iron skillet. Do so by adding the olive oil and turn it on medium heat for 2 minutes.
     
    While it is heating up, blot dry, using a paper towel, both sides of the chicken thighs. Next, season with dill, parsley, salt, & pepper on both sides.
     

    Turn the pan up to medium-high and add the chicken to the pan. DO NOT move them around, let them cook and brown. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side. You will know they are ready to flip as they will separate from the pan easily when using tongs.

     

    Cook on the second side for an additional 5-7 minutes. The temperature should read about 160° on a meat thermometer. Remove the chicken from the pan onto a plate and set aside.

    Paleo Greek Chicken Thighs seasoned chicken in the pan

    2- Make the Greek Lemon Pan Sauce

    Once you have removed the chicken and set it aside on a plate, turn the pan down to medium-low.  Next, you will deglaze the pan with lemon juice and garlic. To deglaze, slowly add the lemon juice and garlic to the pan and using a wooden spoon scrape up the bits and stir everything in the pan until mixed together. Cook for one minute.

    3- Add Vegetables

    Next, add the diced tomatoes, sliced olives, artichoke hearts, and capers to the skillet and stir to combine.
    Paleo Greek Chicken Thighs veggies cooking and chicken to the side

    Add the chicken back in and continue to cook on medium-low until the tomatoes start to break down and all ingredients are hot.

     

    It should take about 5 minutes. At this time the chicken should now read at 165° and be fully cooked. Drizzle the artichoke heart marinade over the chicken pieces for a final punch of flavor.

    Paleo Greek Chicken Thighs all cooking in the pan

    Serving & Storing

    Serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh minced parsley too. It is great all on it's own or serve with the suggested sides below.

    Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to a month.  Reheat in the microwave as needed.

    Mediterranean vegetables and boneless skinless chicken thighs in a skillet.

    What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken Thighs : Some great ideas for what to serve with include other healthy choices that are paleo, gluten-free, & Whole30 also. My favorite paleo side is homemade sweet potato fries.

    • Italian Chopped Salad
    • Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    Greek-inspired Mediterranean Chicken Thighs plated with fork and napkin

    Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes

    Here's my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, fun stories, recipe history, and more.

    • #1 Tip - do not overcook the chicken or it will dry out.
    • #2 Tip - double this recipe! It is the ultimate meal-planning recipe. Leftovers are great for lunch, dinner, & freeze well since it's dairy-free.
    • The cast iron helps give the chicken an outer crust that helps seal in the juices - if you don't have cast iron, any large skillet will work.
    • This is a salty meal, if you are eating low sodium, see the recipe card below for reducing the sodium.
    • To substitute with boneless skinless breasts, pound thin or use tenders so it still cooks quickly.
    • Fresh tomatoes & jarred artichokes both can be substituted by canned item (drained). These pantry staples are great in winter or when you need a last minute swap out.
    • Do you know all the health benefits of artichoke hearts - such as the leaves lower cholesterol & includes potassium, vitamin C, fiber, & magnesium.
    Paleo chicken Thighs Two Photos or skillet with tomatoes olives and artichoke hearts.

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
    $19.99
    Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/14/2025 06:11 pm GMT

    IOS Organic Non-Pareil Capers in Sea Salt, USDA Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO- 4Oz (1Pack)
    $6.75
    IOS Organic Non-Pareil Capers in Sea Salt, USDA Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO- 4Oz (1Pack)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 02:46 pm GMT

    Mario Camacho Organic Green Olives Stuffed with Real Pimiento and Touch of Olive Oil, 6.7 Ounce
    $10.55
    Mario Camacho Organic Green Olives Stuffed with Real Pimiento and Touch of Olive Oil, 6.7 Ounce
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/15/2025 05:26 am GMT

    Simply Organic Dill Weed, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic | 0.81 oz | Anethum graveolens L.
    $5.33
    Simply Organic Dill Weed, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic | 0.81 oz | Anethum graveolens L.
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/13/2025 10:16 pm GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with artichokes tomatoes and olives.

    Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

    Angela
    Juicy chicken thighs browned in a cast iron skillet with vegetables, and a wonderful lemon sauce is a simple one-pan dinner recipe. Classic Greek ingredients make this Mediterranean 30-minute meal healthy, yummy, & delicious. Great for a busy weeknight - plus freezes well for leftovers & meal-planning. Bonus: gluten-free, paleo, keto or low-carb, high-protein, & Whole30 approved.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
    Servings 4
    Calories 265 kcal

    Equipment

    • cast iron pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 TB olive oil
    • 1 Pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
    • ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 3 TB lemon juice
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 C Roma tomatoes diced
    • ½ C marinated artichoke hearts
    • ½ C large green olives cut in half
    • ½ TB capers
    • 1 TB artichoke heart marinade
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat cast iron with olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
    • Blot dry, using a paper towel, both sides of the chicken thighs. Season with dill, parsley, salt, & pepper.
    • Turn the pan up to medium-high and add the chicken to the pan. DO NOT move them around, let them cook and brown. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side. You will know they are ready to flip as they will separate from the pan easily.
      Cook on the second side for an additional 5-7 minutes. The temperature should read about 160° on a meat thermometer. Remove the chicken from the pan onto a plate and set aside.
    • Turn the pan down to medium-low and deglaze the pan with the lemon juice and garlic- using a wooden spoon scrape up the bits in the pan and mix together. Cook for one minute. 
    • Next, add the diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and artichoke hearts, and capers to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the chicken back in and continue to cook on medium-low until the tomatoes start to break down and all ingredients are hot. 
      It should take about 5 minutes. At this time the chicken should now read at 165° and be fully cooked. 
    • Drizzle the artichoke heart marinade over the chicken and serve!

