Chicken with Lemon and Olives
Try this Chicken with Lemon and Olives recipe.
Try this Chicken with Lemon and Olives recipe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt divided
- about 8-10 pieces of chicken with bones and skin (you can cut up a whole chicken into pieces, or use the parts you prefer. i used 4 thighs and 4 drumsticks)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper divided
- 2 regular lemons thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives
- Carbohydrate 18.8885815787731 g
- Cholesterol 460 mg
- Fat 96.5155517028937 g
- Fiber 2.86423508160023 g
- Protein 116.781586991561 g
- Saturated Fat 27.0056342572852 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (689g)
- Sodium 580.460730075082 mg
- Sugar 16.0243464971729 g
- Trans Fat 8.09808419388626 g
- Calories 1437 calories
Step-by-step
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Dredge (lightly coat) the chicken with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken skin side down first, for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the browned chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemons, and onion and sauté for 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ginger, remaining teaspoon of salt and pepper, and then remaining spices and sauté for another minute.
- Add the chicken broth and olives and bring the broth to a boil.
- Once the broth is boiling, add the remaining pieces of chicken, skin side up, then turn the heat down so the sauce is simmering lightly.
- Cook the chicken in the sauce partially covered until it is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, if the sauce hasn’t thickened enough, remove the chicken and bring the sauce to a boil and let it reduce, uncovered, to your desired thickness.
A Weeknight Wonder: Chicken with Lemon and Olives
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like an impossible feat. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pickups, homework battles, and the ever-present demands of work. But what if I told you that you could whip up a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour? This Chicken with Lemon and Olives recipe is my secret weapon for conquering weeknight dinners. It's simple, yet elegant, and the entire family loves it. The bright, zesty flavors of lemon and olives perfectly complement the tender chicken, creating a dish that's both satisfying and refreshing. Forget the takeout menus and the endless scrolling through food delivery apps; this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious weeknight meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no need for exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few pantry staples and readily available chicken pieces, you can create a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. I often use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks because they stay incredibly juicy and flavorful during cooking. The skin crisps beautifully in the pan, adding a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat. The combination of aromatic spices – cinnamon, cumin, and paprika – adds depth and warmth, creating a flavour profile that's both comforting and invigorating. The thinly sliced lemons and olives not only add a burst of acidity and brininess, but they also infuse the sauce with a bright, Mediterranean flair. This dish is incredibly versatile, too. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. I've been known to throw in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
The recipe itself is straightforward. First, you dredge the chicken pieces in a simple flour mixture, which helps create a crispy exterior. Then, you brown the chicken in olive oil, ensuring that it's beautifully golden before adding the aromatic vegetables and spices. The addition of chicken broth and olives creates a rich and flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth. I often serve this dish with a simple side of couscous or quinoa, but it’s equally delicious with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The leftovers are just as good the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy schedules.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Chicken with Lemon and Olives recipe offers a sense of accomplishment. It’s a reminder that you can create something truly special even on the busiest of days. It's more than just a meal; it's a testament to your ability to nourish yourself and your family with love and care, even when time is tight. So, the next time you're facing a weeknight dinner dilemma, remember this recipe. It's a lifesaver, a taste of the Mediterranean, and a source of pride in your culinary abilities. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated. They just need a little love, a few simple ingredients, and a dash of creativity.
