Mediterranean Chicken with Olives Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and transports you straight to sun-drenched shores, look no further than Mediterranean Chicken with Olives. This dish masterfully blends tender chicken thighs and legs with the briny goodness of olives, aromatic herbs, and a luscious tomato-based sauce that’s rich with hints of cinnamon, cumin, and a touch of sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals where everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Mediterranean Chicken with Olives masterpiece, you’ll want a balance of fresh, fragrant, and pantry staples. Each ingredient adds its own magic—whether it’s the caramelized onions building depth, the olives providing bursts of tangy saltiness, or the date syrup bringing a subtle layer of sweetness against the savory chicken.
- 8 pcs Chicken thighs and legs skin-on: Choose good quality pieces for juicy and flavorful meat that holds the sauce well.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil for cooking: A staple that infuses the dish with authentic Mediterranean richness.
- 2 large Red onions thinly sliced: They soften beautifully and form the tasty base of the sauce.
- 6 large Garlic cloves sliced: Adds a fragrant punch and depth to the entire dish.
- 1 Cinnamon stick: Gives a subtle warmth that elevates the sauce with exotic notes.
- 2 Bay leaves: Classic Mediterranean aromatics that deepen flavors.
- 1 tbsp Cumin: Earthy and slightly nutty, cumin complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tbsp Paprika: Adds vibrant color and a mild smoky hint.
- 2 tbsp Date syrup (or honey): Sweetness that balances the acidity of tomatoes and brightness of lemon.
- 3 tbsp Apricot jam (optional): If you want a fruitier undertone, this is your secret weapon.
- 14 oz can Crushed tomatoes: The rich, tangy base for the sauce that ties all flavors together.
- 1 cup Chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses subtle umami.
- 1 bulb Garlic top trimmed off to expose cloves: Roasted whole for mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
- 1 med Lemon sliced or 1 preserved lemon: Adds brightness and a zesty Mediterranean touch.
- 1 cup Pitted green or Kalamata olives: The star players—salty, briny, and utterly delicious.
- ¼ cup Chopped Parsley: Freshness and a pop of green to finish the dish.
- ½ tsp Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken with Olives
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red onions and cook them gently until they soften and become translucent—about three minutes. This simple step brings out their natural sweetness, forming a delicious foundation for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Spices
Add the sliced garlic, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves to the pan alongside the onions. Let everything cook together for another 3 to 5 minutes until the aromas truly awaken and the onions start to caramelize lightly, creating a fragrant and flavorful base.
Step 3: Sweeten and Spice the Sauce
Next, stir in the cumin, paprika, date syrup, and apricot jam if you’re using it. Let the mixture cook for a minute until the sugars melt and all those lovely spices meld, building layers of complex sweetness and warmth that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer—this liquid blend will become a luscious, aromatic sauce that hugs the chicken pieces as they cook.
Step 5: Nestle in the Chicken, Garlic Bulb, and Lemon
Carefully place the chicken thighs and legs into the simmering sauce, nestling them so they’re partially submerged. Add the whole bulb of garlic with the top trimmed off and lemon slices to the pan. Season everything with salt and pepper. This combination infuses the chicken with mellow garlic sweetness and a bright citrus tang that sings through every bite.
Step 6: Slow Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken gently cook for 30 to 35 minutes until perfectly tender and infused with the rich sauce. This slow cooking helps the flavors to meld wonderfully, creating that signature richness of Mediterranean Chicken with Olives.
Step 7: Final Touches with Olives and Parsley
In the last 5 minutes, stir in the pitted olives and chopped parsley. The olives will warm through, adding exciting bursts of briny flavor, while the parsley freshens and brightens the whole dish. Give the sauce a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken with Olives
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish, cutting through the rich sauce with a lively green freshness. For extra flair, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a few lemon zest curls on top for a pop of texture and zesty brightness that makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy couscous, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a fragrant saffron rice. The sauce is fantastic for soaking up with warm crusty bread, too. A simple green salad or steamed greens can add just the right amount of crispness to balance the richness of the chicken and olives.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken in a rustic earthenware dish or a cast-iron skillet, allowing the vibrant sauce and colorful olives to shine. You could also plate individually over a bed of grains, drizzle some extra sauce, and finish with a sprig of fresh herbs for an inviting, restaurant-worthy look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mediterranean Chicken with Olives keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen even further overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to protect the texture and flavors of this delightful dish.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Mediterranean Chicken with Olives is over low heat on the stovetop, covered, to gently warm the chicken and sauce without drying it out. You can also reheat in a microwave, but be sure to cover and stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and legs?
While you can use chicken breasts, thighs and legs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked in this slow-simmered sauce. Breasts may dry out more easily.
What type of olives works best in this recipe?
Both green olives and Kalamata olives are fantastic choices. Green olives offer a milder saltiness, while Kalamata bring a deeper, fruity tang. You can even mix them for complexity.
Is the apricot jam necessary? Can I leave it out?
The apricot jam adds a lovely fruity depth and sweetness, but it’s completely optional. If you don’t have it on hand, date syrup or honey alone will still create a beautifully balanced sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To adapt this recipe, swap chicken for hearty vegetables like artichokes or eggplant and use vegetable broth. The olives, garlic, and spices still deliver abundant Mediterranean flavors.
How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and warm in flavor. If you love spice, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa will give it a delightful kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken with Olives is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds—a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, tangy, and aromatic notes that never fail to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite, bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine right to your table. Give it a try and enjoy both the cooking journey and the delicious results!
