Date Me Chicken with Medjool Dates and Olives
Pan-seared crispy chicken thighs in a glossy reduction sauce with sweet Medjool dates, buttery Castelvetrano olives, fresh lemon, and thyme.
In a nutshell: This authentic mediterranean-american date me chicken with medjool dates and olives comes together in just 45 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning; moisture is the enem. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Date Me Chicken is Allrecipes' newest breakout sensation and the irresistible sweet-savory cousin to Marry Me Chicken! Crispy golden chicken thighs simmer in a luxurious white wine pan reduction infused with jammy Medjool dates, briny green Castelvetrano olives, tart sliced lemons, and fragrant fresh thyme.
Key Equipment
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- Large heavy stainless steel or cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Chef's knife
- Splatter screen
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Dry skin thoroughly: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of shatteringly crisp skin.
- Castelvetrano olives are essential: Their mild, buttery, sweet profile perfectly balances the sweetness of dates without bitter brine.
- Keep skin above the sauce: When simmering sauce, keep chicken skin exposed above the liquid so it remains ultra-crisp while meat absorbs luscious pan juices.
Ingredients
4
servings
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, about 1.5 to 1.75 lbs, patted dry
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for searing
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2 medium shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
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4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
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8 whole Medjool dates, pitted and halved lengthwise
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¾ cup Castelvetrano green olives, pitted and crushed
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1 whole lemon, thinly sliced into wheels
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½ cup dry white wine, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
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¾ cup low-sodium chicken bone broth, rich flavor
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5 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
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1 tsp kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, divided
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Season Chicken Thighs
Thoroughly pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Crisp Chicken Skin
Heat olive oil in a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in hot oil. Sear undisturbed for 8-10 minutes until skin is deeply golden, rendered, and crisp. Flip and cook 3 minutes on second side. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
Sauté Aromatics & Deglaze
Pour off excess chicken grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in skillet. Reduce heat to medium, add sliced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Pour in white wine, scraping up all browned fond from the bottom of skillet. Simmer 2 minutes until reduced by half.
Add Dates, Olives & Broth
Pour in chicken broth, halved Medjool dates, crushed Castelvetrano olives, lemon slices, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir to combine and bring pan sauce to a simmer.
Simmer to Perfection
Nestle chicken thighs back into skillet skin-side up, keeping the crisp skin above the sauce liquid. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 175°F internal temperature and dates become caramelized and jammy. Spoon glossy sauce around chicken and serve immediately!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
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Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Sear boneless chicken breasts 5-6 minutes per side until golden, remove, build sauce, and simmer together for 3-4 minutes until cooked to 165°F.
Substitute white wine with high-quality low-sodium chicken bone broth plus 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for acidity.
Serve with fluffy couscous, garlic mashed potatoes, basmati rice, or warm crusty sourdough to soak up every drop of date-olive pan glaze.
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