Name: One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided); 4 tablespoons oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅔ cup chopped roasted red peppers; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese; Thinly sliced fresh basil

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that comes together in just one pan, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas while you effortlessly whip up dinner. This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe is exactly that kind of winner—rich, creamy, and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that make weeknight meals feel like a special occasion.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a dish with two main parts. The larger part is a piece of salmon covered in a thick, creamy orange-red sauce with a slightly rough texture from spices, topped with small sprinkles of grated cheese and a bright green basil leaf in the center. The smaller part beside it consists of small round pearl couscous, pale cream in color, with tiny green herb pieces mixed in. A lemon wedge with a bright yellow color rests slightly on the couscous and leans towards the edge of the plate. In the background on the top right, a lemon wedge and a small green basil leaf lie on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick but satisfying. The combination of tender chicken thighs and that luscious red pepper sauce totally blew me away. It’s tasty, simple, and clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan!

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
One Pan Wonder: Minimizes dishes and mess, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
Bright Mediterranean Flavors: The roasted red pepper sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick you won't get tired of.
Customizable: Simple swaps and additions mean you can make it your own easily.

A white round bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding two main layers. On the right side, there is a piece of food covered in a thick, bright red sauce with small bits and sprinkled with grated cheese and black pepper. A fresh green basil leaf sits on top near the bottom edge. On the left side, there is a neat serving of small, round, pale white grains mixed with green herbs. A lemon wedge rests on the grains at the bottom left, and a silver fork is placed diagonally, partly in the grains, with its handle pointing to the bottom left of the image. Above the bowl on the surface is another thin lemon slice with a small basil leaf beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe draws from simple, fresh ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The roasted red peppers bring sweet, smoky depth while the heavy cream smooths everything into a rich sauce. Chicken thighs stay juicy and pair perfectly with Mediterranean herbs and tangy feta cheese.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken thighs, a small bowl of chopped roasted red peppers, a small bowl of Italian seasoning, a small bowl of golden oil, a small bowl of minced garlic, a small bowl of salt, a small bowl of black pepper, a small bowl of heavy cream, a small bowl of crumbled feta cheese, fresh bright green basil leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender, ideal for quick cooking; you can swap in breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Roasted red peppers: Use jarred for convenience or roast fresh for a smoky boost—either way, they’re the star of the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that adds herbal notes—divide it for seasoning chicken and sauce.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Minced garlic: Essential for that signature savory flavor.
Salt & black pepper: For balance and seasoning—don’t skimp!
Heavy cream: Creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken tenderly.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds a salty, tangy finish that really rounds out the Mediterranean vibe.
Fresh basil (optional): Bright and fresh, a lovely garnish that adds color and aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe is. Sometimes, I like to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth or toss in some spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrients. You should definitely play around—this dish welcomes your personal twist!

Variation: I once swapped chicken thighs for turkey cutlets when guests were over, and it worked beautifully—lighter, but still juicy and saucy.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the feta, or opt for a vegan cheese alternative.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes to the red pepper sauce for some kick—my family loves it this way.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Blend That Beautiful Red Pepper Sauce

I start by grabbing my trusty food processor and blending together the roasted red peppers, half of the Italian seasoning, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until I get a smooth, vibrant sauce. This blend unlocks layers of smoky sweetness and garlic punch—it’s what makes this recipe sing.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

While the sauce waits, I season the chicken with the remaining Italian seasoning—don’t forget this step, it layers in essential herb flavor. I heat a large skillet, add a little olive oil to coat, then cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. Look for a golden-brown crust—that’s flavor magic happening. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Step 3: Heat the Sauce and Add Cream

Now back to that red pepper sauce—pour it into the skillet and stir it on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it’s warm and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and becomes wonderfully creamy. This step is key for that luscious texture that coats the chicken.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Finally, I nestle the chicken back into the skillet, swirling it through that gorgeous sauce so every juicy piece is nicely coated. For a finishing touch, I sprinkle crumbled feta and some fresh basil on top—trust me, this elevates the dish completely. Serve it right away and dive in!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this recipe foolproof and unforgettable—perfect for home cooks who want great taste without stress.

Don’t skip seasoning the chicken: Italian seasoning on your chicken before searing makes a big difference in flavor.
High heat for browning: Cooking the chicken on medium heat helps develop a golden crust without drying out the meat.
Blend sauce ingredients thoroughly: A smooth sauce coats the chicken evenly and creates that creamy finish everyone raves about.
Cover the chicken after cooking: Keeping it warm under a lid or plate locks in juices and prevents it from drying while you make the sauce.

How to Serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this dish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves—they add pops of color and a lovely mix of salty and herbal notes. Sometimes, a light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brings a fresh brightness that wakes up the whole plate.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this chicken are fluffy quinoa or couscous to soak up that sauce, alongside a crisp cucumber salad or roasted veggies for texture contrast. Warm pita bread is also a fun way to scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve plated this over a bed of herbed polenta or creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers. It turns this casual recipe into an elegant showstopper that impresses every single time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend spooning a bit of extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. Just reheat gently, so the chicken stays tender.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully—just place portions in freezer-safe containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly over low heat on the stovetop. The sauce holds up well and keeps the chicken flavorful.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is on low heat in a skillet covered with a lid, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This prevents drying out and preserves that creamy sauce texture. Microwave works in a pinch but be careful not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken breasts. Just be mindful that breasts cook slightly faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Is it okay to use jarred roasted red peppers?

Absolutely! Jarred roasted red peppers work wonderfully and save time. Just make sure to drain them well before blending to avoid a watery sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, and skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free while maintaining creamy texture and flavor.

What can I serve with this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe?

This chicken pairs well with grains like quinoa, couscous, or rice. Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread are great sides that complement the flavors beautifully. It’s quite versatile, so feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it proves that easy cooking can be elegant and flavorful. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—don’t hesitate to add your own little flair and share this with friends and family. Happy cooking!