Simple Chicken With Olives Recipe [A Bold Twist on Dinner]

Briny olives, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs come together to deliver bold, rustic flavor in every bite. This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking with its simple ingredients and rich, satisfying taste.

A splash of lemon juice and a handful of fresh garlic elevate the flavors without overwhelming the natural goodness of the chicken. Green or black olives add depth and complexity, bringing a salty punch that balances perfectly with the meat’s tenderness.

A quick sear in the pan builds a golden crust, while a short simmer allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve it over couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

This recipe fits weeknight meals and weekend gatherings alike. The olives take center stage without stealing the spotlight, giving each forkful a burst of flavor that keeps the whole table coming back for more.

Chicken With Olives Recipe

Chicken with olives is a warm and rich dish made with basic ingredients. It brings tender chicken, briny olives, and simple spices together in one pan.

This recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and goes well with bread, rice, or couscous. The best part? It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup green olives (pitted)

• 1/2 cup black olives (pitted)

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan, skin side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add chopped onions. Cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir for another minute.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Add crushed tomatoes, green and black olives, and lemon juice. Stir and bring to a light boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat. Cover and cook for 25 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with rice, couscous, or bread.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic and onions give better flavor. Use them if you can.

Don’t Skip the Sear

Browning the chicken adds more flavor. It also keeps the meat juicy.

Watch the Salt

Olives are salty. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

Variations

Spicy Chicken With Olives

Add a chopped chili or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Lemon and Olive Chicken

Add lemon zest and more lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Add Vegetables

You can add sliced bell peppers or zucchini. Put them in when adding the sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 760mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes. Boneless thighs or breasts work fine. Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

Are canned olives okay?

Yes. Just rinse them before using to remove extra salt.

What can I serve with this dish?

Try it with rice, mashed potatoes, or warm flatbread.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Let the dish cool, then store in a sealed container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This chicken with olives recipe is simple and full of flavor. It’s great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With easy steps and basic ingredients, anyone can make this dish at home. Give it a try and enjoy a tasty Mediterranean-style meal with very little effort.