This dish features juicy chicken cooked with olives, bringing a tasty twist to your dinner table. The flavors blend together wonderfully, making each bite a delight!
I love how easy it is to make this meal—just toss everything in the pan and let it cook. Plus, it’s a fun conversation starter, especially when folks wonder about the olives!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add richness. If you prefer, boneless thighs or chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time as they’ll cook faster.
Olive Oil: A must for searing chicken. You could substitute it with vegetable oil, but olive oil gives a lovely flavor that complements the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy element. If unavailable, you can use roasted red peppers for a different flavor or fresh tomatoes; just cook them a little longer to soften.
Mixed Olives: Kalamata and green olives work great together. If you’re not a fan of one type, feel free to use just one or swap for capers for a briny hit.
How Do I Achieve Crispy Chicken Skin?
The secret to crispy chicken skin is all in the cooking method. Start by thoroughly drying the chicken to remove moisture, then season well. When cooking, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. This helps sear the skin quickly.
- Pat chicken dry and season well.
- Heat oil until shimmering before adding the chicken skin-side down.
- Let it cook undisturbed for crispy skin—you want it to develop a nice brown crust.
Flipping too soon can cause it to steam instead of crispen, so patience is key!
Crazy Good Chicken & Olives
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup mixed olives (green and Kalamata), pitted
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get crispy. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Make sure to massage the spices in for great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or braising pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the chicken and brown the other side for about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté everything together for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and delicious!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those bits are packed with flavor!
5. Combine and Simmer:
Stir in the olives, and then carefully return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the olives. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
After simmering, remove the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. During this time, spoon the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Spoon the olives and sauce alongside the chicken for a delicious, satisfying meal!
Enjoy your Crazy Good Chicken & Olives! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Yes! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and moisture, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
What Can I Substitute for Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, roasted red peppers can work well as a substitute. Fresh diced tomatoes are also an option; just cook them a bit longer to ensure they soften in the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten the dish if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the simmering step in advance, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it through until the chicken is heated and the flavors meld together beautifully!
