There’s something instantly comforting about a dish that comes together in one pan and delivers layers of vibrant, bold flavors. This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe is exactly that—simple, speedy, and packed with a creamy, tangy roasted red pepper sauce that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe has become one of my go-tos on busy weeknights and for good reason. It's a no-fuss, all-in-one meal that doesn’t skimp on Mediterranean flair. I love how the roasted red pepper sauce brings out a rich, creamy flavor that’s both comforting and fresh at the same time.
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and stress for you.
- Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The roasted red pepper and cream sauce feels indulgent but comes together quickly.
- Customizable & Versatile: Use thighs or breasts, and add your favorite herbs or cheese toppings to make it yours.
- Perfect for Any Night: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great for busy families or casual dinner parties alike.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a vital role in creating that luscious, balanced flavor. The roasted red peppers provide a smoky sweetness, while the garlic and Italian seasoning add that signature Mediterranean zest. Here’s why I choose each ingredient and what to look for when shopping.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Using jarred roasted red peppers saves time and adds a deep smoky sweetness that's hard to beat.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that hits all the familiar Mediterranean notes with minimal effort.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with savory aroma and bold flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and silkiness to balance the acidity of the peppers.
- Feta Cheese (Optional): Crumbled feta adds a salty tang that complements the creamy pepper sauce beautifully.
- Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds a fresh, bright herbal note that opens up the dish.
- Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and boosting all the flavors to perfection.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with everything from swapping cheeses to adding veggies right into the skillet to stretch the meal and boost nutrition.
- Add Vegetables: I often toss in some halved cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach near the end for a pop of color and freshness.
- Switch Proteins: Occasionally, I use boneless turkey thighs or even firm tofu for a twist on the classic.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the feta to make this dairy-free but still lovely.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have basil, fresh parsley or oregano also brighten the dish nicely.
Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Roasted Pepper Sauce Base
Start by combining your jarred roasted red peppers with half of the Italian seasoning, oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. I like to pulse until super smooth—this makes the sauce velvety and luxurious. Don’t skip this step because it’s the flavor powerhouse of the dish!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grease your skillet with a little olive oil. Season the chicken thighs or breasts with the remaining Italian seasoning. Then cook over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside and perfectly cooked through. I always check for that slight springiness and an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Combine
Pour the blended roasted pepper mixture into the skillet and stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Then, add the heavy cream and keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing, trust me. Toss the cooked chicken back into the pan and coat it thoroughly with the sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a scattering of crumbled feta and fresh basil leaves if you’re using them. These little touches add color, texture, and that characteristic tangy burst that takes the entire dish to the next level. I serve it right from the skillet so everyone can dive in!
Top Tip
Over the years, cooking this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee success and flavor every single time. These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Letting the roasted pepper and cream mixture gently thicken really makes a difference for smooth, rich texture.
- Use a Heavy Skillet: A thick-bottomed pan prevents burning the sauce while you simmer, and keeps heat even when cooking chicken.
- Keep Chicken Warm: Covering the chicken after cooking lets the juices redistribute so your bird stays juicy when tossed in the sauce.
- Season Thoughtfully: Taste your sauce before adding chicken back in—sometimes a pinch more salt or Italian seasoning boosts flavor beautifully.
How to Serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for simple but vibrant garnishes—crumbled feta brings that salty, creamy pop that contrasts the smooth sauce perfectly. Fresh basil is my personal favorite herb to sprinkle on top last minute for a burst of herbal brightness and pretty green color. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil finishes the dish with that classic Mediterranean touch.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce. Sometimes, I serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a full Mediterranean experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I love plating the chicken over a bed of herbed quinoa or swirling the sauce over a nest of pasta. You can also elevate the look by adding pomegranate seeds or pine nuts on top—they bring a touch of sparkle and crunch that guests always ask about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to cool the chicken fully before refrigerating to keep it juicy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times—just pop it into a freezer-safe container without the fresh herbs. When thawed and reheated, the sauce stays rich and creamy, and the chicken remains tender if reheated gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or extra cream can refresh the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving on high as that can dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, boneless breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying them out.
Yes, jarred roasted red peppers are perfect for this recipe and save you the hassle of roasting them yourself. Just make sure to drain them a little to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
You can easily make it dairy-free by swapping heavy cream for coconut cream or another non-dairy creamer, and skipping the feta cheese garnish. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.
I recommend cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. The outside should be lightly browned but not burnt. Using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out!
Yes! The roasted pepper sauce can be blended and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Just reheat gently and add the cream before adding the chicken back to finish the dish.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe truly feels like a hug from the Mediterranean kitchen—comforting yet vibrant, easy yet impressive. I hope you’ll give it a whirl soon and find that it quickly becomes your own quick-fix favorite, just like it did for me. Cooking should be joyful and rewarding, and this dish ticks all those boxes while filling your home with irresistible aromas.
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One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a flavorful and creamy dish made with tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich roasted red pepper and heavy cream sauce, garnished with feta cheese and fresh basil for an authentic Mediterranean touch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a perfect main course for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- ⅔ cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- Thinly sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the red pepper sauce: Combine roasted red peppers, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth to create a creamy red pepper base.
- Cook the chicken: Grease a large skillet and season the chicken with the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm by covering it.
- Finish the sauce: Transfer the blended red pepper mixture to the same skillet and stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it thoroughly in the creamy red pepper sauce to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced fresh basil over the top just before serving to add a fresh, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- This dish is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful option for busy weeknights.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts for thighs depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, you can reduce the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Roasted red peppers can be store-bought jarred peppers to save time.
- Feta cheese and fresh basil garnish add authentic Mediterranean flavor but can be omitted if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 613 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 962 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 51 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg
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