Rating: 3.88
(16)

Skillet Chicken with Olives

December 27, 2024

Skillet chicken with olives is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken with the briny richness of olives, creating a meal that’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors. The savory chicken is cooked in a single skillet, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to spare.

To start, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned with salt, pepper, and a mix of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, which pair perfectly with the Mediterranean-inspired olives. After searing the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil, the chicken becomes golden brown on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The skin-on thighs work wonderfully if you prefer a crispy, flavorful skin, but boneless breasts are just as great for a quicker meal.

Once the chicken is browned, the real magic happens when you add the olives. A mix of green and black olives works well, but you can choose your favorites. The olives add a burst of briny, tangy flavor that balances beautifully with the richness of the chicken. Along with the olives, you can add sliced onions, garlic, and a splash of white wine or chicken broth, which helps to create a flavorful sauce that envelops the chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish and add a touch of freshness.

The chicken and olives simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the savory sauce. The dish is then ready to serve, and the olives and sauce add a wonderful depth of flavor to the chicken.

Skillet chicken with olives pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or couscous, to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a small group of friends, this dish is sure to be a hit with its balance of savory chicken, briny olives, and aromatic seasonings.

Skillet Chicken with Olives
Skillet Chicken with Olives
3.88 from 16 votes
This Skillet Chicken with Olives recipe is a perfect one-pan dinner that’s packed with flavors of juicy chicken and briny olives.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup green olives pitted
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 whole lemon sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook until the skin is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken and add the garlic to the pan. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the olives, oregano, and lemon slices to the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 30gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg
Calories: 390kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: chicken, dinner, recipe
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    I tried this recipe, but my chicken ended up dry. Did I cook it too long? Maybe should’ve added more oil??

  2. User avatar erma.wuckert75 says:

    4 stars
    Skillet chicken with olives? Sounds weird, but it turned out nice! Surprise surprise.

  3. User avatar danilo.pfeffer54 says:

    5 stars
    This was delish! The lemon really enhanced the flavors of the chicken and olives. Will make again!

  4. User avatar emily.adams says:

    5 stars
    Skillet chicken? More like skillet awesomeness! The crispy skin is just perfect! Yum!

  5. User avatar newton.carter9 says:

    5 stars
    Lemon slices on chicken? Who knew! This was a surprisingly good combo, I love it. Whole fam approved!

  6. User avatar edwin.conroy40 says:

    4 stars
    I ain’t never cooked with olives before. I was skeptical, but this was better than I thought. Easy peasy!

  7. User avatar layla.gusikowski says:

    5 stars
    Crispy skin! 🤤 Love this recipe!!!

  8. User avatar debbra.feest1984 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe step by step but my chicken ended up so dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I’ll try again.

    1. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

      4 stars
      I’ve made this recipe several times and my chicken always turns out juicy. Maybe check your heat? Don’t cook it too long after flipping.

  9. User avatar suzann.wiegand says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a game changer! The chicken turns out so tender and the olives add a unique flavor. Definitely making this again!

    1. User avatar stevie.stark says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This recipe is amazing! I never thought olives could taste so good with chicken. Yum!

  10. User avatar cristobal.adams1999 says:

    3 stars
    This sounds easy, but who likes olives? Not my thing. Maybe will use capers instead, anyone tried that?

  11. User avatar Hisako Pollich II says:

    1 star
    Not a fan. The olives tasted too salty for me. I guess I prefer my chicken plain with just salt and pepper.

  12. User avatar sharee.keebler says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! I added some paprika for an extra kick and it was still fantastic. Chicken thighs are so juicy!

    1. User avatar geoWizard says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know man, chicken thigh? Isn’t that kinda fatty? I prefer breast meat myself.

    2. User avatar necole.kreiger91 says:

      5 stars
      Glad you enjoyed it! Paprika sounds like a great addition! Do you think it would work with other spices too?

3.88 from 16 votes
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