Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Chicken with Spinach & Olives
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a silky lemon-garlic yogurt sauce with baby spinach and briny olives. This dish is rich without being heavy, comforting yet fresh—showcasing the heart of Mediterranean cooking using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Time required
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
For the Lemon Cream Sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
½ cup chicken broth
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
2 cups baby spinach
1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish (Optional)
Fresh parsley or basil
Lemon slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
1. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and whisk in yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
1. Add olives and spinach to the sauce.
2. Simmer gently until spinach wilts.
3. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish with herbs and lemon slices.
Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or warm flatbread.
Tips for Best Results
Always lower heat before adding yogurt to avoid curdling
Pound chicken slightly for even cooking
Fresh lemon zest makes a big difference
Use Greek yogurt for creamy texture without cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use cream instead of yogurt?
Yes, but yogurt is lighter and more Mediterranean.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
No—completely mild and family-friendly.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Not recommended due to yogurt sauce texture.
Nutritional Information
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 18% DV
Iron: 20% DV