7 Reasons to Love Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives

Sharing is caring!

Oh my goodness, friends — thank you for being here! If you love cozy, flavor-packed meals that taste like they came straight from a Mediterranean kitchen, you’re in the perfect place. Today we’re diving into an absolutely delicious recipe: Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives. Right after the H1, let’s make sure to showcase our focus keyword: this stew is everything you dream about — tender chicken, hearty baby onions, sweet artichokes, and briny olives all wrapped up in one bold, beautiful dish!

And hey, if you want to get cozy meals like this sent directly to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to my recipe newsletter. It’s the easiest way to keep your dinner table exciting and full of love!

What Is Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives?

Stifado is a traditional Greek stew, typically slow-cooked and deeply aromatic thanks to layers of spices, tomatoes, and hearty ingredients. This variation brightens the classic with artichokes and kalamata olives, giving it a stunning Mediterranean flair. It’s bold, hearty, and brimming with rich, balanced flavors!

Reasons to Love This Chicken Stifado

There are so many reasons I can’t stop making this:

• Deep, rich flavors from the marinated chicken and caramelized tomato paste.

• Easy and forgiving — even better if you prep it a day ahead!

• Versatile — delicious served over rice, orzo, potatoes, or even crusty bread.

• Naturally gluten-free and loaded with wholesome ingredients.

• Meal-prep friendly — it tastes even better the next day!

What Does This Chicken Stifado Taste Like?

Picture this: tender bites of chicken coated in a savory, slightly sweet tomato sauce, brightened by the pop of lemon and the rich saltiness of kalamata olives. The artichokes add a subtle earthiness, and the baby onions practically melt in your mouth. It’s a hug in a bowl!

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Nutrition-packed: Lean protein, fiber from artichokes, and antioxidant-rich olives.

• Perfect for gatherings: It’s hearty, impressive, and holds well on a buffet or family-style dinner.

• Easy to make ahead: Like many stews, it gets better after sitting a bit, making your life easier!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For the Chicken Stifado:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 12–15 baby onions (shallots, pearl onions, or cipollini), peeled and halved

• 10 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes

• 1 can (14 oz) baby artichokes, quartered

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Tools You’ll Need

• Soup Pot or Dutch Oven

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Mixing bowls with lids

• Citrus juicer (handheld works great)

• Mandolin slicer and food chopper set

• Herb scissors or chopper

(I promised you versatile, and here’s proof — no fancy gadgets required!)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer lighter meat.

• Onions: If you can’t find baby onions, coarsely chopped yellow onions will work.

• Artichokes: Frozen artichokes (thawed) are a great sub if canned isn’t available.

• Olives: Not a fan of kalamatas? Try green olives for a milder, buttery flavor.

• Spices: Add a cinnamon stick during simmering for a cozy twist!

How to Make Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large sealable bag, combine olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add diced chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours — or up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the marinated chicken on all sides, then transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add baby onions and cook until golden and softened (about 8 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Caramelize the Tomato Paste
Add tomato paste and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until it deepens in color. Trust me, this tiny step packs major flavor!

Step 5: Build the Stew
Add chopped tomatoes and quartered artichokes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Partially cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken, Lemon, and Olives
Return the chicken to the pot. Stir in lemon juice and olives. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in parsley and serve!

The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!

What to Serve with Chicken Stifado

This stew pairs beautifully with:

• Orzo pasta (my personal favorite!)

• Steamed rice

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Noodles

• Warm crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Tips for the Best Chicken Stifado

• Marinate as long as you can for maximum flavor.

• Don’t skip caramelizing the tomato paste! It adds a deep, sweet-savory note.

• Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even cooking and a gentle simmer.

• Taste and adjust before serving — olives add saltiness, so balance with lemon or a pinch of sugar if needed.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers (if you have any!) store beautifully:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Honestly, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have a chance to marry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Chicken Stifado ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better if made a day ahead. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving to let the flavors shine.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Just keep a close eye while cooking — chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out faster than thighs.

What if I can’t find baby onions?

No worries at all! Roughly chopped regular yellow onions or sweet onions will work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this Chicken Stifado vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — making it perfect for meal prep!

What should I serve with Chicken Stifado?

This stew pairs beautifully with orzo, rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even simple buttered noodles!

Can I add extra vegetables to the stew?

Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight gives the deepest flavor, even a few hours will still give you a tasty result. (But longer is better if you have the time!)

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the chicken and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours until tender.

How spicy is this dish?

This Chicken Stifado isn’t spicy at all — it’s more savory and rich. If you love a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic!

Conclusion

I hope you fall in love with Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives just like I have. It’s hearty, flavorful, and SO worth the (minimal) effort. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel a little more special — and it smells like heaven while it’s cooking!

If you’re looking for more cozy Mediterranean recipes, you’re going to love these:

• 7 Delicious Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs to Savor — a must-try if you adore crispy, flavorful chicken!

• 7-Ingredient Essential Mediterranean Chicken Skillet (One-Pan Wonder) — perfect for quick weeknight meals.

• Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons and Olives — vibrant, fresh, and packed with sunshine in every bite!

Share Your Kitchen Creations!

Did you make this Chicken Stifado? I would be over the moon to see your creations!
Leave a review below, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest! Let’s inspire each other to keep cooking beautiful, delicious meals.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Fat: 24g

• Fiber: 5g

Print