Chicken and Olives – One-Pan Mediterranean Skillet Recipe

This Chicken and Olives recipe is the perfect balance of savory, zesty, and herbaceous flavors, all made in one skillet for a delicious and fuss:free meal. Featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered with briny green and kalamata olives, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices, this dish is both hearty and refreshing:perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, it brings together bold ingredients with minimal effort, delivering a comforting yet bright dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One:Pan Meal – Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
This Chicken and Olives recipe is a true one:skillet wonder. Everything:from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce:happens in a single pan, which means less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro with very little effort.

✔ Mediterranean Flavor Explosion
Loaded with briny olives, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and earthy herbs, this dish is a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors. Every bite is vibrant, fresh, and satisfying:thanks to the way the olives and lemon perfectly balance the richness of the chicken. The ingredients are simple, but the end result is anything but basic.

✔ Tender & Juicy Chicken – Every Time
By searing the chicken first, then letting it simmer gently in a flavorful broth, the chicken turns out crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Using bone:in thighs enhances the richness of the sauce while keeping the meat succulent and fall:off:the:bone good.

✔ Versatile & Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Want it saucier? Add tomatoes or white wine. Craving something brinier? Stir in capers. You can even throw in chickpeas or leafy greens for extra heartiness. It’s a flexible foundation for endless variations.

✔ Perfect for Weeknights or Guests
Don’t let the rich flavors fool you:this dish is quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests. It looks and tastes elegant but comes together with simple, pantry:staple ingredients. Pair it with a glass of wine and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a night out:without ever leaving the house.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve this dish over couscous, fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the rich lemony:olive sauce. Don’t forget a side of warm pita or crusty sourdough to wipe the plate clean!

Ingredients

• 6 bone:in, skin:on chicken thighs  (or boneless thighs if preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lemon + lemon slices
• ½ cup green olives
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions :

1️⃣ Sear the Chicken:

• Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken skin:side down until golden, about 5–7 minutes. Flip and cook 2–3 more minutes. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add oregano and cumin, stirring for 1 minute.

3️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer:

• Add white wine (if using) and chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
• Return chicken to the pan, skin:side up. Add olives and lemon juice + slices.

4️⃣ Simmer Gently:

• Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve:

• Remove lid and let sauce reduce slightly if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

💡 Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, couscous, or cauliflower rice.

Recipe Variations

🔹 Tomato:Based Version – Add 1 cup canned diced tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes for a rich, saucy finish.
🔹 Spicy Chicken and Olives – Add a pinch of chili flakes or a sliced chili pepper for heat.
🔹 Moroccan Twist – Use preserved lemons, cinnamon, and turmeric for a North African vibe.
🔹 Mediterranean Chicken Bake – Place all ingredients in a baking dish and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Want extra depth? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of cherry tomatoes for acidity and sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you absolutely can! While the recipe is traditionally made with bone:in, skin:on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness, boneless or bone:in chicken breasts are a suitable substitute if you prefer leaner meat.

However, it’s important to note that chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. If using breasts:

• Choose thicker cuts to help retain moisture.
• Reduce the simmering time to avoid dryness.
• Consider adding a splash of chicken broth or olive oil for extra moisture.

💡 Pro Tip: Sear the breasts well on both sides to lock in the juices, then simmer briefly with the sauce until just cooked through.

❓ What kind of olives work best?

Olives are the star of this dish, so quality and variety matter! The best flavor comes from a mix of briny green olives and rich, tangy kalamata olives.

Here’s a breakdown of great options:

• ✅ Green Olives: Firm, salty, and bright. Pairs beautifully with lemon and herbs.
• ✅ Kalamata Olives: Deep purple, slightly fruity, and bold:adds a signature Mediterranean taste.
• ✅ Castelvetrano Olives: Milder and buttery, ideal for a more subtle, less salty variation.
• ✅ Stuffed Olives: Try garlic: or almond:stuffed green olives for a twist!

💡 Pro Tip: Always use pitted olives for ease of eating, especially if serving to guests.

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely:this dish is actually even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and meld together.

Here’s how to prep and store:

• ✅ Cook as directed and allow the chicken to cool to room temperature.
• ✅ Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• ✅ Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

💡 Meal Prep Tip: You can even make the olive sauce ahead, refrigerate it separately, and sear the chicken fresh before serving.

❓ Is this recipe low:carb or keto?

Yes! This Chicken and Olives recipe is naturally low in carbs, gluten:free, and keto:friendly.

✅ No added sugar or starches.
✅ Olives are naturally low:carb and high in healthy fats.
✅ Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and fat, keeping you full longer.

How to Keep It Keto:

• Serve with cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or zucchini noodles.
• Avoid carb:heavy sides like bread or potatoes.

💡 Pro Tip: Add more olive oil or a spoonful of olive tapenade to increase healthy fat content for a keto boost!

Conclusion: A Simple, Elegant, Mediterranean:Inspired Dish

With just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples, this Chicken and Olives recipe delivers restaurant:quality flavor with minimal effort. The briny olives, lemony sauce, and tender chicken make it a standout dish for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.

Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Bursting with Mediterranean flavor
✔ One:pan convenience
✔ Naturally gluten:free and low:carb
✔ Easy to make and hard to mess up!

Try it tonight and taste how a few bold ingredients can create something truly special!

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