1. Preheat oven to 375 deg F. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a very large, oven safe skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until nicely browned on both sides. (If you don’t have a large enough skillet, cook in batches and transfer chicken to a 3 quart baking dish).
3. Add olives, olive brine, lemon juice, dates, garlic and thyme to pan. Transfer to oven and roast until chicken is done (175 deg F internal temp), about 35 minutes.