Easy Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives: Bold Flavor Burst

Name: Easy Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives: Bold Flavor Burst
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on (for crispy, flavorful results); 4 cloves Garlic, minced (adds aromatic punch); 1 tablespoon Lemon zest; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Olive oil (extra virgin for better flavor); 1 teaspoon Dried oregano (for Mediterranean warmth); 1 cup Kalamata or green olives, pitted (for salty contrast); 1 cup Chicken broth or white wine (to add moisture); 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning); 1 teaspoon Black pepper (for seasoning); 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something truly irresistible about the bright zing of lemon paired with the savory warmth of garlic sizzling in a skillet. That’s exactly the magic behind this Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives—a dish that feels both fresh and comforting in every bite. Whenever I need a quick yet impressive meal, this one comes to mind. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dinner that pleases family and friends alike. Plus, the olives add a delightful salty punch that makes every forkful a little celebration. Whether you’re craving something homemade after too many takeout nights or want a dish that’s both easy and elegant, this skillet meal fits the bill perfectly.

Why choose Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives?

Bold, vibrant flavors: The zesty lemon and savory garlic create an irresistible taste explosion. Effortless cooking: One skillet means minimal cleanup—perfect for busy nights. Mediterranean flair: Olives bring a salty, briny twist that’s both unique and satisfying. Family-friendly: A comforting, homemade meal that appeals to all ages. Quick & impressive: Ready in under 30 minutes but looks and tastes gourmet.

Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade

Chicken thighs or breasts – Choose skin-on for crispy, flavorful results in your Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that’s essential to the dish’s bold flavor.
Lemon zest and juice – Use both to brighten the marinade and tenderize the chicken beautifully.
Olive oil – A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean vibe and helps with searing.
Dried oregano – This herb infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean warmth and depth.

For the Skillet Cooking

Kalamata or green olives – Pitted olives bring that salty, briny contrast that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Chicken broth or white wine – Adds moisture and a subtle background richness to the skillet sauce.
Salt and black pepper – To season perfectly and balance all the bright, savory flavors.
Fresh parsley – A sprinkle at the end gives a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

How to Make Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, and olive oil. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes for vibrant flavor.
Preheat Skillet: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering, about 2 minutes, to achieve that glossy sear.
Sear Chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking 5–6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp. Resist moving them to develop that perfect crunchy crust.
Flip Chicken: Turn each piece and cook an additional 3 minutes. Chicken should release easily from the pan when it’s ready to flip.
Add Olives & Broth: Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and scatter olives around the skillet. Stir gently to combine flavors before simmering.
Simmer Gently: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and simmer 10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens slightly.
Rest & Garnish: Remove pan from heat, let chicken rest 2 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish before serving.

Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of zesty sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives

Feel free to make this delightful dish your own by trying out these scrumptious variations!

Herb-Infused: Swap out oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic lift. Fresh herbs add a beautiful touch and elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
Citrus Twist: Experiment with orange juice and zest instead of lemon for a sweeter, vibrant twist. The orange brings a lovely depth while keeping the zing intact.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to introduce a delightful heat that will tantalize the taste buds. Spice can bring a whole new level of excitement to this dish!
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with hearty chickpeas or portobello mushrooms. These options soak in the delicious marinade, creating a satisfying vegetarian version that’s equally tasty.
Nutty Essence: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty undertone. This small touch adds both complexity and satisfaction.
Pasta Variation: Serve the chicken over cooked pasta or quinoa to create a more substantial meal. It’s a complex yet comforting way to enjoy this skillet dish!
Creamy Sauce: For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the skillet when simmering. This variation creates a luscious sauce that’s irresistible!
Greek Style: Include feta cheese and fresh spinach in the dish just before serving. This creates a Mediterranean-inspired twist that’s vibrant and bursting with flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives

Fridge: Store any leftover Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before sealing.

Freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture if needed.

Serving Suggestions: Reheat gently and serve with fresh bread for a delightful meal that feels just as fresh as the day it was made.

Make Ahead Options

These Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and really infuse into the meat. Just whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, and olive oil, then coat the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The olives can also be pitted and chopped up to 3 days ahead; just keep them in a sealed jar until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your skillet and sear your marinated chicken, then follow the rest of the cooking steps as usual for that restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort!

Tips for the Best Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives

Marinate Thoroughly: Let the chicken soak in the lemon-garlic marinade for at least 15 minutes to infuse deep, vibrant flavors.
Pat Chicken Dry: Before searing, pat the chicken skin dry to achieve that irresistibly crispy, golden crust without steaming.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken pieces with some space between them so they brown evenly and avoid steaming.
Use Medium Heat: Keep the skillet at medium to medium-high to prevent burning garlic while ensuring juicy chicken.
Add Olives Last: Stir olives in gently near the end to preserve their texture and unique briny flavor in your skillet dish.
Check Internal Temperature: Cook chicken to 165°F for safety but stop as soon as it reaches this for tender, juicy results.

What to Serve with Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives?

This vibrant, savory dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete Mediterranean feast.

Herbed Quinoa: Complement the chicken’s richness with fluffy quinoa, tossed with fresh herbs for a refreshing bite.
Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the zesty sauce—perfect for sopping every last drop.
Mediterranean Salad: A crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds a delightful crunch and vibrant colors to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and herbs, roast until tender, adding warmth and earthy tones alongside the chicken.
Creamy Polenta: Silky-smooth polenta lends a comforting, creamy base, soaking up the vibrant lemon-garlic flavors beautifully.
Tzatziki Sauce: This refreshing yogurt-based dip, enhanced with cucumber and mint, offers a cool contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay complements the zesty flavors nicely, elevating your dining experience.
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after a hearty meal, leaving you refreshed and satisfied.

Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives?
Skin-on chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe because they crisp up beautifully and stay juicy. However, boneless breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat—just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

Can I store leftovers, and how long do they keep?
Absolutely! Store any leftover chicken and olives in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure the dish is cooled completely before sealing the container to maintain flavor and freshness.

Is it possible to freeze the Lemon-Garlic Chicken Skillet with Olives?
Yes, freezing works great! Let the cooked dish cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.

What should I do if my garlic starts to burn while cooking?
Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so I recommend adding it just before searing the chicken or cooking it on medium heat with care. If you notice dark spots forming too fast, lower the heat. You can also cook garlic partially with the marinade, so it’s less exposed during searing.

Are olives safe for pets or people with allergies?
Olives are generally safe for people without allergies, but they can be high in sodium, so moderation is key. For pets, olives aren’t recommended as they can upset their stomachs. Always check for any dietary restrictions or allergies specific to your family members before serving.