Chicken Olivye
There’s something so comforting about the Chicken Olivye that takes me back to family gatherings and sunny picnics. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up this delicious dish, a delightful twist on the classic chicken potato salad that my family adored. The combination of tender chicken, crisp potatoes, and vibrant veggies, all enveloped in creamy mayonnaise, always had me coming back for seconds. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, bringing everyone together at the table. Whenever I make it now, I can almost hear her laughter and smell her kitchen filled with love. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a holiday feast, or just a simple weeknight dinner, Chicken Olivye never fails to impress. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also sparks joy through its nostalgia.
Recipe Snapshot
42 mins
30 mins
12 mins
Easy
320 kcal
22 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
15 g
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Peeler, Cutting Board, Large Pot, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Saucepan
Why We Love This Chicken Olivye
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s a reason why Chicken Olivye holds a special place in many hearts. This dish is the embodiment of comfort food, merging flavors and textures that create a symphony on the palate. The chicken offers protein, while potatoes provide that earthy, hearty base that balances everything perfectly. Each bite is a reminder of home, making it a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. You can easily adjust the ingredients to make it your own, yet it retains that traditional comfort we all love.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What I love about Chicken Olivye is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish at a summertime barbecue, as part of a festive holiday spread, or even as a quick lunch option. No matter the occasion, this dish shines brightly and brings people together. It’s one of those recipes that can be the star or simply a fantastic complement to a larger meal.
Healthy Yet Indulgent
It’s hard to believe that something as indulgent as Chicken Olivye can also be nutritious. Packed with vegetables like carrots and peas, and enriched with protein from eggs and chicken, it balances indulgence with health. The fresh dill adds an aromatic touch, elevating the dish without overwhelming it. This makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a bit of richness in their meals without the guilt.
Simple to Prepare
Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, Chicken Olivye is a breeze to prepare. With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll feel accomplished and proud when you serve it. This dish allows for creativity; you can add or modify ingredients based on your preferences, making it a fun and personalized experience.
Great for Leftovers
One of the best parts about making Chicken Olivye is that it tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, making leftovers a treat. Whether you enjoy it cold or at room temperature, it’s a dish that keeps on giving, satisfying your cravings long after it’s made.
Ingredients Overview for Chicken Olivye

When it comes to crafting the perfect Chicken Olivye, the selection of ingredients makes all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The key players in this dish include tender chicken, hearty potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, all coming together to create a dish that’s not only tasty but also deeply satisfying.
- Chicken: About 2 medium chicken breasts, or you can opt for store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. The chicken provides the protein that makes this dish filling.
- Potatoes: Three medium to large russet potatoes, peeled. The potatoes add a creamy texture and absorb flavors well.
- Carrots: Three large carrots, peeled. They bring sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.
- Peas: Two cups of thawed frozen peas. These add a pop of freshness and a lovely green color.
- Eggs: Five large eggs, boiled and diced. They contribute protein and creaminess.
- Dill Pickles: Twelve baby dill pickles, diced. They provide a tangy crunch that enhances the flavors.
- Onion: One small yellow onion, finely diced. This adds depth and a slight sharpness.
- Dill: One-quarter cup of chopped fresh dill. Fresh herbs brighten the dish immensely.
- Mayonnaise: One cup, or to taste. The mayonnaise binds all the ingredients together and adds creaminess.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon or to taste. Essential for enhancing flavors.
- Pepper: One-quarter teaspoon or to taste. Adds a mild spice to the dish.
Step by Step Guide for Chicken Olivye

Preparing the Chicken Olivye is a straightforward yet rewarding process. As you follow these steps, you’ll enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen, making the anticipation all the more exciting. Let’s dive into making this classic dish come to life.
First, place the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan. If the breasts are large, cut them in half to ensure they cook evenly. Cover them with water and add one teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for around fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You want it tender and easily shreddable. Once done, drain the chicken and let it rest until cool enough to handle before dicing it into bite-sized pieces. If you opt for rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and chop the meat into pieces.
While the chicken is cooking, peel and finely dice the carrots. Then, peel and dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. In a medium pot, cover the diced carrots and potatoes with water, add one teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook uncovered for about ten to twelve minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place them on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Now it’s time to mix everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, carrots, and potatoes. Add in the remaining ingredients: two cups of thawed peas, five diced eggs, twelve diced dill pickles, finely diced onion, and one-quarter cup of chopped fresh dill. The colors should be vibrant, and the aroma should start to fill the air, teasing your senses.
Finally, stir in the mayonnaise. You can adjust the amount according to your preference for creaminess. Add the salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated and distributed. The mayonnaise should lightly cover all ingredients without overwhelming them.
Things Worth Knowing
Things Worth Knowing
- Texture Variations: Feel free to add crunch by incorporating chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Chill Time: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of mustard to the mayonnaise.
- Make Ahead: Chicken Olivye can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Recipe Tips about Chicken Olivye

To ensure your Chicken Olivye turns out perfectly every time, I’ve compiled some helpful tips. These will guide you through the process and enhance your overall experience.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop!
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze Chicken Olivye as the texture of the vegetables may change. However, you can freeze the chicken separately if needed.
- Pairing: Serve Chicken Olivye with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to create a balanced meal.
- Serving Temperature: While it can be enjoyed cold, some prefer it at room temperature, allowing the flavors to shine.
- Variations: Try adding chopped apples or grapes for a sweet twist, or switch up the fresh herbs for a unique flavor.
- Cooking Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the most flavor when boiling, though boneless works just as well.
What to Serve With Chicken Olivye
When serving Chicken Olivye, you have many options to complement this hearty dish. Here are some ideas:
- Light Salads: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread to dunk into the creamy salad.
- Potato Dishes: Roasted or mashed potatoes can be a delightful pairing, enhancing the meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add a side of grilled vegetables for a colorful and healthy addition.
- Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickles or pickled onions will enhance the meal’s flavor profile.
- Chilled Soups: A chilled cucumber soup can be a refreshing start before the Chicken Olivye.
- Occasions: This dish works beautifully for picnics, family gatherings, or as a side at potlucks.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Olivye is a delightful dish that brings warmth, comfort, and rich flavor to your table. Its creamy texture and variety of ingredients make it a favorite among many, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this dish yourself; you’ll not only enjoy the process but also create wonderful memories with family and friends around the table.

Chicken Olivye
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, place the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan. If the breasts are large, cut them in half to ensure they cook evenly. Cover them with water and add one teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for around fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You want it tender and easily shreddable. Once done, drain the chicken and let it rest until cool enough to handle before dicing it into bite-sized pieces. If you opt for rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and chop the meat into pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, peel and finely dice the carrots. Then, peel and dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. In a medium pot, cover the diced carrots and potatoes with water, add one teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook uncovered for about ten to twelve minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place them on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
- Now it’s time to mix everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, carrots, and potatoes. Add in the remaining ingredients: two cups of thawed peas, five diced eggs, twelve diced dill pickles, finely diced onion, and one-quarter cup of chopped fresh dill. The colors should be vibrant, and the aroma should start to fill the air, teasing your senses.
- Finally, stir in the mayonnaise. You can adjust the amount according to your preference for creaminess. Add the salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated and distributed. The mayonnaise should lightly cover all ingredients without overwhelming them.


