Easy Lemon Olive Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity, bold flavors, and a touch of Mediterranean charm, look no further than Easy Lemon Olive Chicken Thighs. Juicy, tender chicken thighs, a bright splash of lemon, and the briny punch of marinated olives make this dish a standout at any dinner table. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a small gathering with friends, this recipe proves that flavorful, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated.

The magic of this dish lies in its balance: the richness of chicken thighs, the aromatic garlic and herbs, the acidity from fresh lemon slices, and the salty-sweet complexity of olives create a harmonious flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 40 minutes.
• Mediterranean flavors – Bright, tangy, and full of savory depth.
• Juicy, tender chicken thighs – Moist and full of flavor thanks to a simple marinade.
• One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Customizable – Swap olives, add vegetables, or adjust seasonings to taste.
• Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people. Each component contributes to flavor, texture, or aroma:

Chicken & Marinade

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs – Naturally juicy and flavorful; ideal for quick cooking.
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or minced garlic) – Infuses chicken with aromatic depth.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – Classic Mediterranean herb for savory warmth.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds complexity with a blend of thyme, basil, and rosemary.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Enhances all flavors.

Cooking Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing chicken and cooking aromatics.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and flavor depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts aroma and richness.

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 small lemon, thinly sliced – Adds bright acidity and freshness.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Forms the base of a light, flavorful sauce.
• 1 cup marinated olives (green or black) – Provides briny, salty contrast and Mediterranean flair.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs for turning chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a small bowl, combine garlic paste, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Let sit for at least 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Onions & Garlic

• In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce

• Add chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
• Arrange lemon slices and marinated olives over the onions.

5. Cook Chicken in Sauce

• Return the chicken thighs to the pan, spooning sauce over them.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

6. Finish & Serve

• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Spoon chicken, olives, and sauce onto plates.
• Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon slices for a bright, colorful presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetable addition: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.
• Olive swap: Use Castelvetrano, Kalamata, or a mix of green and black olives.
• Zest boost: Add lemon zest for extra citrus aroma.
• Make it spicier: Sprinkle red chili flakes into the sauce.
• Meal prep: Chicken and sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is bright, savory, and slightly briny, with tender chicken and a light, flavorful sauce.

Pairings

• Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, or light Pinot Grigio.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, herbal iced tea.
• Sides: Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty Mediterranean bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutritional Overview (per serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg (depends on olives and chicken broth)

Dietary notes: Naturally gluten-free and low-carb; olive choice can influence sodium content.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate chicken in advance to save time.
• Pre-slice onions and lemons for quicker cooking.
• Store cooked chicken in airtight containers in the fridge; reheat gently in a skillet to maintain juiciness.
• Sauce can be prepared ahead; add chicken last for freshest texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, but increase cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

2. Can this be made in the oven?
Yes! Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake covered for 25–30 minutes.

3. Can I use canned olives instead of marinated?
Yes, but rinse them to reduce excess salt.

4. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.

5. Can this be frozen?
Yes, store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to prevent drying.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Marinate chicken	10–15 min
Sear chicken	6–8 min
Sauté onions & garlic	4–5 min
Build sauce & cook chicken	15–20 min
Total	~35–40 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow bowls or plates with sauce spooned generously.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon slices for brightness.
• Pair with roasted Mediterranean vegetables or a side of quinoa for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts.
2. Herb-forward: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil at the end.
3. Spicy Lemon Olive Chicken: Include red chili flakes or diced fresh chili.
4. One-Pot Meal: Add small potatoes or cooked pasta to the skillet to make it a complete dish.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Thighs

Skinless, boneless chicken thighs remain juicy and tender during cooking and pair beautifully with acidic and briny flavors.

Marinated Olives

Olives add a salty, tangy punch and depth of flavor. Choose high-quality, well-seasoned olives for best results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear chicken well to develop flavor and prevent sticking.
• Use the same pan for aromatics to capture all the browned bits.
• Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and sauce flavorful.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, especially due to olives’ saltiness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight containers.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
• Reheat: Gently on stovetop to prevent drying out chicken.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	28g
Carbs	6g
Fat	20g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	700mg

Expanded Conclusion

Easy Lemon Olive Chicken Thighs are a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that brings Mediterranean flair to your table. With juicy chicken, bright lemon, and the savory depth of olives, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Minimal prep and one-pan cooking make it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a fresh salad, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and comfort in every bite. Once you try it, this lemon olive chicken will become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Print