Olive Oil Braised Chicken with Garlic & Lemon
This olive oil–braised chicken is simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Bone-in chicken thighs are gently simmered with garlic and lemon until tender, creating a cozy, weeknight-friendly dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup California Olive Ranch 100% California Olive Oil
6 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
1 lemon, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
¾ cup chicken broth or water
1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
Season the chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Brown the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 6–8 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Build the braise
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to the pan and cook gently for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Add lemon slices and stir briefly.
Pour in chicken broth (or water), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return chicken to the pan and add herb sprigs.
Braise
Cover and simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish and serve
Remove from heat and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning as needed. Serve chicken with spoonfuls of the lemony olive oil braising liquid.
Tip
Serve with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or simple greens to soak up the olive oil–rich sauce.