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Keto Chicken Olive Skillet Savory and Simple Meal

by on December 28, 2024

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? The Keto Chicken Olive Skillet is your answer! This dish is savory, simple, and perfect for busy nights. With just a few key ingredients, you’ll create a satisfying meal that fits your keto diet. I’ll guide you through each step, share tips to enhance flavor, and offer variations to keep things fresh. Are you ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!

Here’s what you need for your keto chicken olive skillet: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken thighs: Use chicken breasts for a leaner option. - Green olives: Black olives work too, for a different taste. - Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can replace them, just chop finely. - Olive oil: Avocado oil is a great substitute for cooking. - Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if you're short on time. Each serving of this tasty dish has: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30 grams - Total fat: 22 grams - Carbohydrates: 8 grams - Fiber: 2 grams - Net carbs: 6 grams This dish is low in carbs and high in flavor, perfect for a keto diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key to achieving that perfect sear on the chicken. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano on both sides. This adds depth to the flavor. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn a golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and halved green olives. Stir it all well and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a rich, savory base for your chicken. Next, return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it among the olive and tomato mixture. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove it from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes - Total time: 25 minutes - Cooking temperature: Medium-high heat for skillet cooking To check if your chicken is done, look for a golden brown color on each side. The juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. To get the best chicken, start with good quality thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. This adds great flavor. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F. One mistake is overcrowding the skillet. This can make the chicken steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. Another common error is not letting the chicken rest. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Also, don’t skip the garlic step. Sautéing it brings out its rich flavor. You’ll need a large skillet for this dish. A cast-iron skillet works great. It holds heat well and gives good browning. Have a good set of measuring spoons handy for accuracy. You’ll also want a meat thermometer. This tool ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly. Finally, use a sturdy spatula for flipping the chicken. It makes handling easier. Pro Tips Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs: For extra flavor and moisture, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones add depth to the dish while cooking. Marinate Ahead: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour with olive oil, garlic, and spices can enhance the flavor significantly. If time permits, marinate overnight for the best results. Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the rich ingredients. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. {{image_2}} You can easily add new tastes to the Keto Chicken Olive Skillet. Try using different olives, like kalamata or black olives. These olives have a rich flavor that can enhance your dish. Add spices like crushed red pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also toss in some fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, to change the flavor profile. Each small change can make a big difference. If you want to switch up the protein, turkey and pork work great. Use boneless, skinless turkey thighs for a leaner option. They cook in a similar way and soak up the flavors nicely. For pork, use tenderloin or chops. Just make sure to adjust cooking times since these cuts may cook faster than chicken. The goal is to keep things juicy and delicious. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. You could use eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté these veggies in olive oil until they are soft. Then, follow the same steps with garlic, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. This way, you still get the vibrant flavors of the original dish, but in a plant-based form. It's a tasty option for veggie lovers! To keep your Keto Chicken Olive Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. This prevents moisture from building up, which can lead to sogginess. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for the best taste. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just cover the dish and heat it in short bursts, checking often. If you want to store the dish for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure it is safe to eat. The flavors will still blend well with the olives and tomatoes. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it. Divide the chicken and sauce into containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy meal later. Several sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Zucchini noodles - Cauliflower rice - Steamed broccoli - A simple green salad These options keep your meal low-carb and fresh. They also complement the savory flavors of the skillet. This blog post covered everything you need for making a tasty Keto Chicken Olive Skillet. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. You learned how to store your leftovers and even saw fun variations. Remember, use quality ingredients and follow the cooking times closely. With these tips, you’ll make a great meal every time. Enjoy your cooking and share your results! Simple dishes can bring joy to any table.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Combination: This dish combines the briny taste of green olives with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a delightful medley that complements the chicken perfectly.
  2. Keto-Friendly: With low carbs and high fat content, this recipe fits seamlessly into a ketogenic lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without guilt.
  3. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  4. One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup, making this recipe as practical as it is tasty!

Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients

Here’s what you need for your keto chicken olive skillet:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved

– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tips for ingredient substitutions

You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas:

– Chicken thighs: Use chicken breasts for a leaner option.

– Green olives: Black olives work too, for a different taste.

– Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can replace them, just chop finely.

– Olive oil: Avocado oil is a great substitute for cooking.

– Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if you’re short on time.

Nutritional information per serving

Each serving of this tasty dish has:

– Calories: 350

– Protein: 30 grams

– Total fat: 22 grams

– Carbohydrates: 8 grams

– Fiber: 2 grams

– Net carbs: 6 grams

This dish is low in carbs and high in flavor, perfect for a keto diet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed cooking instructions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key to achieving that perfect sear on the chicken. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano on both sides. This adds depth to the flavor.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn a golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and halved green olives. Stir it all well and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a rich, savory base for your chicken.

Next, return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it among the olive and tomato mixture. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove it from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cooking times and temperatures

– Prep time: 10 minutes

– Cook time: 15 minutes

– Total time: 25 minutes

– Cooking temperature: Medium-high heat for skillet cooking

Visual cues for doneness

To check if your chicken is done, look for a golden brown color on each side. The juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

Tips & Tricks

How to perfect the skillet chicken

To get the best chicken, start with good quality thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. This adds great flavor. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F.

Common mistakes to avoid

One mistake is overcrowding the skillet. This can make the chicken steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. Another common error is not letting the chicken rest. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Also, don’t skip the garlic step. Sautéing it brings out its rich flavor.

