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Pollo al Limone e Olive Pollo al Limone e Olive: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Pollo al Limone e Olive

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed: Skillet, measuring cups, cutting board, chef’s knife, serving platter

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup green olives pitted and halved
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Method
  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  • Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • Step 2: Create the Sauce
  • Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add Lemon Juice and Broth: Pour in the lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this adds flavor!).
  • Incorporate the Olives: Add the halved olives to the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Step 3: Combine and Cook
  • Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Let Stand: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors.
  • Step 4: Serve
  • Plate the Dish: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with the sauce from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley.
  • Enjoy! Serve warm, ideally with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
  • Variations
  • Herb Variations: Feel free to add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Olive Choices: Swap green olives for kalamata olives for a different taste.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like eggplant and follow the same cooking method.