    Notes

    STORING & REHEATING:
    • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 30 days.
    • Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1 minute or in a medium-hot skillet for 5 minutes.
     
    SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS:
    • Use boneless skinless chicken breasts - best to pound thin & make sure it cooks to 165°F temperature. 
    • Use 14oz canned diced tomatoes (drained) instead of fresh tomatoes; great substitute for winter when tomatoes are not at their peak. 
    • Lower Sodium - use defrosted frozen artichoke hearts instead of marinated & use ⅛ teaspo0n of salt only.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 23gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 636mgPotassium: 449mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 847IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword diabetic, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, keto, low calorie, low carb, one pan, paleo, poultry, quick, whole30
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Mediterranean Recipes

    Here are some similar recipes that you may also like here on the blog:

    • ANTIPASTO RICE SALAD
    • GRILLED ITALIAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
    • MORTADELLA SANDWICH
    « Easy No-Bake Desserts
    Easy Strawberry Mousse »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Alyssa says

      April 19, 2021 at 3:32 pm

      This looks delish! I’ll have to make this for my hubby!

      Reply
    2. Amanda says

      April 19, 2021 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      Your recipes are always fabulous and this one looks like another keeper! Yum!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 20, 2021 at 1:02 pm

        You are so kind, Amanda, thanks so much.

        Reply
    3. April says

      April 19, 2021 at 3:41 pm

      These look delicious and easy enough to make, thanks for the simple to follow instructions!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 21, 2021 at 10:28 am

        You are welcome, April.

        Reply
    4. Cecile Leger says

      April 19, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      This looks delicious. We love olives, capers and tomatoes. Sound like a very good combo.

      Reply
    5. Marianne says

      April 19, 2021 at 7:42 pm

      Those look great. I would have to leave the olives out so that the kids would eat it. They LOVE artichokes though, so this would be a win!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 21, 2021 at 10:24 am

        Yes adjust to what works for your family - for me I would love if my kids didn't eat olives and then I would get more - haha

        Reply
    6. Amber says

      April 19, 2021 at 8:55 pm

      This looks like a great keto / low carb recipe too! And all in one pan, win, win.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 21, 2021 at 10:21 am

        Yes, easy to make and clean up!

        Reply
    7. Barbara says

      April 19, 2021 at 9:42 pm

      Looks so wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Alicia says

      April 20, 2021 at 6:22 am

      Thanks for the recipe! I'm always looking for Paleo dishes, as my diet is strict and most similar to Paleo. And cast iron pans are wonderful!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 20, 2021 at 12:59 pm

        You are welcome and yes, love the cast iron pans.

        Reply
    9. Sabrina DeWalt says

      April 20, 2021 at 3:19 pm

      My mouth watered as I read this. Yum!

      Reply
    10. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      April 25, 2021 at 10:53 am

      These look so juicy! Stopping by from the Blogger's Pitstop party - I'd love you to stop by our party, What's for Dinner, and share this beauty!!

      Reply
    11. Cindy Moore says

      April 25, 2021 at 4:26 pm

      I’m vegan so I’ll pass on the chicken BUT your post makes me want to invest in a good cast iron skillet!!

      Reply
    12. Jacqueline Debono says

      April 26, 2021 at 11:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love cooking with cast iron. The results are always so good! This Greek chicken thighs looks like a great weeknight meal. Love the addition of olives and capers which is also very Southern Italian so I'm sure my Sicilian hubby will love this!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2021 at 9:50 am

        Great, I hope you both love the capers and olives in this chicken recipe.

        Reply
    13. Nisha says

      April 27, 2021 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      Cooking in the cast iron skillet must give this chicken dish a nice flavor . Love the spices and veggies used in this dish.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2021 at 9:50 am

        thanks so much

        Reply
    14. LaRena Fry says

      April 27, 2021 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      The perfect pairing of chicken and olives. Yum. Looking forward to trying this.

      Reply
    15. Shikha says

      April 27, 2021 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so easy to make an£ heathy too. 🙂

      Reply
    16. Sonila says

      April 28, 2021 at 3:02 am

      5 stars
      I love one pan chicken dinners, this paleo chicken with artichokes sounds amazing!! My family would love it too!! Love all the flavors!

      Reply
    17. Lathiya says

      April 30, 2021 at 3:36 am

      5 stars
      I love chicken cooked in Cast iron. I'm sure it adds the flavor up and those olives too.

      Reply

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