Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining juicy chicken with colorful vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and even better as leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
2. Step 2: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until soft and tender.
5. Step 5: Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
6. Step 6: Stir in cherry tomatoes, drained capers, and fresh spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Step 7: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine into a creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Add grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
9. Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and warm through for about 2 minutes.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream to lighten the sauce.
• If you don’t like capers, chopped green olives or a splash of lemon juice make a great briny alternative.
• To thicken the sauce more, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
• Adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can boost nutrition and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. This dish pairs well with rice or pasta for an easy meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for a juicier option. You can also try turkey or pork, though cooking times may vary based on the thickness.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use half-and-half or low-fat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for fewer calories. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli increases nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Is there a good substitute for capers?

Chopped green olives provide a similar briny taste. Alternatively, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish if you prefer to omit capers entirely.

Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 67 reviews

This Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and briny capers, all enveloped in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup and fantastic leftovers.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch & Light Meals
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to create the perfect base for cooking the chicken evenly without sticking.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and lightly browned, adding depth to the dish.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Stir in Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes, drained capers, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
7. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy mixture.
8. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring often.
9. Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Warm through for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the dish, then serve warm with the sauce and vegetables spooned over the chicken.

Notes

• Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
• Substitute chicken thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
• To lighten, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream alternatives.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with added broth or cream if needed.
• Capers can be replaced with chopped green olives or a splash of lemon juice.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, chicken with spinach and mushrooms, Mediterranean dinner, quick skillet meals