Baked Chicken with Lemon and Olives

This page may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission for purchases made using the links. There is no additional cost to you. Please read our full disclosure policy.

This baked chicken with lemon and olives combines meaty chicken with briny Kalamata olives, refreshing lemon and earthy oregano. The resulting dish, inspired by the flavours of Greek cuisine, is pure comfort and satisfaction.

Chicken with Lemon and Olives

Few things are more satisfying to eat than baked chicken thighs, and I would highly recommend using bone-in thighs, as they have more flavour. The higher fat content of dark meat yields a succulent and moist texture that is hard to beat. This baked chicken with lemon and olives isn't at all a greasy dish, but in case you were worried, the fresh lemon juice cuts through any potential heaviness.

Chicken with Lemon and Olives

We love olives in this household, and any dish that includes olives is bound to be a winner. But something about the intense flavour of Kalamata olives, in particular, makes them one of our favourite varieties. Of course, for this dish, you could choose any kind of Greek olive you like, and the result would be equally tasty.

Chicken with Lemon and Olives

So the next time you're looking for a comforting meal to cosy up to, why not try this baked chicken with lemon and olives. Serve with chunky bread or rice on the side to soak up all the delicious juices.

Chicken with Lemon and Olives

Here's what you'll need to make this baked chicken with lemon and olives:
(Click here to jump straight to the recipe)

1kg chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
Oil for cooking
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
10-12 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried oregano)
170g (drained weight) pitted Kalamata olives
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

And here's what you'll need to do:

  • Preheat the oven to 180C (355F) / 160C Fan.
  • Pat the chicken dry with some kitchen paper, season with salt and pepper, and set aside on a plate until needed.
  • Prepare the onion, garlic, lemon (including juice) and oregano, and drain the olives.
  • Heat some oil over medium high heat in an oven proof pan large enough to fit the chicken snugly in a single layer.
  • When the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches, skin side down for a few minutes until browned, then turn over and fry the other side. BE CAREFUL of hot oil splatters! Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, and cook the garlic for a few minutes, until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove to a separate plate.
  • Cook the onions for a few minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
  • Add the oregano (fresh or dried) and lemon slices, season if you like, and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
  • Add the olives, and cook for another minute.
  • Return the chicken and garlic to the pan, nestling them amongst the onions, olives and lemon slices. Drizzle over the lemon juice.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
  • Rest for 10 minutes when done before serving.

Baked Chicken with Lemon and Olives

By

Baked Chicken with Lemon and Olives

This baked chicken with lemon and olives combines the comfort of succulent chicken meat with the familiar flavours of lemon and olives.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Course: Main
Cuisine: Modern European
Tags: Oven Baked Chicken, Braised Chicken

Ingredients

1kg chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
Oil for cooking
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
10-12 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried oregano)
170g (drained weight) pitted Kalamata olives
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C (355F) / 160C Fan.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with some kitchen paper, season with salt and pepper, and set aside on a plate until needed.
  3. Prepare the onion, garlic, lemon (including juice) and oregano, and drain the olives.
  4. Heat some oil over medium high heat in an oven proof pan large enough to fit the chicken snugly in a single layer.
  5. When the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches, skin side down for a few minutes until browned, then turn over and fry the other side. BE CAREFUL of hot oil splatters! Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.
  6. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook the garlic for a few minutes, until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove to a separate plate.
  7. Cook the onions for a few minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
  8. Add the oregano (fresh or dried) and lemon slices, season if you like, and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
  9. Add the olives, and cook for another minute.
  10. Return the chicken and garlic to the pan, nestling them amongst the onions, olives and lemon slices. Drizzle over the lemon juice.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
  12. Rest for 10 minutes when done before serving.

Other Pages You May Like

  • This recipe for chicken schnitzel is a simple yet deliciously satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

    Recipe for Chicken Schnitzel

    This recipe for chicken schnitzel is a simple yet deliciously satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

  • This easy recipe for Korean chicken is a real crowd pleaser, with its sweet and spicy flavours that can be cooked both in the oven and on the BBQ.

    Recipe for Korean Chicken

    This easy recipe for Korean chicken is a real crowd pleaser, with its sweet and spicy flavours that can be cooked both in the oven and on the BBQ.

  • This honey braised chicken is one of our favourite chicken dinner recipes for family meals, even the kids love it!

    Honey Braised Chicken

    This honey braised chicken is one of our favourite chicken dinner recipes for family meals, even the kids love it!

  • This recipe for harissa chicken and rice is super easy and a real crowd pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners.

    Recipe for Harissa Chicken and Rice

    This recipe for harissa chicken and rice is super easy and a real crowd pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Is there any flavour more satisfying than a chicken bake paired with briny olives? Try this Baked Chicken with Olives and Rosemary to see for yourself.

    Baked Chicken with Olives and Rosemary

    Is there any flavour more satisfying than a chicken bake paired with briny olives? Try this Baked Chicken with Olives and Rosemary to see for yourself.

  • One of the most popular chicken dinner recipes for family meals has got to be chicken noodle soup, simple yet tasty and comforting.

    Chicken Noodle Soup

    One of the most popular chicken dinner recipes for family meals has got to be chicken noodle soup, simple yet tasty and comforting.

  • So simple and easy to make yet so delicious, this easy curried chicken and rice will soon become a family favourite.

    Easy Curried Chicken and Rice

    So simple and easy to make yet so delicious, this easy curried chicken and rice will soon become a family favourite.

  • This baked chicken and lentil recipe is just the sort of soothing dish you need at the end of a tiring day.

    Baked Chicken and Lentil Recipe

    This baked chicken and lentil recipe is just the sort of soothing dish you need at the end of a tiring day.

What's on your mind?

Let us know any thoughts, comments or questions by getting in touch here.


Back to the Top!