Easy Braised Chicken With Olives Recipe

When it comes to elevating your weeknight dinner game, nothing beats the satisfaction of whipping up a dish that feels straight out of a cozy Mediterranean bistro. Dive into this skillet chicken with olives and lemon, where juicy chicken thighs meet briny olives and a citrusy kick, making every bite a little celebration of flavor.

I have a passion for making tasty meals that are Mediterranean-inspired, and my Easy Braised Chicken With Olives is a prime example. Juicy chicken thighs bask in a richly flavored bath of olive oil, onion, and garlic that would make anyone’s taste buds sing, and the broth from the chicken (which is comically easy to make) is the height of comfort food.

The brine from green and black olives amped up the flavor to a whole new level of deliciousness, offsetting the rich, satisfying sauce. And with oregano, a hint of lemon, and a garnish of parsley, it is as refreshing and beautiful as it is comforting and nourishing.

Easy Braised Chicken With Olives Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Rich in protein and essential nutrients, juicy and flavorful.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, enhances flavor, aids in cooking.
• Onion: Adds sweetness, depth, low in calories, contains vitamin C and fiber.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor, contains antioxidants, promotes heart health.
• Green Olives: Source of healthy fats and antioxidants, add a tangy flavor.
• Black Olives: Rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, offer a smooth, mellow taste.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy flavor, adds vitamin C, enhances dish freshness.

Easy Braised Chicken With Olives Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this Easy Braised Chicken With Olives Recipe

1. Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

3. Use the same skillet to add the onion, sliced, and sauté it until the onion is translucent and tender, approximately 3 minutes.

4. In a minute, add garlic to the onions and an additional minute of sautéing will be enough to bring the onions and garlic to the next fragrant stage.

5. Add the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.

6. Put the chicken thighs back in the pan, skin side up. Add the green olives, black olives, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.

7. Put the lid on the skillet, turn the burner down to the low setting, and let the chicken simmer quietly for 30–35 minutes. The meat should be cooked all the way through and be very tender; if you slice it in half, there should be no pink at all.

8. Mix the lemon juice in and fine-tune the flavor balance with more salt and pepper if desired.

9. Remove the heat from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

10. Braise the chicken, and when it is ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Easy Braised Chicken With Olives Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels
2. Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
3. Tongs or spatula
4. Plate
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Spoon or spatula for stirring

FAQ

• Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?You may use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but alter the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook more quickly.
• What can I substitute for olives?If you don’t like olives, capers or artichoke hearts can make a great substitute.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?Without a doubt, this dish can be prepared a day ahead. Simply warm it slowly on the stovetop before serving.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?Chickpeas or tofu can be used in place of the chicken, and vegetable broth can stand in for chicken broth.
• Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?Certainly, bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be incorporated into the dish while it cooks to amp up the flavor and nutrition.
• How can I make this dish spicier?Boost the heat level by either upping the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?You don’t have to marinate the chicken, but if you want to, you can season it an hour before cooking to amp up the flavors.

Easy Braised Chicken With Olives Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute boneless, skinless thighs or chicken drumsticks for chicken thighs.
Use canola oil or vegetable oil in place of olive oil.
Broth from a chicken: Change to broth from vegetables or water with a bouillon cube.
Try using kalamata olives to get a different flavor profile from your green and black olives.
Lemon juice: Replace it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you need something acidic.

Pro Tips

1. Crispy Skin: After searing the chicken thighs, if you desire extra crispy skin, place them under a broiler for a few minutes at the end of cooking to achieve an even crispier texture.