Black Olive Chicken Bake
A flavorful baked chicken dish with black olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, perfect for Mediterranean-inspired family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
- Add chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried thyme, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the skillet; stir well.
- Cover the skillet and place in the oven; bake for 20 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce.
- Add sliced black olives to the skillet and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper over the top just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh isn't available, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. If you're looking to add more vegetables, bell peppers or zucchini can be great additions to this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Black Olive Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Mediterranean salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over rice or couscous, which will soak up the flavorful sauce. Consider offering a slice of crusty bread on the side to complete the meal. You can also serve it alongside Tomato And Broccoli Salad Sandwich for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Olive Chicken Bake contains roughly 632 calories, with 17g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces, but reduce the cooking time as they will cook faster than bone-in pieces. Check for doneness after about 15 minutes in the oven to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for black olives?
If you don't have black olives, green olives or even capers can be great alternatives, adding a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that green olives are typically more tangy and salty, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time if putting it in the oven cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).