Table of Contents
Introduction: What Is This Article About?
Everyone loves healthy food, but few want to spend a long time in the kitchen. I’m like you, so it won’t take long with this salted chicken and olive recipe. It’s one of the best recipes for mothers and children. It combines health and deliciousness, plus easy cooking and easy-to-make ingredients for every kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken and olives make an incredible combination that balances the richness of the chicken with the tartness and depth of flavor the olives provide. This dish is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. It works as a main course with rice, potatoes, or a simple salad. Plus, it’s a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (or breasts) | 4 pieces |
| Olives (green or black) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Lemon (juiced) | 1 |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Add the Olives and Broth
Stir in the olives, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetable and olive mixture. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. If desired, add fresh thyme during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Once the chicken is cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed. The sauce should have a good balance of savory, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 6: Add a Splash of Olive Oil
For extra richness and depth, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. This will enhance the flavor and add a nice glossy finish to the dish.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and the flavors to deepen.
Step 8: Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme over the chicken and olives before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch that contrasts beautifully with the savory, briny flavors of the dish.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chicken and Olives with your favorite side dish—whether it’s roasted potatoes, couscous, or a simple green salad. Pour a glass of white wine or light red wine to complement the flavors, and enjoy the delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ve just created!
Why This Chicken and Olives Recipe Works
This dish works because of the balance of flavors. The saltiness and richness of the olives complement the savory chicken, while the tomatoes and lemon add brightness and acidity. The slow simmering process ensures that the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors of the broth and olives, making every bite savory and satisfying.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken and Olives
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
- Adjust the olive variety to suit your taste. Green olives add a sharper flavor, while black olives offer a milder taste.
- Add a touch of white wine to the skillet with the broth for an added depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be tender but not dry.
- Experiment with herbs—rosemary, oregano, or basil would all work wonderfully in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and olives pair beautifully with sides like roasted potatoes, couscous, or steamed vegetables. For a light touch, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a side of buttery rice. A glass of white wine or a light red complements the meal perfectly.
Conclusion
Chicken and olives is a dish that delivers on both flavor and simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s full of bold tastes and textures. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. Enjoy!
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
1- Season Gradually
Instead of dumping all your seasoning in at once, add a pinch of salt, pepper, or spices throughout the cooking process to layer the flavors and achieve the perfect balance.
2- Use Fresh Herbs for Enhanced Flavor
Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the taste of your dish. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor.
3- Incorporate Acid for Balance
A squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can balance out the richness of the dish and brighten the flavors.
4- Sear the Protein for Better Texture
Before simmering or baking, searing your protein (chicken, beef, tofu, etc.) in a hot pan will create a flavorful crust and lock in moisture.
5- Toast Your Spices
Toasting spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika in a dry pan brings out their essential oils, enhancing their flavor before adding them to the dish.
6- Deglaze with Wine or Broth
After sautéing or searing, deglazing the pan with wine, broth, or even water helps dissolve caramelized bits from the pan, adding depth to your sauce.
7- Add a Sweet Component
A little sweetness from honey, maple syrup, or fruit can balance out salty or acidic flavors. Consider adding it to marinades, sauces, or even as a garnish.
8- Use Good Quality Olive Oil
A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can improve both the taste and texture of your dish, especially when used as a finishing touch.
9- Incorporate Nuts or Seeds for Crunch
Add roasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to your dish for extra texture and a slight nutty flavor that complements savory or sweet dishes.
10- Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Marinating your meat or vegetables before cooking can infuse them with more flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours or overnight will yield the best results.