Cozy Chicken Stifado with Artichokes & Olives Recipe

Succulent chicken stifado dances with robust Mediterranean flavors, promising a culinary journey through greece’s rustic landscapes.

Aromatic spices weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Kalamata olives and tender artichokes add depth and complexity to this traditional recipe.

Slow-cooked with care, each bite tells a story of generations-old cooking techniques.

Fragrant herbs and rich tomato sauce create a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched greek taverna.

Hearty and comforting, this dish invites you to savor every single morsel with pure delight.

FAQs

• What is stifado and where does it originate from?

Stifado is a traditional Greek stew typically made with meat, small onions, and tomato sauce, known for its rich, hearty flavor that comes from slow cooking and using lots of onions.

• Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, stifado is traditionally made with beef or rabbit, so you can easily substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or rabbit while keeping the same cooking method and spices.

• Why marinate the chicken for so long?

Long marination allows the herbs and olive oil to deeply penetrate the chicken, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with Mediterranean flavors like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Why Chicken Stifado With Olives Is Special

• Marinate with Mediterranean Magic: Infuse chicken with a blend of aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, creating a deep, rich flavor profile that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with this simple Dutch oven recipe that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Packed with Wholesome Ingredients: Combine protein-rich chicken with nutrient-dense artichokes, olives, and fresh herbs, delivering a balanced and nutritious meal that feels both indulgent and healthy for the whole family.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your dining experience by pairing the stifado with orzo, rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, ensuring flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Chicken Stifado With Olives

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this Mediterranean-inspired stew.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
• Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean seasonings.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Baby Onions, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that create a deep, savory base for the stew.
• Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Provides a fresh, tangy liquid base for the stifado.
• Baby Artichokes: Tender vegetables that add a unique, slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny, rich olives that contribute a distinctive Mediterranean taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich flavors of the stew.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

• Orzo, Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles: Starch options for serving the Chicken Stifado.

How To Cook Chicken Stifado With Kalamata Olives

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large sealable bag.

Add diced chicken, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 8-24 hours to let flavors develop deeply.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from marinade and brown on all sides until golden.

Transfer browned chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Garlic

Add baby onions to the Dutch oven and cook until golden and soft, about 8 minutes.

Toss in chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Develop Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a rich caramelized flavor foundation for the dish.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

• Chopped tomatoes
• Quartered baby artichokes

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish the Stifado

Return browned chicken to the pot.

Pour in lemon juice and add olives.

Simmer until chicken is fully cooked.

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Orzo
• Rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Noodles

Savor the robust Mediterranean flavors in this comforting, hearty meal that brings warmth to your table.

Tips For Perfect Chicken Stifado

• Let chicken soak in herb-infused olive oil for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring every bite is packed with Mediterranean zest.
• Allow tomato paste to develop deep, rich flavors by cooking it briefly before adding other ingredients, creating a robust base for the stew.
• Select authentic Kalamata olives for an authentic Greek taste, adding a briny, tangy dimension to the chicken stifado.
• Cook the dish on low heat to help chicken become tender and allow herbs and spices to meld together, creating a harmonious, comforting meal.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and a fresh, green note to the rich, hearty stew.

Flavor Ideas For Chicken Stifado

• Vegetarian Greek Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same herb blend. Cubed eggplant or jackfruit can also work as protein alternatives.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Swap orzo or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content. This version maintains the rich, tangy flavors while providing a lighter meal.
• Seafood Mediterranean Remix: Substitute chicken with firm white fish like cod or halibut. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking seafood, ensuring the fish remains tender and flaky while absorbing the herb-infused sauce.
• Instant Pot Express Version: Convert the recipe to a pressure cooker method. Reduce liquid slightly, cut cooking time by half, and use the same ingredients for a faster preparation that preserves the authentic Greek stifado essence.

Suggested Pairings For Chicken Stifado

• Mediterranean Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty stifado over warm orzo for a creamy, texture-rich base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Greek-Style Family Feast: Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a large communal platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, encouraging shared dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the robust flavors with a crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko or a light red Agiorgitiko to enhance the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving to add brightness and a tangy Mediterranean touch.

Storage Advice For Chicken Stifado

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain flavor integrity.
• Transfer chicken stifado to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek comfort meets rustic charm in this hearty chicken stifado, featuring tender meat simmered with earthy artichokes and briny kalamata olives. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor each delightful, slow-cooked bite of this traditional Greek classic.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 12–15 baby onions (such as shallots, pearl onions, or cipollini, peeled and halved or quartered)
• 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) baby artichokes, quartered

Herbs, Spices, and Other Ingredients:

• 4 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
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in a zipped bag with aromatic herbs, olive oil, and seasonings for 8-24 hours in the refrigerator to infuse deep flavors.
2. Preheat a Dutch oven to medium-high heat, remove chicken from marinade, and sear pieces until golden brown on all sides, then set aside on a separate plate.
3. Caramelize baby onions in the same pot for approximately 8 minutes until they turn golden and become tender, creating a rich foundational flavor.
4. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
5. Incorporate tomato paste and allow it to caramelize for 1-2 minutes, intensifying the dish’s depth and complexity.
6. Pour chopped tomatoes and quartered artichokes into the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 10 minutes.
7. Reintroduce browned chicken to the simmering sauce, then add kalamata olives and fresh lemon juice, continuing to cook until chicken reaches perfect doneness.
8. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew for a vibrant finish and aromatic touch.
9. Serve the hearty chicken stifado atop warm orzo, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or tender noodles to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean taste and richer depth of flavor.
• Adjust cooking time for artichokes to maintain their delicate texture and prevent mushiness during simmering.
• For gluten-free option, replace orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep the dish light and nutritious.

• Prep Time: 8 hours (or up to 24 hours)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 940 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg