Pan-Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olive Tapenade

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

A savory pan-roasted chicken dish accented with the bright, tangy flavors of preserved lemon and the briny depth of olive tapenade. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, preserved lemon, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 2 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon around the chicken; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 15 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup chopped black olives, 1/2 cup chopped green olives, 2 tbsp chopped capers, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a bowl to make the olive tapenade.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from oven, spoon the olive tapenade over the top, and serve immediately with pan juices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olive Tapenade take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olive Tapenade?

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 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olive Tapenade?

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 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olive Tapenade 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 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olive Tapenade?

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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