Greek Chicken Stifado is a hearty, aromatic stew that’s deeply comforting and rich with Mediterranean flavor. Chicken thighs are marinated in red wine and herbs, then simmered with baby onions, tomatoes, garlic, olives, and tender artichokes. This dish combines the depth of a slow-cooked stew with the brightness of fresh lemon and parsley, making it a perfect weeknight comfort food that also feels elegant enough for entertaining.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1 cup red wine
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Stew:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
12–15 baby onions (shallots, pearl onions, or cipollini), peeled and halved or quartered
10 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups chopped tomatoes (preferably Pomi brand or equivalent)
1 (14 oz) can baby artichokes, quartered
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Marinate Chicken: Combine marinade ingredients in a sealable bag or bowl. Add chicken, mix well, and refrigerate for 8–24 hours.
Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown on all sides. Set aside.
Sauté Onions & Garlic: Add onions to the same pot and cook until browned and softened (~8 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Build Flavor: Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize for 1–2 minutes.
Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in reserved marinade, bring to a boil, and reduce for 2 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and artichokes. Bring to a boil again, then reduce to a simmer and cook partially covered for 10 minutes.
Finish Stew: Return chicken to pot. Add lemon juice and olives. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over orzo, rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving — 4 servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~36g
Fat: ~21g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Sugars: ~5g
- Fiber: ~4g
Cholesterol: ~125mg
Sodium: ~900mg
Vitamin C: ~20mg
Iron: ~3mg
Potassium: ~700mg

What Makes Stifado Distinctively Greek

Stifado is one of Greece’s most beloved slow-cooked dishes, traditionally made with beef or rabbit, though modern versions using chicken have become equally cherished for their lighter, quicker preparation. The hallmark of a stifado lies in its aromatic profile—often seasoned with red wine, vinegar, cinnamon, and a medley of herbs. In this chicken variation, wine forms the base of the marinade, imparting depth while tenderizing the meat. The rich tomato base and generous use of sweet baby onions add layers of umami and natural sweetness, while olives and lemon bring briny and acidic contrast. It’s this interplay between savory, sweet, and tangy that sets Greek stifado apart from other stews.

The Marinade: Foundation of Flavor

At the heart of this recipe is a bold, wine-based marinade that infuses the chicken with rich, herbal complexity. Red wine not only adds depth and color but also helps break down the proteins in the chicken, ensuring it’s juicy and tender after simmering. The trio of oregano, thyme, and rosemary—classic Mediterranean herbs—offers a rustic backbone to the dish. This step, though requiring a few hours of marinating, transforms the chicken and allows it to carry flavor into every bite of the stew. Even a short soak of 8 hours, or overnight, yields transformative results.

Why Chicken Thighs Work Best

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ideal choice for this stew. They’re more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts and hold up well to the long simmering process without drying out. As they cook slowly in the tomato-wine base, they absorb the surrounding flavors while releasing natural juices that enrich the stew. The texture becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, offering just the right amount of richness to complement the briny olives and tangy tomatoes. Plus, thighs are budget-friendly and easy to find, making this a practical yet impressive dish.

The Power of Baby Onions

Shallots, pearl onions, or cipollini onions may seem like a minor detail, but they are key to the flavor and texture of a traditional stifado. Their sweetness balances the acidity of the tomato and wine, and when cooked until golden and soft, they become subtly caramelized, adding a delicate sweetness that deepens the dish’s complexity. Unlike chopped onions that dissolve into sauces, baby onions hold their shape, creating bite-sized bursts of flavor and visual appeal in every serving.

Tomatoes, Artichokes, and a Mediterranean Soul

The tomato paste and chopped tomatoes create a velvety base for the stew, thickening it naturally as it simmers and enhancing its umami character. Artichokes bring a soft, slightly tangy note and contribute a creamy texture that complements the other vegetables. Whether using fresh or canned baby artichokes, they offer a gentle contrast to the richness of the sauce and the savoriness of the chicken. These vegetables, along with the olives and lemon, embody the Mediterranean palate—earthy, bright, and full of vitality.

Olives and Lemon: The Bright Finish

Kalamata olives and fresh lemon juice are added toward the end of cooking to preserve their distinct flavors. The olives provide a pleasantly briny, meaty bite that cuts through the richness of the stew, while lemon juice lifts the entire dish with its acidity. These final additions prevent the stew from becoming too heavy or one-note, keeping it fresh and vibrant despite its deep, slow-cooked base. A sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving adds not only color but also a final herbal note that ties everything together.

Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Dish

Greek Chicken Stifado is extremely versatile in terms of presentation. For a traditional feel, serve it over a bed of orzo or rice that soaks up the sauce. For a more rustic approach, pair it with crusty bread to mop up the juices. Mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles are also excellent vehicles for the stew’s rich, flavorful gravy. If you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp Greek salad or grilled vegetables make wonderful side options. For a beverage, a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a Greek Agiorgitiko complements the dish beautifully.

Nutrition and Wholesome Benefits

This dish not only satisfies in terms of taste and texture but also offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. With about 420 calories per serving, it provides a solid 36 grams of protein thanks to the lean chicken thighs. The olive oil and olives contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while tomatoes and artichokes provide antioxidants, fiber, and key nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and iron. The presence of garlic and onions also supports immune health and digestion, making this a dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.

Meal Prep and Storage

Chicken Stifado is an ideal dish for meal prep or leftovers. Its flavor improves after resting, as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to preserve the tenderness of the chicken and prevent overcooking. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for dinner parties or busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Stifado is the epitome of what comfort food should be: rich, nourishing, and brimming with layers of flavor. This Mediterranean stew brings together tender chicken, caramelized onions, and savory olives in a velvety tomato-wine sauce that feels both homely and gourmet. The addition of artichokes and lemon juice lends a freshness that balances its deep, slow-simmered soul. Whether you serve it for a casual family dinner or an elegant evening with friends, it’s a dish that delivers every time. Easy to prepare, visually stunning, and deeply satisfying, Greek Chicken Stifado is a must-have recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your culinary rotation.