Description
This Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons and Olives is a flavorful, one-pan dish bursting with bright citrus, briny olives, and aromatic herbs. Juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs are simmered in a white wine and garlic-infused broth, making this a comforting yet elegant meal. Serve it with couscous, roasted potatoes, or warm pita bread for a true Mediterranean feast.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
-
1 tablespoon garlic paste (or minced garlic)
-
½ teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
-
6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
For the Skillet Sauce:
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
-
1 small lemon, thinly sliced
-
¼ cup white wine (use your favorite)
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 cup marinated olives
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the garlic paste, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and rub the seasoning all over them. Let sit while you prep other ingredients (or marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours). -
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until soft and fragrant. -
Build the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Add the lemon slices and pour in the white wine. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and let the wine cook down for 3 minutes. -
Simmer the Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. -
Add the Olives:
Stir in the marinated olives and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through. -
Let it Rest & Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Spoon the olives and sauce over the chicken and serve hot.
Notes
-
Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
-
No White Wine? Swap it for extra chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice.
-
Want More Heat? Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
-
Use Bone-In Thighs: They work too! Just increase the cooking time slightly.
-
Best Olives to Use: Marinated green, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano olives work beautifully.
- Equipment
Large frying pan or skillet
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 549mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, skillet chicken, chicken with olives, lemon chicken, one-pan chicken