Recommended cooking tools and utensils

You’ll need a large skillet for this dish. A cast-iron skillet works great. It holds heat well and gives good browning. Have a good set of measuring spoons handy for accuracy. You’ll also want a meat thermometer. This tool ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly. Finally, use a sturdy spatula for flipping the chicken. It makes handling easier.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs: For extra flavor and moisture, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones add depth to the dish while cooking.
  2. Marinate Ahead: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour with olive oil, garlic, and spices can enhance the flavor significantly. If time permits, marinate overnight for the best results.
  3. Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the rich ingredients.
  4. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations

Low-carb variations for additional flavors

You can easily add new tastes to the Keto Chicken Olive Skillet. Try using different olives, like kalamata or black olives. These olives have a rich flavor that can enhance your dish. Add spices like crushed red pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also toss in some fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, to change the flavor profile. Each small change can make a big difference.

Alternative protein options (e.g., turkey, pork)

If you want to switch up the protein, turkey and pork work great. Use boneless, skinless turkey thighs for a leaner option. They cook in a similar way and soak up the flavors nicely. For pork, use tenderloin or chops. Just make sure to adjust cooking times since these cuts may cook faster than chicken. The goal is to keep things juicy and delicious.

Vegetarian adaptations for the dish

To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. You could use eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté these veggies in olive oil until they are soft. Then, follow the same steps with garlic, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. This way, you still get the vibrant flavors of the original dish, but in a plant-based form. It’s a tasty option for veggie lovers!

Storage Info

Best practices for storing leftovers

To keep your Keto Chicken Olive Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. This prevents moisture from building up, which can lead to sogginess. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

How to reheat the dish properly

When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for the best taste. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just cover the dish and heat it in short bursts, checking often.

Freezing tips for long-term storage

If you want to store the dish for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure it is safe to eat. The flavors will still blend well with the olives and tomatoes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it. Divide the chicken and sauce into containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy meal later.

What sides pair well with Keto Chicken Olive Skillet?

Several sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas:

– Zucchini noodles

– Cauliflower rice

– Steamed broccoli

– A simple green salad

These options keep your meal low-carb and fresh. They also complement the savory flavors of the skillet.

This blog post covered everything you need for making a tasty Keto Chicken Olive Skillet. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. You learned how to store your leftovers and even saw fun variations. Remember, use quality ingredients and follow the cooking times closely. With these tips, you’ll make a great meal every time. Enjoy your cooking and share your results! Simple dishes can bring joy to any tabl

Here’s what you need for your keto chicken olive skillet: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken thighs: Use chicken breasts for a leaner option. - Green olives: Black olives work too, for a different taste. - Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can replace them, just chop finely. - Olive oil: Avocado oil is a great substitute for cooking. - Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if you're short on time. Each serving of this tasty dish has: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30 grams - Total fat: 22 grams - Carbohydrates: 8 grams - Fiber: 2 grams - Net carbs: 6 grams This dish is low in carbs and high in flavor, perfect for a keto diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key to achieving that perfect sear on the chicken. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano on both sides. This adds depth to the flavor. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to turn a golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and halved green olives. Stir it all well and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a rich, savory base for your chicken. Next, return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it among the olive and tomato mixture. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove it from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes - Total time: 25 minutes - Cooking temperature: Medium-high heat for skillet cooking To check if your chicken is done, look for a golden brown color on each side. The juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. To get the best chicken, start with good quality thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. This adds great flavor. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F. One mistake is overcrowding the skillet. This can make the chicken steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. Another common error is not letting the chicken rest. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Also, don’t skip the garlic step. Sautéing it brings out its rich flavor. You’ll need a large skillet for this dish. A cast-iron skillet works great. It holds heat well and gives good browning. Have a good set of measuring spoons handy for accuracy. You’ll also want a meat thermometer. This tool ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly. Finally, use a sturdy spatula for flipping the chicken. It makes handling easier. Pro Tips Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs: For extra flavor and moisture, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones add depth to the dish while cooking. Marinate Ahead: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour with olive oil, garlic, and spices can enhance the flavor significantly. If time permits, marinate overnight for the best results. Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the rich ingredients. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. {{image_2}} You can easily add new tastes to the Keto Chicken Olive Skillet. Try using different olives, like kalamata or black olives. These olives have a rich flavor that can enhance your dish. Add spices like crushed red pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also toss in some fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, to change the flavor profile. Each small change can make a big difference. If you want to switch up the protein, turkey and pork work great. Use boneless, skinless turkey thighs for a leaner option. They cook in a similar way and soak up the flavors nicely. For pork, use tenderloin or chops. Just make sure to adjust cooking times since these cuts may cook faster than chicken. The goal is to keep things juicy and delicious. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. You could use eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté these veggies in olive oil until they are soft. Then, follow the same steps with garlic, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. This way, you still get the vibrant flavors of the original dish, but in a plant-based form. It's a tasty option for veggie lovers! To keep your Keto Chicken Olive Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. This prevents moisture from building up, which can lead to sogginess. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for the best taste. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just cover the dish and heat it in short bursts, checking often. If you want to store the dish for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure it is safe to eat. The flavors will still blend well with the olives and tomatoes. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it. Divide the chicken and sauce into containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy meal later. Several sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Zucchini noodles - Cauliflower rice - Steamed broccoli - A simple green salad These options keep your meal low-carb and fresh. They also complement the savory flavors of the skillet. This blog post covered everything you need for making a tasty Keto Chicken Olive Skillet. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. You learned how to store your leftovers and even saw fun variations. Remember, use quality ingredients and follow the cooking times closely. With these tips, you’ll make a great meal every time. Enjoy your cooking and share your results! Simple dishes can bring joy to any table.

Keto Chicken Olive Skillet

A delicious and healthy skillet dish featuring chicken thighs, green olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a keto diet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano on both sides.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and green olives to the skillet and stir well, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the olive and tomato mixture. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, healthy, keto, olive, skillet

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