Whole Braised Chicken with Lemon & Olives
Whole Braised Chicken with Lemon & Olives is a show-stopping dish that combines tender chicken with zesty lemons and briny olives for a delightful culinary experience. This one-pot wonder not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also promises a flavorful meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an impressive feast that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 2 large fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 cup pitted green olives
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken; add crushed garlic and fresh herbs around it.
- Pour in chicken broth and squeeze lemon juice over the top; add halved lemons and olives.
- Cover with a lid or foil and braise in the oven for approximately 1 hour.
- Remove the cover during the last 15 minutes to crisp the skin while basting occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs. Feel free to swap green olives for Kalamata olives or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra tanginess.