Spicy Chicken With Olives
Spicy Chicken With Olives offers a bold combination of tender chicken, fragrant spices, and briny olives, creating a flavorful dish perfect for dinner. The lemon zest and fresh herbs add brightness, making it ideal for those who enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a touch of heat.
Ingredients
- 3 large cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 large boneless chicken breasts, halved ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. pitted green olives
- 15-1/2 oz. can chick peas ⓘ
- Small bunch scallions
- Small bunch coriander ⓘ
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mild olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Crush garlic cloves under the flat blade of a chef's knife, then remove and discard the peels.
- Set aside the crushed garlic.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the halved chicken breasts and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Stir in grated lemon zest, ground ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the green olives, chickpeas, and crushed garlic to the skillet.
- Pour in lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with sliced lemon, chopped scallions, and coriander before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer, substitute the green olives with Kalamata olives for a different taste. You can also use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference, or omit it for a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Chicken With Olives pairs beautifully with a side of couscous or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh Greek Chicken Salad would provide a refreshing contrast. Garnish with extra coriander and serve with warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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 water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken With Olives contains roughly 792 calories, with 36g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but cooking time may need to be adjusted. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in chicken will add more flavor but may take longer to cook, so check for doneness before serving.
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can substitute them with black beans or lentils for a similar texture. Just ensure they are cooked beforehand, especially lentils, as they take less time to cook compared to chickpeas.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).