Greek-Style Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces braised slowly in Greek extra virgin olive oil with caramelized onions, creating a rustic and flavorful dish. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced large onion, grams all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 kg chicken thigh pieces and lightly dust with 40 grams all-purpose flour, shaking off excess flour.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 thinly sliced large onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken to the skillet; sprinkle with 1 tsp dried oregano, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) water and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for 5 more minutes to reduce the sauce slightly, coating the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or roasted potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Greek-Style Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Onions take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Greek-Style Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Onions?

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 thinly sliced large onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Greek-Style Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Onions?

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 Greek-Style Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Onions 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 Greek-Style Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Onions?

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.

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