Rosemary-Garlic Chicken with Lemon and Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs roasted with aromatic rosemary, garlic, and a bright lemon-olive finish, ideal for cozy evenings. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze 1 lemon, juiced, over chicken, then add 1/4 cup pitted green olives. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp butter and lemon zest while chicken bakes, basting every 5 minutes with pan juices.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rosemary-Garlic Chicken with Lemon 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 Rosemary-Garlic 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rosemary-Garlic 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 Rosemary-Garlic 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 Rosemary-Garlic Chicken with Lemon 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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