This Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a dish full of flavors! With tender chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich and creamy sauce, it’s a dream come true for your taste buds.
Believe me, your family will love this easy-to-make dish! I often pair it with rice or pasta, and it always feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll want to make it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for quick cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless thighs add moistness. For a meatless version, consider using chickpeas or tofu!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor to the dish. If you’re out of olive oil, use vegetable or avocado oil instead. Both are great alternatives and won’t change the taste much.
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy texture. If you’re watching calories, you can swap it for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just know it will alter the flavor slightly, but still delicious!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for a burst of color and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it beforehand. Kale is a nice option too if you want something more robust.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken breast can be tricky, but here’s how to do it! The key is to not overcrowd the skillet and to use medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken sears nicely, creating a flavorful crust.
- First, let the skillet heat before adding oil. This helps prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken undisturbed for the first 5-6 minutes to achieve that golden color.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (75°C).
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking will keep it juicy too!
Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Mediterranean chicken skillet takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. This adds great flavor right from the start!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Ingredients:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes get a little softer.
4. Adding the Greens:
Next, stir in the fresh spinach and cook it until it wilts down. This will only take a minute or two!
5. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens!
6. Finishing the Sauce:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and the juice of half a lemon. Stir the mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce starts to thicken a bit. The aroma will be wonderful!
7. Combining Everything:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some creamy sauce over the top, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving. Pair it with rice, pasta, or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Mediterranean chicken skillet that’s rich with herbs, tangy lemon, and luscious sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can submerge the sealed chicken in cold water until thawed. Pat it dry before seasoning!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. For cheese, you can try nutritional yeast to retain some cheesiness without dairy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Add More Veggies?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would all complement the dish beautifully. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the tomatoes and spinach for a delicious twist!