Rating: 3.73
(76)

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
3.73 from 76 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. 5 stars
    This simple chicken recipe changed my life! How could something so easy taste so good?

  5. 5 stars
    So simple, yet so good!!! I made this for my family and they couldn’t stop raving about it. Definitely a keeper! 🥳

  6. User avatar lashaunda.rowe2009 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t understand why you would use skin-on when skinless is so much healthier. Just saying.

    1. User avatar fredrick.luettgen says:

      3 stars
      But skin-on chicken is way juicier! Just take it off before eating if you’re worried about health. Don’t know why people overthink it!

    2. User avatar tamar.gerhold says:

      5 stars
      I get what you’re saying, but skin-on chicken adds so much flavor! Plus, it’s not all about health—sometimes you gotta enjoy the taste!

  7. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    I substituted black olives because that’s all I had, and it was still yum! Just wow, I never thought of lemon and chicken like this.

  8. User avatar vicente.gislason77 says:

    5 stars
    Yum. Just Yum. 🍋👌

  9. User avatar emily.adams says:

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

  10. 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!

  11. User avatar Miss Royal Schmeler says:

    5 stars
    So good! The lemon add a nice zing. Will make again for sure!

  12. 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!

  13. User avatar dalton.parisian40 says:

    2 stars
    Meh, I’ve had better chicken recipes. Nothing special, honestly.

  14. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

    2 stars
    What a weird combo. Olives and chicken? Who thought of this? Not for me. 😣

  15. User avatar xavier.jones says:

    4 stars
    Next time I’ll add more lemon and maybe some capers too. Think that would work? 🤔

  16. User avatar grant.kohler1966 says:

    1 star
    Chicken with olives sounds weird, but I gave it a shot. Not for me. 🙁

  17. 4 stars
    Why is it called a skillet? I used a frying pan. Same thing right? 🤔 Anyway, good recipe!

  18. User avatar layla.gusikowski says:

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

  19. User avatar joe_banana says:

    5 stars
    This was a hit at my dinner party. Everyone asked for the recipe! 🌟

  20. User avatar kenna.dare61 says:

    4 stars
    Very easy to follow, but my skillet was nowhere near big enough haha!

  21. User avatar winnifred.cruickshank29 says:

    4 stars
    really easy recipe. i like that. but the garlic was too much for my taste buds.

  22. 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.

  23. User avatar Arthur Dent says:

    3 stars
    I forgot the olives and used pickles instead. It was not the same but surprisingly okay.

    1. 4 stars
      Interesting swap! Pickles bring a tangy twist! Maybe I’ll try it that way too next time.

  24. 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!

  25. User avatar reita.crooks1 says:

    2 stars
    Followed it but mine burnt. Must’ve left it too long on heat??? A lil sad!

  26. User avatar normand.hudson4 says:

    4 stars
    Didnt have olives, so I used pickles instead. It was weird but kinda good lol!

  27. User avatar Falmer Gloomlurker says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and fun! I added some capers too. My family loved it. Thumbs up from me! 👍

    1. User avatar grover.wiza says:

      3 stars
      I don’t know about adding capers, seems strange with chicken. But glad your fam liked it.

    2. User avatar Li Shenlong says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I love capers too. I will definitely try adding them next time. 😊

  28. User avatar Peter Emmerich says:

    5 stars
    This dish is sooo good! The chicken comes out so juicy and the olives really add a unique flavor. Definitely a keeper!

  29. User avatar adria.cormier85 says:

    2 stars
    Followed the recipe but chicken turned out dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?

  30. 1 star
    OMG I can’t stand olives!! What can I use instead? 😩

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      You could try using capers or even artichoke hearts instead of olives! They’ll give you a nice flavor without that olive taste. 😊

  31. 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?

  32. User avatar krystina.batz2021 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Best chicken dish I ever made, can’t wait to make this for my friends!

  33. User avatar johnson.gibson92 says:

    3 stars
    I think my chicken took longer to cook than you said. I ended up with some raw bits, ew..

  34. 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.

  35. 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?

  36. User avatar lizabeth.hackett86 says:

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! I loved the flavor of the olives with the chicken. 😍

  37. 5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! The lemon and olives gave it a nice zing.

  38. User avatar mattie.zemlak says:

    2 stars
    I don’t see how this can taste good. Olives on chicken? That’s just wrong… 😒

  39. 5 stars
    This recipe got my kids to try olives! Miracle! Thanks!

  40. User avatar donya.cummings2016 says:

    5 stars
    This is delish! Can’t believe how easy it was to make. My family loved it!

    1. 5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s super simple and quick, right? Perfect for busy nights.

  41. 5 stars
    Our go-to chicken dish now! So easy and fast to prep, my kids love it too!

  42. User avatar andres.raynor74 says:

    5 stars
    Delish!

  43. 3 stars
    I don’t like olives so I replaced ’em with capers. Not sure it tasted right but it was okay.

  44. User avatar Eccentrica Gallumbits says:

    3 stars
    I had to adjust the cooking time. My chicken wasn’t done after 15 mins. 😟

  45. User avatar steve_maga says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My family devoured it! Chicken was crispy and juicy, exactly as described.

  46. 2 stars
    Not sure about the olives and lemon together. Was kinda sour for me.

    1. 3 stars
      I know what you mean! Olives and lemon can be a weird combo. I think they clashing tastes can be tough for some folks.

    2. User avatar matthew.barrows says:

      4 stars
      Just give it a try, it might surprise you! I liked it even tho it sounded strange at first.

  47. User avatar fred.haley43 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but forgot the garlic… still turned out alright. Just kinda bland. 😐

  48. User avatar tawnya.russel says:

    4 stars
    Chicken and olives? Weird combo – but surprisingly good! LOL!

    1. User avatar kecia.okeefe1962 says:

      5 stars
      I thought the same thing! But it really works, right? Perfect amount of tangy with the chicken. YUM!

  49. User avatar chase.jacobi says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe but my chicken turned out dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I would make it again.

  50. User avatar lashon.runolfsson60 says:

    3 stars
    Oregano? Never heard of using that in chicken! Sounds weird but I’ll try. Wish me luck!

  51. User avatar King Vegeta says:

    5 stars
    WOW! Best chicken I’ve ever made. Mmm, I might just eat it all myself!! 😋

    1. 5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved it! This recipe has been a game changer for my weeknight dinners! 😍

    2. User avatar jarod.weissnat90 says:

      3 stars
      Best chicken? Are you sure? It seems kinda basic to me. 🤔

  52. User avatar madison.krajcik1956 says:

    3 stars
    Just made this and it was ok. I don’t think I like olives much, but the chicken was still decent.

    1. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      4 stars
      Glad you tried it! Have you thought about leaving out the olives next time? They can be hit or miss for people.

  53. User avatar Raisa Kemmer MD says:

    5 stars
    I really loved this recipe! The olives added a nice kick. Will def make again!

  54. User avatar livia.borer says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people love this so much. My chicken turned out dry and gross. Maybe I overcooked it?

  55. 1 star
    Tried this last night and it was a total disaster. Smoke everywhere. 😱

  56. User avatar dwayne.veum says:

    2 stars
    Why not just bake the chicken? Seems easier than all this skillet fuss.

    1. 4 stars
      Baking is fine, but skillet cooking gives it a different flavor! You should try it, it’s worth the effort!

    2. User avatar basementDweller says:

      2 stars
      Why cook in a skillet when you can just put it in the oven?? Makes no sense!

  57. 5 stars
    This recipe is a game changer! The chicken turned out so juicy and flavorful. Will definitely make it again. 😊

3.73 from 76 votes
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