Skillet Chicken - Artichokes, Olives and Lemon Edition

As someone who didn’t eat chicken until later in life, I found it intimidating when I first started cooking it at home. SO, if you’re scared, this is a no brainer chicken dish for you.

Here’s what you’ll need:

~ A cast iron skillet - Lodge Cast Iron is a great company that is VERY reasonable

~ Chicken Thighs - skin on, bone in - 6-8 thighs

~ Artichokes (jarred or fresh)

~ Olives (your choice of what type of salt round goodness you want)

~ Lemons

~ Half a yellow onion diced

~ Whole Head of Garlic

~ Chicken Broth

~ Olive oil

~ Salt and Pepper

You’ll also need - Tongs, paper towels

Simple ingredients and a very simple, process that you can’t screw up.

Lets Cook:

Dry your chicken thighs with a paper towel. It makes a difference. Salt and pepper the skin side generously. It’s going to create a nice crust and crunch. Preheat your oven to 375° so you’re not waiting for it to warm up. In your cast iron, pour about two to three glugs of olive oil; enough to coat the bottom of the pan. When you feel heat about the olive oil, place the chicken thighs skin down. You might have to do in batches because you don’t want to over crowd the pan and create steam. After about 6 mins of searing, place the chicken on a plate. Turn the heat down and add the onions. Then add the artichokes. If you’re adding fresh, you’ll need to clean the artichoke first and then cut in half and place face down. If marinated, then just toss them in. Then cut the garlic head in half. Pour about 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth in the pan. Add chicken breasts skin UP back into the pan with all the juices from the plate. You’ll want that crispy skin. Then basically Tetris the garlic cloves, lemons, olive and artichokes in the pan so that everything fits. Then bake the whole skillet for 45 mins. It seems like a lot but it’s soaking up all the delicious flavors from the pan. When it’s done, don’t forget that that pan will be SO hot, carefully take out and let rest for a few mins. I like to serve with great bread or the crispy potatoes, a veggie and salad. ENJOY! Take pics and let me know what you think! ALSO swap out the olives and artichokes for tomatoes and spinach or anything you have in your fridge you’re trying to clear out! So so good.