Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe·5 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted a dish that feels both cozy and a little fancy, let me introduce you to my beloved Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe. This recipe is the perfect blend of juicy roasted chicken, infused with garlic butter, and topped with a fresh, zesty lemon olive dressing that takes it to a whole new level. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a staple in your rotation — it’s that good and surprisingly straightforward!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The rich garlic butter perfectly marries with the tangy lemon olive dressing, creating a harmonious burst of taste.
  • Simple But Impressive: With just a handful of ingredients, you get a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatility: Works equally well with thighs or breasts, skin on or off, so you can make it your own easily.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: The fresh parsley, oregano, and basil pack in a bright, herby freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing, garlic butter chicken, lemon olive dressing, easy chicken dinner, flavorful chicken recipes - The image shows a baking tray filled with nine cooked chicken thighs, some with crispy browned skin and others with a lighter color, all sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper. Scattered around the chicken are several slices and halves of lemon, showing charred caramelized edges and juicy yellow centers. There are also some roasted garlic cloves with a light brown char on their skin. The tray has a slightly worn look with bits of cooking oil and seasoning on the surface. The photo has a close-up view with warm natural light, highlighting the textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe is all about fresh, quality ingredients coming together. The olive oil and butter provide richness, while the fresh herbs and lemon brighten everything up. Choose ingredients thoughtfully, like fresh garlic over jarred, and if you can find good olives, they make a noticeable difference.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing, garlic butter chicken, lemon olive dressing, easy chicken dinner, flavorful chicken recipes - Flat lay of six boneless chicken thighs with skin on, six whole garlic cloves, two finely chopped garlic cloves in a small white bowl, a small bowl of fresh chopped parsley, a small bowl of fresh chopped oregano, two halved lemons, one lemon sliced, six small slices of salted butter, a small bowl of fresh chopped basil, a small bowl of roughly chopped green olives, a small white bowl with extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with apple cider vinegar, a few red pepper flakes scattered neatly, and several chunks of fresh goat cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are juicier, but breasts work if you want leaner; just keep sizes similar for even cooking.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and richness—go for a good quality one here.
  • Garlic: Both finely chopped and whole cloves—provides deep roasted garlic flavor plus fresh pungency.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds that signature herbaceous note.
  • Fresh oregano: Adds earthiness and pairs beautifully with the lemon.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
  • Lemons: Both halved for roasting and sliced for the dressing—gives bright citrus punch.
  • Salted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken gloriously.
  • Fresh basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that complements the other herbs.
  • Green olives: Roughly chopped to add briny depth and a nice texture contrast.
  • Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar: Gives acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness.
  • Fish sauce (optional): Adds umami depth but can be skipped if you prefer.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch for mild heat that wakes up the dressing.
  • Goat cheese: Broken into chunks on top for creamy, tangy richness that’s irresistible.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own by switching up the herbs or playing with the heat level. You can really make the dressing your signature by adding more or less lemon, or swapping those green olives for kalamata olives for a deeper flavor.

  • Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap fresh thyme or rosemary for oregano for a slightly different herb profile.
  • Heat Levels: If you’re a fan of spicy, I bump up the crushed red pepper flakes — just a pinch more can add a nice kick without overpowering.
  • Dietary mods: For dairy-free, skip the goat cheese and butter or use plant-based alternatives—you’ll still get that great roasted garlic flavor.
  • Seasonal adjustments: In summer, swapping lemon for some lime gives a fun twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F — this high heat gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, finely chopped garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Getting everything evenly coated here is key for flavor in every bite! Arrange halved lemons and whole smashed garlic cloves all around the chicken. I like to add a slice of butter on each piece of chicken for that luscious, buttery finish as it roasts.

Step 2: Roast Until Perfectly Juicy

Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, depending on your chicken size and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. Keep an eye on the lemons and garlic cloves — you want them nicely charred but not burnt. The chicken is done when its juices run clear or an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F. A crisp skin or slightly golden edges is your visual clue that it’s time to come out.

Step 3: Whip Up the Lemon Olive Dressing

While the chicken roasts, combine the remaining olive oil, chopped parsley, oregano, basil, green olives, apple cider vinegar, and fish sauce if you’re using it, in a bowl. Remove the charred lemon slices and garlic cloves from the chicken tray, chop the lemons finely (rind and all), and add half to the dressing. Mash the roasted garlic to a paste and stir that in too — this adds so much mellow garlicky goodness. Season with crushed red pepper flakes and salt, then adjust with more lemon if you like it zestier.

