One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Olives

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and briny olives create a comforting and flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in 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 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, stirring to scrape up brown bits. Add 1/2 cup halved pitted kalamata olives, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the tomato sauce, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens, spooning sauce over chicken occasionally to baste. Serve hot garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic 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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic 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-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic and Olives?

Mediterranean 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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