Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken and Courgette with Olives and Lemon

Ingredients for Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken and Courgette with Olives and Lemon

• 3 small courgette or summer squash (about 450g .)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 110ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 4 skin-on, boneless chicken thighs (if unavailable, remove bones from skin-on, bone-in thighs with kitchen shears)

• 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1 Fresno chilli, thinly sliced

• 40g Castelvetrano olives, smashed, pits removed, torn

• 1 tablespoon oregano leaves

• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cut courgette in half lengthwise. Using the tip of your knife, deeply score cut sides in a crosshatch pattern, spacing about 1/2" apart. Toss courgette and 1 teaspoon salt in a colander set over a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels (discard any liquid in bowl).

Meanwhile, coat a large cast-iron skillet with 1 tablespoon oil. Season chicken on all sides with 1/4 teaspoons pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt and arrange in cold skillet (skin side down) in a single layer. Heat over medium and cook, undisturbed, until skin is deep golden brown and chicken is almost cooked through, 10–12 minutes. Turn chicken and continue to cook just until cooked through and lightly browned underneath, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter (skin side up).

Arrange courgette (cut side down) in hot chicken fat in skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until surfaces are charred, 6–8 minutes. Turn and continue to cook until skin side is browned, 2–3 minutes. Transfer to platter with chicken.

Heat garlic and remaining 6 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan over medium until garlic is sizzling and just barely beginning to brown, 3–4 minutes. Add chilli and olives and cook, stirring occasionally, until chilli starts to sizzle and brown slightly, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in oregano and lemon zest.

Spoon garlic oil over courgette and chicken. Squeeze some lemon juice over and serve with additional wedges alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.