One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

A vibrant Mediterranean chicken dish cooked in one pan with bright lemon, briny olives, and aromatic herbs for a simple yet flavorful dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired meal-prep recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water or low sodium chicken broth

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Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy on the edges, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes.
Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/4 cup water or chicken broth, then scatter 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves over the top, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes have softened.
Step 6: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to thicken the sauce slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives?

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 One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives 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 One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives?

Mediterranean meal prep 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.

What others are saying

★★★★★Alex M.
My whole family devoured this! Even my picky 5-year-old asked for seconds. The one-pan aspect saved me so much cleanup.
★★★★★Maria G.
This was so easy and delicious! The lemon and olives really brightened up the chicken. Made it for a date night and it was a hit.
★★★★☆Priya K.
Perfect for meal prep! I made a big batch and had it for three lunches. The flavors held up well. Only thing: took a bit longer than the recipe said to cook.