Easy Chicken With Olives And Orange Recipe

Gather ‘round, fellow food adventurers, as we take our taste buds on a vibrant journey with this Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

I adore making straightforward yet delicious dishes, and this Chicken with Olives and Orange is a delightful blend of savory and citrus notes. The succulent chicken breasts soak up the intense flavors of the green and Kalamata olives, the freshly squeezed orange juice, and the aromatic garlic.

With zesty orange zest and a dash of paprika, it’s a nutritious delight, loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats from the olive oil.

Easy Chicken With Olives And Orange Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, aids in muscle growth and repair.
• Green Olives: Rich in healthy fats, add a salty, briny flavor.
• Kalamata Olives: High in antioxidants, offer a bold, distinctive taste.
• Orange: Provides vitamin C, adds sweetness and acidity.
• Garlic: Contains allicin, known for its immune-boosting properties.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances the dish’s richness.

Easy Chicken With Olives And Orange Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 large orange, juiced and zest grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this Easy Chicken With Olives And Orange Recipe

1. Set your oven to an initial temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. The chicken breasts should be seasoned on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. In a big skillet that can go into the oven, heat olive oil over a medium-high flame.

4. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

5. In the skillet, still at the same heat, which is now medium, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic around in the pan for about 30 seconds until it is heated through and has become fragrant.

6. Add the orange juice, and with it, pour in the grated zest. Now scrape the skillet bottom thoroughly to lift any browned bits that are clinging there.

7. Mix in the red wine vinegar, oregano, and some additional salt and pepper to taste.

8. Incorporate both varieties of olives into the skillet, blending them into the sauce of orange.

9. Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure some of the sauce and olives are ladled over the chicken. Redux: Spoon the sauce and olives over the tops of the chicken, and relace the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.

10. Put the skillet in the oven that has been preheated to the correct temperature. Let it sit there for 20 to 25 minutes, during which time it will transform from a hand-held frying pan to a piece of fine bakeware, with oven-safe chicken in its very midst. You will know it is done when the chicken is cooked all the way through and is tender. This dish can be completed with fresh parsley, but it can also make its way to your mouth without the addition of green things.

Easy Chicken With Olives And Orange Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large oven-safe skillet
3. Stove (for using the skillet on the stovetop)
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cups
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Tongs
9. Citrus juicer
10. Zester
11. Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
12. Small bowl (for setting aside the chicken)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?You can use chicken with bones. However, it will take longer to cook. You have to be patient. The chicken will not cook faster just because it is cut smaller.
• Q: Are there any substitutions for Kalamata olives?A: If necessary, you can use any other type of black olive in place of Kalamata olives.
• Q: What other citrus fruits can I use instead of orange?Substituting lemon or lime will give the dish a different kind of citrus flavor, but it will taste more tangy than the version made with orange.
• Q: How far in advance can I prep the ingredients?A: The ingredients may be prepared as much as 24 hours in advance; simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish without vinegar?A: Yes, the vinegar can be left out, or it can be replaced with a splash of lemon juice for a similar tangy effect.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?A: Certainly! This recipe could benefit greatly from the addition of either bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
• Q: How should leftovers be stored?1. Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy Chicken With Olives And Orange Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless: Chicken thighs Pork chops
Green olives:
Black olives
Capers
Kalamata olives:
Cerignola olives
Nicoise olives
Big orange: Mandarin oranges, lemons, and limes.
Red wine vinegar
White wine vinegar
Apple cider vinegar

Pro Tips

1. Marinating for Extra Flavor For more depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, orange juice, garlic, oregano, and paprika for at least an hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.

2. Browning the Chicken Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a nice sear, which will lock in juices and enhance the flavor. Avoid moving the chicken too soon to achieve a golden brown crust.

3. Zest First, Juice Second When preparing the orange, zest it before juicing to make the process easier. The zest adds a bright, aromatic element to the sauce, so don’t skip this step!

4. Deglazing the Skillet After searing the chicken, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when adding the orange juice. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce.

5. Resting Time Once the chicken is cooked and removed from the oven, let it rest in the skillet for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it more tender and juicy.