Name: Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or ½ teaspoon ground sage); 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves); ½ teaspoon onion powder or ¼ cup chopped onion; ⅓ cup olive oil (increase to ½ cup if blending with fresh onion); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard or honey mustard (if using Dijon, add 1 teaspoon honey); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but recommended for extra brightness); 1 ½ lbs skinless chicken thighs (see notes for chicken breast adjustments); ½ cup pitted green olives; ¼ cup sliced yellow onion; Lemon slices for topping; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 Tablespoon olive oil for searing

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

There is something truly irresistible about the bright, herbaceous flavors in this Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe. The marriage of fresh lemon zest, fragrant sage, briny olives, and caramelized onions creates a dish that is both comforting and invigorating. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, these chicken thighs deliver a juicy, savory experience that feels special without any complicated fuss. This one-skillet marvel is about to become your go-to weeknight recipe for good reason.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four pieces of raw chicken thighs with smooth, light pink skin rest closely together in a white bowl. Above the bowl, slightly to the right, sits a small white bowl containing green olives that shine with a light gloss. To the upper left of the olives, another small white bowl holds a thick, pale yellow sauce with a slightly uneven texture. To the upper right of this bowl, there is one whole light brown onion with a dry stem end. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe proves that flavor comes from quality and balance rather than complexity. Each component plays a vital role: fresh sage and lemon juice brighten the dish, while olives and onions add savory depth and texture.

Fresh sage (2 tablespoons chopped): The star herb adding earthy and aromatic notes that pair beautifully with lemon.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings a vibrant, tangy freshness that brightens every bite.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory complexity with a subtle pungency.
Onion powder or sliced onion (½ teaspoon or ¼ cup): Adds a gentle sweetness and body to the marinade.
Olive oil (⅓ to ½ cup): Creates a luscious, creamy marinade that also helps achieve a golden sear.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors.
Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky warmth and color.
Dijon mustard or honey mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a mild tang and complexity, with optional sweetness when using honey mustard.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon, optional but recommended): Packs an extra punch of citrus aroma and brightness.
Skinless chicken thighs (1½ lbs): Juicy and tender, the perfect vehicle for all these delicious flavors.
Pitted green olives (½ cup): Salty, briny bursts that contrast beautifully with the rich chicken.
Sliced yellow onion (¼ cup): Offers sweetness and a silky texture during cooking.
Lemon slices (for topping): Decorative and flavorful accents that roast beautifully in the oven.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon for searing): Necessary for that initial golden crust on the chicken.

How to Make Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Lemon Sage Sauce

Start by blending fresh sage, lemon juice, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, pepper, and mustard until smooth. As you blend, slowly drizzle in olive oil to create a creamy, aromatic marinade that will infuse your chicken with bold flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry to ensure a beautiful sear later. Coat them evenly with the lemon sage marinade and let them soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This is where the magic really starts, as the meat tenderizes and takes on the vibrant herb-citrus character.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken and Onions

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet until shimmering, then add the sliced onions and chicken. Sear each side until golden and irresistible. This step locks in juices and builds the foundation of flavor that will carry through the entire dish.

Step 4: Add Olives, Lemon, and Roast to Perfection

Scatter the green olives around the chicken thighs and top with lemon slices for a fresh citrus burst. Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a juicy internal temperature of 165°F. You can even broil briefly at the end for a crisp, caramelized finish.

How to Serve Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe

A black cast iron pan holds three browned chicken thighs, each with a sunny yellow lemon slice on top. Scattered around the chicken are glossy green olives and some thin white onion slices showing underneath. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out. The chicken looks juicy with a nice golden crust, and the lemon slices add a fresh, bright touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a lovely pop of color. Those golden lemon slices roasted on top are as attractive as they are tasty, making for a beautiful presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with rustic roasted potatoes, fluffy couscous, or a fresh green salad to balance the savory richness of the chicken. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans also bring lovely texture and freshness alongside the olives and onions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe family-style straight from the skillet for a warm, convivial feel. Alternatively, plate each thigh over creamy polenta or quinoa for a colorful, restaurant-worthy touch that is sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This dish maintains its vibrant flavors beautifully when stored properly, making for quick, delicious meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken thighs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken, or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the chicken juicy and the olive-onion blend fresh tasting.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted, but marinate them for at least one hour and adjust cooking time to about 30-35 minutes in the oven to ensure they stay juicy without drying out.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally dairy-free since it relies on olive oil and mustard. Just be sure your Dijon or honey mustard does not contain any hidden dairy ingredients.

What type of olives work best?

Pitted green olives are ideal for their mild briny flavor that balances the lemon and sage perfectly, but you can experiment with Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives for a slightly different taste.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, the lemon sage marinade can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before tossing with the chicken to ensure the flavors blend well.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Ground sage works in a pinch—use about half a teaspoon, but fresh sage really elevates the flavor profile and adds beautiful herbal notes that dried forms can’t quite replicate.

Final Thoughts

Give the Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe a try soon and discover how a few fresh ingredients can transform a simple chicken dinner into a celebration of flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels both cozy and elegant, perfect for any occasion when you want to serve something effortlessly delicious. Once you taste those tender, lemon-kissed thighs, this recipe just might become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Lemon Sage Chicken Thighs with Olives and Onions Recipe