One Skillet Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

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Table of contents:

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How to Cook One Skillet Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 4 medium skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp sweet paprika (we ❤️ using Spanish La Vera Sweet Paprika)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Ground White Pepper
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (we always use Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• 1 tsp fresh chopped parsley (or Fresh thyme – optional)
• 1 small onion, diced fine
• 4 clove garlic, sliced fine
• Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Chicken Stock
• 1-2 tsp Chili paste (Mild) (or Chili pepper flakes)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)

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Equipment

• Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
• Chef Knife
• Wooden Cutting Board
• Cooking tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1 – Season chicken

• Add the chicken, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to a large bowl and give everything a mix until the chicken is evenly seasoned.

Step 2 – Brown chicken thighs

• On medium-high heat, add a splash of oil to a large skillet, and once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook for 7 minutes per side or until the chicken starts to brown. 
• Note: if using boneless chicken thighs, reduce cooking time. If using larger chicken thighs, add more time. Once the chicken is cooked and browned evenly on all sides, remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate. 

Step 3 – Saute the onion, garlic, tomatoes and herbs

• Add a splash more oil to the pan give the bottom a scrape to bring up the flavoring left from the chicken. 
• Add the diced onion and saute until golden (around 3-4 minutes), then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add the halved tomatoes and allow to cook for a few minutes. 
• Add the chicken stock, chili paste and stir through, then add a few fresh thyme sprigs (save some for garnish later).
• Reduce heat and leave to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add the cream and stir through until you get an even sauce. 
• Check seasoning and adjust to taste. 

Step 4 – Add chicken to sauce

• Reduce heat to a low simmer, add the cooked chicken thighs back to the skillet, and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, drizzling the sauce over the chicken as you go. 

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

• Season to taste and serve straight from the skillet and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
• This recipe is fantastic when served alongside some creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or some fresh crusty bread.

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Cooking Tips and FAQs:

Skinless chicken thighs

We love cooking chicken thighs and we chose to use skinless for this recipe as it is a (slightly) healthier option compared to skin-on chicken thighs. Check the full nutrition facts information at the bottom of the recipe article. 

Can Chicken Breast be used instead?

Yes, absolutely. Chicken breast meat can be used for this recipe and should be cut into 1-inch (2.5cm)  strips, then browned on all sides. This should take around 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken is done. It will reach an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F.

Versatile ingredients

This quick and easy recipe is ideal as it uses a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and mouthwatering chicken dinner option. When it comes to veg, we used a white onion, but you could swap it out for red onion, shallots, or omit the onion altogether. We love garlic and used 4 large cloves for this recipe, but of course, you can adjust the amount of garlic used to suit your own taste. 

Fresh herbs

We use a few sprigs of fresh thyme for this recipe, but if you prefer, use dried thyme. Remember, dried herbs are typically more concentrated in flavor so you’ll only need around half a teaspoon of dried thyme.

Storage 

Store chicken with the sauce for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently using the microwave (take care not to overcook the chicken) or heated for 5 minutes in a pan over medium heat. If the sauce thickens while rfirgerated, add a splash more cream to the pan while reheating to help thin the sauce.

Easy Weeknight Dinner – Ready in 30 Minutes

🍗 Tender and Juicy Chicken Thighs: 

When cooking chicken thighs, it is always best to brown them first. It helps them develop a richer flavor and also lines the pan with the cooking juices from the chicken which helps to flavor the other ingredients. 

🕒 Quick and Easy one-skillet recipe:

This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner option or when you’re short on time. It comes together in around 30 minutes with just 5 minutes of prep. It also saves time on doing the dishes as it can be prepared in one large skillet or pan. 

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Why You’ll love this Chicken Thighs recipe!

The sauce is amazing!s, they will work great too. If using fresh herbs, double the quantity and chop them up very fine so they distribute through the ingredients and add as much flavor as possible.

• Rich and Creamy flavors
• Delicious succulent chicken thighs
• Easy to make
• One-Skillet recipe
• Ready in around 30 minutes
• The sauce is amazing!

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Heavy Cream (Double Cream)

The main difference between heavy cream and double cream is their fat content and regional naming conventions:

1. Heavy cream (used in the U.S.) has a fat content of around 36-40%. It’s versatile, used for whipping, in sauces, soups, and desserts.
2. Double cream (common in the U.K.) has a higher fat content, around 48% or more. It’s thicker, richer, and can be whipped faster or poured over desserts.

Double cream is richer and creamier, while heavy cream is slightly lighter but still indulgent. Both can often be used interchangeably, though double cream provides a more luxurious texture.

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What to Serve with Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

• White rice
• Polenta
• Pasta
• Fresh baguette or bread
• Mashed potatoes

This recipe is a winner as there are lots of delicious creamy sauce to mop up. It’s great when served with some fresh bread, or with some steamed white rice or pasta. Another great side is mashed potato, and add your favorite steamed veggies or greens to make this a healthy balanced meal.

More Mediterranean Chicken Recipes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
• Sheet Pan Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Pancetta
• Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe
• Healthy Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs | Easy Sheet Pan Recipe
• Mediterranean Chicken with a Tangy Olive Oil and Lemon Marinade
• Spanish-Style Chicken Thighs

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	317
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23.6g	30%
Saturated Fat 9.3g	47%
Cholesterol 103mg	34%
Sodium 759mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate 5.3g	2%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g	3%
Total Sugars 1.6g
Protein 21.7g
Vitamin D 15mcg	77%
Calcium 47mg	4%
Iron 1mg	7%
Potassium 266mg	6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Adjustments for Specific Diets

• To lower calories or fat: Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickening.
• To reduce sodium: Use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce added salt.
• For a lower carb option: The carb content is already low, but you could skip or reduce the cherry tomatoes and onions if needed.

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Low-Fat Adjustments

• Substitute heavy cream: Use evaporated skim milk or fat-free half-and-half. To thicken the sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it toward the end of cooking.
• Reduce olive oil: Use 1 tbsp of olive oil instead of 2 tbsp, or replace it with a non-stick cooking spray to sauté the onion and garlic.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs with skin removed: Skinless thighs already help reduce fat, but bone-in can retain flavor while being lean.

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Keto-Friendly Adjustments

• Keep the heavy cream: Heavy cream is keto-friendly and provides fats essential for a ketogenic diet. No need to substitute it.
• Use low-carb alternatives for cherry tomatoes and onion: Replace cherry tomatoes with diced red bell peppers (very low-carb). Use 1/4 of a small onion (or substitute onion powder) to reduce carbs further.
• Chili paste: Ensure the chili paste you’re using doesn’t contain added sugar. Opt for sugar-free chili paste or flakes.
• Increase fats (optional for keto): Add an additional tbsp of olive oil or a pat of butter to increase healthy fats if desired.

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