One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olives

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

A simple one-pot dish combining tender chicken thighs with briny olives and fresh lemon for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (mediterranean) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, skin side down, and sear for 5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, add 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cover and simmer gently for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving for a fresh finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olives take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Mediterranean 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Mediterranean 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-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Mediterranean 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-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olives?

Mediterranean one pot 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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