Garlic Chicken with Olives – A Flavorful and Easy Dish You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, super easy to prepare, and perfect for any night of the week, then Garlic Chicken with Olives is the recipe you need! 🍗🧄🍽️ This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the rich flavors of garlic and olives, creating a savory meal that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this simple yet satisfying dish will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Simple and Flavorful – Just a few ingredients bring this dish to life.
✅ Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or special occasions.
✅ Healthy and Delicious – Packed with protein and healthy fats from olives.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering garlic chicken with olives:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use thighs for more juiciness) 🍗
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 🧑‍🍳
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor) 🌶️
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋

For the Garlic and Olive Mixture:

• 6 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 1 cup green olives, pitted and sliced 🫒
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 🫒
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for added brine flavor) 🧂
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (adds tanginess) 🍷
• ½ cup chicken broth 🍲
• 1 tablespoon butter 🧈

Substitutions & Variations: ✔️ Olives – If you’re not a fan of green or kalamata olives, feel free to use black olives or a mix of your favorites!
✔️ Chicken Thighs – For extra juiciness, swap the chicken breasts for thighs.
✔️ Vegan Version – Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for chicken, and skip the butter for a vegan-friendly version.
✔️ Herbs – You can experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fresh twist.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick better. Then, season each breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning. 🍗🍋

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. 😋

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets nicely seared.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic and Olive Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic!). 🧄🔥

Next, add the olives, capers (if using), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. 🍷🍽️

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Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Now, return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the garlic-olive sauce over the chicken and let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 5–7 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the flavorful sauce and becomes even juicier! 🧈🍗

Pro Tip: If you want the sauce to thicken a bit more, you can add a tablespoon of butter and stir it in until it melts, creating a rich and velvety finish. 😍

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced slightly, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken with the garlic-olive mixture on top. 🥂

Serving Suggestions

This garlic chicken with olives is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate the meal even more with these ideas:

🍚 Serve with Rice – The flavorful sauce goes beautifully with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa.
🍝 Pair with Pasta – Toss the chicken and olive sauce with spaghetti or fettuccine for a hearty and satisfying meal.
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Use a good loaf of bread to sop up all the delicious garlic-olive sauce.
🥗 On the Side – Pair it with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal option.

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before freezing. 🥶

Reheating:

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. 🔥

Pro Tip: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid reheating it in the oven, as it can dry out.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of cooking the chicken and store it in the fridge. Just cook the chicken and finish the sauce when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

2️⃣ Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the garlic and olive mixture for a spicy kick. 🌶️

3️⃣ Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to cook the bone-in chicken longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through (about 40-45 minutes). Bone-in chicken will also add extra flavor to the sauce.

4️⃣ What can I substitute for the olives?

If you’re not a fan of olives, you can substitute them with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even roasted bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Recipe!

Garlic Chicken with Olives is the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and rich flavors. The garlic infuses the chicken with an aromatic warmth, while the olives add a briny punch that balances everything perfectly. 🧄🍋

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Try it today and let me know how much you love it! 😍🍽️