Olive dish with chicken and lemon

Olive, Chicken, and Lemon Dish

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Welcome to my kitchen! Today we will prepare a delicious olive, chicken, and lemon dish, a perfect blend of flavors that will delight the taste buds of your family and friends. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor, and the ingredients are easy to find. So let's get started!

A brief story

The olive, chicken, and lemon dish is a traditional meal appreciated in many cultures. The combination of juicy chicken and salty olives, enriched with citrus, creates a symphony of flavors that brings a touch of freshness to the plate. This recipe is ideal for family lunches or relaxing dinners, and its taste often improves the next day when the flavors meld even better.

Ingredients

For 8 servings you will need:
- 8 chicken thighs (preferably bone-in for more flavor)
- 100 ml olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 2 medium onions (yellow onion adds sweetness, but you can also use red onion)
- 400 g carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 500 g olives (choose pitted olives that are not too salty)
- 1/2 lemon (juice and slices)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 peppercorns
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- (optional) 1 glass of dry white wine

Tips and advice

- Olives: Choose high-quality olives, preferably pitted. Green olives add a more pronounced flavor, while black olives are sweeter and milder.
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide a richer taste. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breast, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Wine: Adding a glass of dry white wine will enhance the sauce's flavor. If you don’t consume alcohol, you can easily omit it.
- Carrots: They not only add sweetness but also important nutritional value, being rich in beta-carotene.

Preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Drain and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a nice browning.

2. Searing the chicken: In a large skillet or deep pot, add 100 ml of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the hot oil and let them brown for 5-7 minutes, just until they get a nice color. Don’t leave them too long, as we don’t want them to dry out.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, slice the onions into large pieces, and you can either grate the carrots or cut them into cubes. Add the onion to the skillet after removing the chicken. Let it sauté for a maximum of 2 minutes until it becomes translucent.

4. Adding the carrots: Once the onion has softened, add the carrots and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their juices. This mixture will form the flavorful base of the dish.

5. Cooking the ingredients: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, add the olives, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Pour in hot water, enough to cover the ingredients. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

6. Finishing the sauce: When the chicken and olives are almost cooked, add the two tablespoons of tomato paste and the lemon slices. This step will add a fresh taste and a hint of acidity to the dish. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and reaches a pleasant consistency.

7. Serving: Once the sauce has reduced, taste and add salt to your preference. The olive, chicken, and lemon dish is served warm, accompanied by a side of rice or mashed potatoes that will soak up the delicious sauce flavors.

Delicious variations

- Green additions: You can add freshly chopped dill or parsley just before serving for an extra touch of freshness.
- Vegetarian dish: Replace the chicken with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version, keeping the rest of the ingredients.
- Diverse flavorings: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme, which will add a different aromatic note.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, this recipe can also be adapted for turkey or even pork, adjusting the cooking time depending on the type of meat used.

2. How can I store leftovers?
The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated on the stove or in the oven.

3. Can I freeze the dish?
Yes, you can freeze the dish after it has completely cooled. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.

Nutritional benefits

This dish is not only tasty but also healthy! Chicken thighs provide quality protein, while olives are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. Carrots offer important fiber and vitamins, and lemon contributes vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Serving

The olive, chicken, and lemon dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a serving of fresh bread, which will complement your family meals. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a cold lemon tea would be excellent accompaniments.

Enjoy your meal! I hope you savor every bite! This simple and delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite in your menu.

 Ingredients: Ingredients: For 8 servings: 8 pieces of chicken thigh, 100 ml oil, 2 medium onions, 400 g carrots, 500 g olives (try to avoid very salty ones), half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, whole peppercorns, bay leaves, salt to taste.