Pan-Roasted Chicken with Grapes and Olives
Juicy chicken pan-roasted with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs, then finished with sweet grapes and briny olives. The grapes caramelize slightly while cooking, creating a natural sauce that’s light, healthy, and perfect for Christmas or special dinners.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30–35 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 tsp rosemary, chopped
1 cup red or green grapes, halved
½ cup green or black olives, pitted
1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped
½ cup chicken stock or water
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Shallots & Grapes
In the same pan, sauté shallots for 2 minutes.
Add grapes and olives, cook 3–4 minutes until grapes start to soften.
Step 4: Deglaze & Simmer
Add chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
Return chicken to the pan, spooning some sauce over the top.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Plate chicken with grapes and olives.
Spoon pan sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh herbs.
💡 Tips
Use seedless grapes for a smooth texture.
Bone-in chicken adds flavor and stays juicier.
For extra color, add a few halved cherry tomatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Can serve with couscous, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — cook chicken fully, reheat gently, and add grapes & olives just before serving.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes — reduce simmering time to 8–10 minutes to prevent drying.
Q: Can I make it more festive?
Add pomegranate seeds on top before serving for extra color and flavor.
🧮 Nutrition information
Calories: 360
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g