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.