This Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish packed with juicy chicken and a creamy sauce made with tasty herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Yum!
Cooking this dish is like taking a mini-vacation to the Mediterranean! I love how quick it is to make—just throw it all in a skillet and enjoy a creamy feast in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a great alternative, adding a richer flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a delicious tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers can work too, just slice them up for a different but tasty twist!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Just add the yogurt at the end to avoid curdling. It’ll still bring that creamy texture but with fewer calories!
Capers: They give a nice briny bite. If you don’t enjoy capers, green olives can be substituted. They’ll provide a similar salty flavor without the tanginess.
Fresh Dill: While dill is fantastic, if you’re not a fan, you could use fresh parsley or basil instead. They’ll give the dish a fresh element in a different way!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken in a Skillet?
Cooking chicken perfectly is essential in this recipe. Here’s how you can ensure it turns out juicy and tender:
- Start with evenly sized chicken breasts. This helps them cook uniformly. You can gently pound them to a consistent thickness.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot, then add oil. This will create a nice sear, locking in juices.
- Don’t rush! Cook the chicken without moving it for 5-7 minutes on one side before flipping. This helps develop a golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfect cooking.
Once you return the chicken to the sauce at the end, let it heat through to absorb all those wonderful flavors. Enjoy!
How to Make Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is quick and easy to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and roughly 25 minutes for cooking, bringing the total time to around 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help maximize the flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. Once they’re done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers:
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Cook them for 1-2 minutes, letting their flavors mingle.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds great flavor!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add the Spinach:
Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring it in until it wilts, which should take only 1-2 minutes.
8. Combine with Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them heat through for another 2 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy Mediterranean chicken hot over cooked white rice. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon wedges. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors—you’ll love every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed first! Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker defrosting.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Just stir in the yogurt at the end to prevent curdling while keeping that creamy consistency!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the other ingredients to ensure they cook properly.
