Polly'S Chicken With Black Olives

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Polly's Chicken with Black Olives offers a savory, tangy flavor profile with tender chicken, olives, and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 chicken thighs
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 can pitted black olives
  • 1 jar tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken thighs in a little oil, then remove and set aside.
  2. Saute chopped onions, garlic, celery, and pitted black olives in the same pan.
  3. Add the jar of tomato sauce to the sauteed vegetables.
  4. Return the browned chicken to the pan with the sauce.
  5. Simmer until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes.
  6. Just before serving, add red wine vinegar and steam for a few minutes.
  7. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If black olives aren't available, green olives can be a great substitute. You can also enhance the dish by adding bell peppers or capers to the sautéed vegetables. For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a side of Apricots And Chicken for a delightful pairing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Polly's Chicken with Black Olives over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added crunch and nutrition. This dish pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile option for any dinner table.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. This method helps maintain the dish's moisture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Polly'S Chicken With Black Olives contains roughly 745 calories, with 20g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value) and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

745 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.5g 39% DV
Total Fat 18.5g 24% DV
Carbs 119.9g 44% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1482.8mg 64% DV
Potassium 333.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.7mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 55.9mg 4% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster and could become dry if overcooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, aiming for about 20-25 minutes of simmering until they're cooked through and tender.

What type of olives are best for this recipe?

Pitted black olives are traditional for this recipe, but you can use Kalamata or green olives if you prefer. Each type will slightly alter the flavor profile, so choose based on your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat before serving, and consider making extra rice to serve with it for a quick meal.

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).

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