Step 4: Serve with Goat Cheese and Dressing

Plate each piece of chicken, spoon the bright lemon olive dressing generously over the top, and scatter chunks of creamy goat cheese for a tangy, velvety contrast. The mix of roasted warmth from the chicken and fresh brightness from the dressing will have you hooked from the first bite. I usually serve it with some crusty bread to mop up all those lovely juices.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

  • Even Chicken Sizes: Picking pieces of similar size ensures they all cook through evenly without drying out any one piece.
  • Don’t Skip Roasting the Garlic Whole: The whole cloves mellow and sweeten as they roast, layering the dish’s garlic flavor in a subtle way.
  • Watch the Lemons: Char but don’t burn — it adds a smoky bitterness that balances the dressing’s brightness.
  • Use a Thermometer: Helps nail perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out—165°F is your safe and juicy target.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing, garlic butter chicken, lemon olive dressing, easy chicken dinner, flavorful chicken recipes - A white bowl filled with a dish made of three white soft cheese pieces, covered with a green herb sauce that has small bits of herbs and nuts scattered throughout. The sauce looks oily and thick, coating the cheese and the rest of the bowl. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, lifting one cheese piece slightly. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with small green leaves and coarse salt sprinkled around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often finish this dish with a little extra chopped parsley for color and freshness, plus a few extra olives scattered on top. A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving never hurts either — it elevates the whole thing and makes it shine.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this chicken with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness. Roasted potatoes or fluffy couscous soak up any leftover dressing perfectly. Sometimes, I even serve it alongside grilled asparagus or steamed green beans for a green veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a mound of herbed quinoa. Arranging the roasted lemons and garlic decoratively on the platter adds a rustic, inviting look that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken texture happy and the dressing fresh without it soaking in too much or getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken without the dressing wrapped tightly in foil or placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I usually skip freezing the dressing as fresh herbs and olives don’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil to keep it moist. Then, add the dressing and goat cheese fresh before serving to keep all those bright, fresh flavors alive.

FAQs

  1. Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well — just note that the skin adds extra crispness and flavor as it roasts, so cooking times might be a little shorter without it. Keep an eye on those to avoid drying out.

  2. Is fish sauce necessary in the lemon olive dressing?

    No, it’s optional. Fish sauce adds umami depth and complexity, but you can skip it if you prefer or follow a vegetarian diet — the dressings’ other ingredients are flavorful enough to stand on their own.

  3. How do I prevent the garlic from burning during roasting?

    Using whole cloves of garlic rather than finely chopped ones in the roasting step is key—they roast slowly and mellow instead of burning quickly. And keeping a watchful eye on the garlic while roasting helps avoid any bitterness from over-charring.

  4. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

    Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, so as long as your vinegar and fish sauce brands are certified gluten-free, you’re good to go.

  5. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

    Leftovers make fantastic salads—slice the chicken and toss it with some greens, olives, and a drizzle of the lemon olive dressing for a quick, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is exciting. I love how the lemon brightens the garlic butter chicken without overpowering it, and the fresh herbs and olives make every bite sing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser in my house. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—because once you’ve tasted this, it’ll be hard to settle for anything less!

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

This Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing is a flavorful and juicy chicken dish roasted to perfection with aromatic garlic and butter, complemented by a zesty lemon olive dressing and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Roasting

  • 6 boneless chicken thighs and/or breasts, skin on or off (choose similar sizes for even cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into 6 pieces
  • 4 whole garlic cloves, smashed

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green olives, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • remaining chopped lemon from sliced lemon (about half)
  • garlic paste made from smashed garlic
  • salt, to taste

To Serve

  • 4 ounces goat cheese, broken into chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the chicken.
  2. Prepare Chicken: On a rimmed baking sheet, combine chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped oregano, and a large pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly, then arrange lemon halves, lemon slices, and smashed garlic cloves around the chicken. Add one slice of butter on top of each chicken piece.
  3. Roast Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the lemons are charred. Monitor the lemons and garlic to prevent burning.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix together the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 3/4 cup parsley, 2 tablespoons oregano, chopped basil, chopped olives, vinegar, and fish sauce if using. Finely chop the charred lemon slices (discard seeds) and add half to the dressing. Mash the roasted garlic cloves into a paste and stir into the dressing. Season with crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Adjust lemon quantity to taste.
  5. Serve: Remove charred lemons and garlic from the baking sheet. Serve each chicken piece topped with goat cheese chunks and spoon the lemon olive dressing over the top for a bright and savory finish.

Notes

  • You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts; bone-in will require 10-15 minutes additional cooking time.
  • If using bone-in chicken, ensure similar sizes for even cooking and verify doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature).
  • Fish sauce is optional but adds depth to the dressing; omit for a milder flavor.
  • Watch the lemon slices closely during roasting to prevent burning which can add bitterness.
  • For a saltier flavor, use salted butter; if preferred, unsalted butter can be substituted with added salt to taste.
  • The goat cheese adds creaminess and tang, but it can be omitted or replaced with feta for a different texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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