Skip to main content

Chicken with Olives, Caramelized Onions, and Sage

This Mediterranean-inspired chicken with olives, caramelised onions, and sage is a masterclass in balancing sweet and savoury flavours. By slowly browning a mix of red and white onions with a touch of honey, you create a rich, jammy base that perfectly complements the salty tang of brine-cured olives. Infused with aromatic cumin, turmeric, and fresh sage, this dish offers a sophisticated depth of flavour that feels indulgent while remaining a wholesome choice for any evening meal.

As a heart-healthy main course, this recipe relies on lean protein and antioxidant-rich olive oil rather than heavy fats. It is an excellent option for weekend entertaining or a restorative Sunday lunch, as the oven does most of the hard work once the initial prep is complete. Serve it alongside a light vegetable pilaf or some crusty wholemeal bread to soak up the delicious, wine-reduced pan juices.

Poursuivre la lecture ci-dessous

Ingredients for Chicken with Olives, Caramelized Onions, and Sage

  • 2 3 1/2- to 1.7kg chickens, each cut into quarters, backbones removed

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

  • 160ml olive oil

  • 575g white onions, thinly sliced

  • 575g red onions, thinly sliced

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 750-ml bottle dry white wine, divided

  • 9 large fresh sage leaves

  • 8 large shallots, peeled

  • 8 large garlic cloves, peeled

  • 3 Turkish bay leaves

  • 3 cups assorted brine-cured Mediterranean olives (such as Kalamata and picholine)

How to make Chicken with Olives, Caramelized Onions, and Sage

Rinse chicken; pat dry. Arrange on foil. Mix cumin, salt, paprika, and turmeric in bowl. Sprinkle over both sides of chicken. Let stand while preparing onions. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add all onions. Sauté until pale golden, about 30 minutes. Mix in honey. Sauté until onions are deep brown, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat. Tilt skillet, pushing onions toward top and allowing oil to pool at bottom. Set aside 50g onions for pilaf. Using slotted spoon, spread remaining onions evenly in large roasting pan. Reserve skillet with oil.

Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 177°C. Heat oil reserved in skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown chicken, about 5 minutes per side. Arrange chicken, skin side up, in single layer atop onions in roasting pan. Remove skillet from heat.

Add 120ml wine to hot skillet. Let stand until bubbling stops. Add remaining wine. Place skillet over medium-high heat; boil until reduced to 475ml , scraping up bits, about 9 minutes. Tuck sage, shallots, garlic, and bay leaves among chicken quarters. Sprinkle with pepper. Spoon wine mixture over.

Cover pan tightly with foil and bake chicken 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle olives over chicken. Baste with juices. Return to oven, uncovered, and continue baking until chicken is tender, basting 2 more times, about 35 minutes.

Transfer chicken, vegetables, and olives to platter. Serve with pan juices.

Clause de non-responsabilité

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.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 17 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
Vérification de l'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets liés à la santé.

vérificateur de symptômes

Vous ne vous sentez pas bien ?

Évaluez gratuitement vos symptômes en ligne

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter destinée aux patients

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils santé clairs et fiables, rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez saisir une adresse e-mail valide.

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.