Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with briny olives and fresh herbs, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 320 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 skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then add them to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp lemon zest to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Stir in 1/2 cup pitted and halved green olives and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook together for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley over the top before serving to add fresh color and brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives 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 Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with 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 Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with 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.

Is Stovetop Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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