Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of roasted chicken with sweet grapes and salty olives creates a delightful flavor contrast. The method is straightforward, using just one skillet and oven roasting, which makes cleanup easy. Plus, the grapes add a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Olive oil
Red or green grapes, halved
Pitted green olives, sliced
Medium onion, thinly sliced
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh or dried thyme
Salt and pepper
A splash of a flavorful cooking liquid (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook 5-7 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
Add Onions and Garlic: Flip chicken over. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onions soften.
Add Grapes and Olives: Stir in halved grapes and sliced olives. Sprinkle thyme evenly over the skillet.
Deglaze Pan: Pour the cooking liquid into the skillet (if using) and scrape the pan’s bottom to loosen flavorful bits.
Roast in Oven: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Rest Chicken: Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Use white grapes for a sweeter flavor or mix both red and green grapes.
Substitute green olives with Kalamata or black olives for different briny notes.
Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for extra brightness.
Incorporate fresh rosemary or oregano along with thyme for herbal complexity.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a baking dish for roasting.

Can I omit the grapes?

Yes, but grapes add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken with some spices a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.

What side dishes go well with this?

Serve alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread.

Can I use frozen grapes?

Fresh grapes are best, but frozen grapes can be used if thawed and drained well.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, it contains no dairy ingredients.

How crispy does the chicken skin get?

Searing the chicken skin until golden brown ensures it’s nice and crispy before roasting.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Chicken breasts work but tend to be less juicy and may need a shorter cooking time.

Conclusion

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Grapes & Olives is an elegant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The sweet and savory pairing combined with crispy chicken skin makes it a standout meal for any occasion. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.