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CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS: A DELICIOUSLY SAVORY RECIPE
Chicken with olives and mushrooms is a classic dish that brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the savory notes of olives, and the tender goodness of chicken. This dish is not only delicious but also quite easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to make a comforting meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. In this recipe for chicken with olives and mushrooms, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make this flavorful and satisfying dish.
INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS
To prepare this chicken with olives and mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 cup of green olives, pitted (you can also use black olives if preferred)
- 2 cups of sliced mushrooms (button mushrooms work well, but you can use any type of your choice)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (for deglazing)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh twist)
PREPARATION STEPS FOR CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS
1. SEASONING THE CHICKEN
The first step in preparing this chicken with olives and mushrooms is to season the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin gets crispy during cooking. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed across the chicken for maximum flavor.
2. BROWNING THE CHICKEN
Place one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. This step adds depth to the flavor of the dish, as the chicken will caramelize slightly during this process. After the chicken is browned, take it out of the skillet and put it aside.
3. SAUTÉING THE ONION, GARLIC, AND MUSHROOMS
Add the garlic and diced onion to the same skillet. Sauté them for two to three minutes, or until the onion is aromatic and transparent. The remnants of the chicken in the pan will add flavor to the vegetables, creating a savory base for the sauce.
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Mushrooms release a lot of moisture, so sauté them until they are browned and the liquid has evaporated, about 5-6 minutes. This ensures that the mushrooms develop a rich, umami flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
4. ADDING OLIVES AND DEGLAZING WITH LEMON JUICE
Once the mushrooms are ready, add the pitted olives to the skillet. Olives add a briny and slightly tangy contrast that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken. Stir everything together to incorporate the olives into the mushroom mixture.
At this point, deglaze the pan by adding fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice will not only lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan but also add a bright, citrusy tang to the dish. Allow the lemon juice to cook off for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any brown bits. If you like a slightly more intense flavor, you can add a bit more lemon juice.
5. COOKING THE CHICKEN IN THE SAUCE
Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the mushroom and olive mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid. Put a cover on the skillet and turn the heat down to low. Let everything simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
As the chicken simmers, the broth will reduce and thicken, infusing the chicken with the flavors of the mushrooms, olives, and herbs. Stir the sauce occasionally, checking the seasoning and adjusting with salt and pepper if needed.
6. FINISHING TOUCHES FOR CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, you can add a fresh burst of flavor by sprinkling the dish with chopped parsley and a little lemon zest before serving. The fresh parsley adds color and a herby freshness, while the lemon zest provides a light, citrusy note that brightens the entire dish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS?
Chicken with olives and mushrooms is a rich and hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement this meal:
- Rice: A simple side of steamed rice, such as basmati or jasmine, will soak up the flavorful sauce and balance the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another great option for serving with chicken with olives and mushrooms. The smooth texture pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
- Pasta: Serve the dish over pasta like fettuccine or linguine for a comforting meal. The pasta will carry the sauce nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier option, roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli make an excellent side dish to pair with this flavorful chicken.
PAIRING WINE WITH CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS
For a wine pairing, opt for a white wine that has enough body to complement the dish. A dry Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied Chardonnay would be perfect. If you prefer red wine, a light red like Pinot Noir will work well without overpowering the flavors of the chicken and mushrooms.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT CHICKEN WITH OLIVES AND MUSHROOMS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHICKEN
When making chicken with olives and mushrooms, it’s important to choose the right cut of chicken. Chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they remain juicy and tender even when simmered for a longer period. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them, but they may dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook them.
ADDING VARIATIONS TO THE RECIPE
While this recipe for chicken with olives and mushrooms is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Herbs: You can experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, basil, or bay leaves to add depth to the dish. Fresh herbs will give a wonderful aroma to the cooking process.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the mix for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the mushrooms for a few minutes before adding the olives.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish for a spicy twist.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS
If you have leftovers of chicken with olives and mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. The flavors will continue to develop, and it can be even tastier the next day.
CONCLUSION
Chicken with olives and mushrooms is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and guests. The combination of tender chicken, savory olives, and earthy mushrooms creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of cooking, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest to elevate the flavors. Happy cooking!