Braised Greek Chicken with Olives and Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs slowly braised in a tangy lemon and olive sauce, infused with garlic and herbs for a rich Greek comfort meal. This greek-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 370 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Brown the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on each side until golden, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 sliced medium yellow onion and 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved green olives, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the pan, cover, and braise for 30 minutes over low heat until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Greek Chicken with Olives and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Greek Chicken with Olives and Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Greek Chicken with Olives and Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Greek Chicken with Olives and Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Greek Chicken with Olives and Lemon?

Greek chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes