One Pan Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives, Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

Are you tired of complicated dinner recipes that leave your kitchen looking like a war zone? This One Pan Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives is about to become your new weeknight hero. With tender chicken breasts swimming in a vibrant Mediterranean sauce loaded with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, this dish proves that healthy chicken recipes can be both incredibly delicious and ridiculously simple.

The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights or simple chicken recipes to add to your rotation, this Mediterranean-inspired dish checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken Recipe

This recipe is the perfect solution when you need easy meals that don’t compromise on taste. The chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to a quick sear followed by gentle simmering in a luscious sauce. The combination of white wine, lemon, and chicken stock creates a beautiful base, while the tomatoes burst and release their sweet juices, mingling with briny olives and aromatic fresh herbs.

What makes this recipe special:

• One pan means easy cleanup
• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Packed with Mediterranean flavors
• Healthy and nutritious
• Perfect for meal prep
• Impressive enough for guests
• Budget-friendly ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious one pan chicken dinner:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a beautiful golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a cast iron or heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear for 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Don’t worry about cooking them through they’ll finish in the sauce. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped rosemary and cook for another minute, allowing those herbaceous aromas to bloom.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine and Lemon

Pour in the white wine along with the lemon juice and zest. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those beautiful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan that’s where the flavor lives! Let this mixture cook for 1 minute to allow the alcohol to cook off slightly.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Stir in the chicken stock and add salt to taste (remember, your stock and olives will add saltiness, so start conservatively). Add the halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and chopped basil. Mix everything together well, creating a vibrant, colorful sauce.

Step 6: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they’re partially submerged in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The tomatoes will soften and burst, creating an even more luscious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon the tomato-olive sauce generously over the top, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choose the right pan: A cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan distributes heat evenly and creates better browning.

Don’t overcrowd: If your chicken breasts are large, you may need to sear them in batches to ensure proper browning.

Wine substitutions: No wine? Use additional chicken stock with a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.

Make it ahead: You can prep the sauce in advance and simply add the chicken when ready to cook.

Temperature matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internally without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This one pan chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
• Simple pasta like orzo or angel hair
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Storage and Meal Prep

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal prep tip: Double the recipe and portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more moist. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the simmering time.

What if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute with additional chicken stock plus 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without it.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables with the onions, and leafy greens at the end.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify your chicken stock is gluten-free.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way flavors build upon each other. Searing the chicken first creates a flavorful fond (those brown bits) on the pan bottom. When you deglaze with wine and lemon, those caramelized flavors dissolve into the sauce, adding incredible depth.

The combination of briny olives, sweet tomatoes, bright lemon, and aromatic herbs creates a perfectly balanced Mediterranean flavor profile. Meanwhile, cooking everything in one pan allows the chicken to absorb all those beautiful flavors while staying tender and juicy.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize this recipe to your preferences:

• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
• Swap rosemary for thyme or oregano
• Add capers for extra brininess
• Include artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives is proof that healthy chicken recipes don’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy Tuesday or impressing dinner guests on the weekend, this easy meal delivers every single time.

Ready to transform your weeknight dinners? Grab your skillet and get cooking your taste buds will thank you!

Pin this recipe for later and share it with anyone who needs quick dinner ideas that actually taste amazing!