Lemon chicken with olives

Savor the Mediterranean flavors with our Lemon Chicken with Olives recipe! Juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection with zesty lemon, savory olives, sweet onions, garlic, and aromatic oregano. A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity of canned tomatoes, creating a delectable sauce. Perfect for a delightful dinner to impress family and friends!

  • 20 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 48 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Lemon chicken with olives

Lemon chicken with olives is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends the zesty flavor of lemon with the rich, briny taste of olives. This savory and aromatic recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With simple ingredients, it's both easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

12 chicken thighs
1200g
2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 onion
160g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 can canned tomatoes
400g
1 lemon
110g
2 tsp brown sugar
6g
1 tsp dried oregano
5g
1 cup olives
230g

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sautéing the Chicken:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or shallow Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
- Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Adding the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the canned tomatoes (including juices) and stir to combine.
- Add the brown sugar and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
5. Combining Ingredients:
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture.
- Arrange the lemon slices and olives around and on top of the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Baking:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
7. Serving:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken thighs hot, spooning the tomato-olive sauce over the top.

Tips:

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in lemon juice and olive oil for at least an hour before cooking.

- Use good quality olives, preferably Kalamata olives, to enhance the dish's flavor.

- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the tomato sauce for additional depth.

- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent drying out.

- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a touch of color and freshness before serving.

Lemon chicken with olives is a versatile and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. By following these tips and using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you'll create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the bright and savory flavors this recipe brings to your table!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size270 grams
Energy
Calories 390kcal19%
Protein
Protein 27g17%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 8g2%
Fiber 2.45g6%
Sugar 3.54g4%
Fat
Fat 33g37%
Saturated 8g27%
Cholesterol 150mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 50ug6%
Choline 80mg14%
Vitamin B1 0.42mg35%
Vitamin B2 0.26mg20%
Vitamin B3 7mg46%
Vitamin B6 0.63mg37%
Vitamin B9 16ug4%
Vitamin B12 0.93ug39%
Vitamin C 16mg17%
Vitamin E 1.22mg8%
Vitamin K 9ug7%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 70mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.20mg22%
Iron, Fe 3.50mg32%
Magnesium, Mg 36mg9%
Phosphorus, P 260mg20%
Potassium, K 470mg14%
Selenium, Se 30ug53%
Sodium, Na 390mg26%
Zinc, Zn 2.13mg19%
Water
Water 200g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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