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.

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.
I tried this recipe, but my chicken ended up dry. Did I cook it too long? Maybe should’ve added more oil??
Skillet chicken with olives? Sounds weird, but it turned out nice! Surprise surprise.
This was delish! The lemon really enhanced the flavors of the chicken and olives. Will make again!
Skillet chicken? More like skillet awesomeness! The crispy skin is just perfect! Yum!
Lemon slices on chicken? Who knew! This was a surprisingly good combo, I love it. Whole fam approved!
I ain’t never cooked with olives before. I was skeptical, but this was better than I thought. Easy peasy!
Crispy skin! 🤤 Love this recipe!!!
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.
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.
This recipe is a game changer! The chicken turns out so tender and the olives add a unique flavor. Definitely making this again!
I totally agree! This recipe is amazing! I never thought olives could taste so good with chicken. Yum!
This sounds easy, but who likes olives? Not my thing. Maybe will use capers instead, anyone tried that?
Not a fan. The olives tasted too salty for me. I guess I prefer my chicken plain with just salt and pepper.
Delicious! I added some paprika for an extra kick and it was still fantastic. Chicken thighs are so juicy!
I don’t know man, chicken thigh? Isn’t that kinda fatty? I prefer breast meat myself.
Glad you enjoyed it! Paprika sounds like a great addition! Do you think it would work with other spices too?