Mediterranean Lemon Shallot Chicken with Fresh Herbs
Intro
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its clean flavors, fresh herbs, and citrusy brightness. This Mediterranean Lemon Shallot Chicken combines tender chicken breast or thighs with caramelized shallots, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs. The result is a juicy, aromatic dish that’s light yet satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, this chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Prep chicken
Pat chicken dry, season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown (doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
Cook shallots and garlic
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil.
Add shallots and cook until soft and slightly caramelized (about 4 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Deglaze & build sauce
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or wine).
Scrape up browned bits from the skillet.
Simmer chicken
Return chicken to skillet.
Add parsley, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Finish & serve
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra parsley.
Serve hot with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
It’s naturally dairy-free since no cream or cheese is added.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I add veggies to the pan?
Definitely—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can be added in the last few minutes of cooking.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor (bottled lemon juice won’t have the same brightness).
- For a richer flavor, deglaze with dry white wine instead of chicken broth.
- If you like it saucier, add ¼ cup more broth or a splash of cream at the end.
- Serve with a sprinkle of feta cheese or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
(Values may vary depending on cut of chicken and broth used.)
This Mediterranean Lemon Shallot Chicken with Fresh Herbs is fresh, light, and full of zesty citrus flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet yet comes together in under 30 minutes.