Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Mediterranean Olives

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared and simmered in a savory garlic and olive sauce inspired by Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, thinly sliced 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook an additional 5 minutes until the other side is browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 cup halved kalamata olives to the pan, stirring gently for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and sprinkle 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid, increase heat to medium, and cook for 3 more minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Finish by grating 1 tsp lemon zest over the dish before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Mediterranean Olives take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Mediterranean 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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