Chicken with Olives and Squash
Try this Chicken with Olives and Squash recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chicken with Olives and Squash recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves sliced
- 1.5 lbs skinless chicken breast thinly sliced to pieces
- 1/2 cup white onions or shallots sliced
- 2 tsp dry chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 large zucchini slice in half then diced into smaller pie
- 2 large yellow squash slice in half then diced into smaller pieces
- 2 tbsp mixed olives (pitted) more if desired
- 4 tsp capers more if desired
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- Carbohydrate 0.680505 g
- Cholesterol 98.656340475 mg
- Fat 3.83093452122367 g
- Fiber 0.27825 g
- Protein 39.390404337375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.804620557974924 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (175g)
- Sodium 983.113890187514 mg
- Sugar 0.402255 g
- Trans Fat 0.608488057894597 g
- Calories 205 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large wok or saute pan with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- When the saute pan starts smoking slightly, turn the heat down then add sliced garlic, onions, dry chili pepper flakes (optional), and sprinkle some salt to fragrant the oil. (30 seconds).
- Turn the heat back up to medium-high. Add sliced chicken, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp black pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon and saute the chicken until the surface turns slightly white.
- Add mixed olives and capers. Continue to stir fry.
- Add zucchini and yellow squash. Continue to stir and make sure all ingredients are cooked evenly.
- Turn the heat down to medium and cover with a lid for about 3-4 minutes. The steam will cook the squash evenly.
- When the meat is cooked through and the squash turns soft (but not mushy), scoop out the ingredients and leave the remaining liquid in the pan.
- Reduce the liquid over high heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine the sauce with the rest of ingredients & Enjoy!
A Weeknight Wonder: Chicken with Olives and Squash
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Chicken with Olives and Squash recipe has become a staple in our household – a true weeknight wonder.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep time, uses readily available ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, briny olives, and subtly sweet squash is incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors – the juicy chicken, the salty olives, the slightly firm yet tender squash – all mingling together in a harmonious dance of taste. I often serve this with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices, making for a truly complete and comforting meal. The kids love it too; it's one of those dishes that even picky eaters can't resist.
What truly sets this recipe apart, beyond its speed and ease, is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of squash – butternut, acorn, even spaghetti squash would be delightful. You can also adjust the amount of chili flakes to your liking, turning up the heat for a spicier kick or omitting them entirely for a milder flavor profile. The same goes for the olives – Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or even a mix of your favorites would all work wonderfully. The point is, this recipe is a blank canvas, inviting you to personalize it to your own preferences and what you have on hand.
Beyond the practical aspects, this dish offers a sense of calm amidst the chaos of everyday life. The process of cooking, even a quick one like this, is a form of mindfulness for me. The rhythmic chopping, the sizzle of the chicken in the pan, the fragrant aromas filling the kitchen – these simple acts create a moment of peace and connection. It’s a reminder to slow down, to appreciate the simple pleasures, and to nourish not just my family, but myself as well. And that, in itself, is a priceless ingredient.
This recipe isn't just about feeding my family; it’s about creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. The shared meal, the laughter around the table, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch – these are the things that truly matter. And this simple chicken dish, with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, always manages to bring us all together.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that won't break the bank or require a culinary degree, give this Chicken with Olives and Squash a try. You might just find your new go-to recipe, one that brings as much joy to the process as it does to the plate.
I encourage you to share your own variations and experiences with this recipe. What substitutions did you make? Did you serve it with a particular side dish? Let me know in the comments below – I always love hearing from fellow home cooks and discovering new culinary adventures!
