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 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional); thinly sliced fresh basil (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that comes together in just one pan, bursting with vibrant flavors. This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe combines creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce with juicy chicken, making weeknight dinners feel like a mini celebration.

A white round plate holds a meal with two main parts. On the right side, there is a thick piece of fish covered in a rich, bright orange-red sauce that has a slightly shiny and textured surface with small dark specks. On the left side, there is a small heap of pale, creamy couscous grains with a few green herbs mixed in. On top of the fish, there is a fresh green basil leaf placed neatly at the center. Near the couscous, at the bottom left edge of the plate, a yellow lemon wedge is placed upright, and in the top right background on the white marbled surface, there is another lemon wedge with two basil leaves beside it. The 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’ve made this dish dozens of times now, and it’s hands down one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s simple, quick, and smacks of Mediterranean sunshine — so it feels special without much fuss.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything cooks in a single skillet.
Flavor-Packed: Creamy roasted red pepper sauce gives the chicken a rich, smoky kick.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the herbs, swap chicken thighs for breasts, or add toppings you love.

A white bowl contains two main layers: on the left is a pile of small, round, white couscous grains mixed with herbs, and a silver fork resting partially into it; on the right, a thick piece of chicken covered in a bright red, smooth tomato-based sauce sprinkled with some black pepper and grated cheese. A fresh green basil leaf sits on top of the chicken for garnish. At the bottom edge of the couscous is a lemon wedge, and at the upper right corner outside the bowl, there is another lemon wedge with two basil leaves on a white marbled surface. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic lies in the balance of smoky roasted red peppers, tangy feta, and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to juicy chicken thighs. Each ingredient plays a simple yet crucial role to deliver that Mediterranean vibe.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken thighs with light natural texture, a small heap of chopped roasted red peppers, a small white bowl of golden oil, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small pile of minced garlic cloves, a small scatter of coarse salt crystals, a small pinch of black peppercorns, a small mound of Italian seasoning herbs, a few crumbled pieces of white feta cheese, and a few bright green fresh basil leaves, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, 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: They stay juicy and tender without drying out, plus their rich flavor pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Chopped Roasted Red Peppers: These bring a sweet smokiness—either jarred or homemade works fine.
Italian Seasoning: Adds the classic herbal notes that tie everything together effortlessly.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and to enrich the sauce with healthy fats and fruity aroma.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the savory depth—don’t skimp here!
Heavy Cream: Makes the red pepper sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Feta Cheese (Optional): A little salty tang on top brings out the Mediterranean essence.
Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds brightness and a fresh herbal finish.

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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’ve played around with this recipe quite a bit, and one thing I love is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap chicken breasts to keep it leaner or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat, this dish is incredibly forgiving and versatile.

Variation: For a lighter version, I sometimes substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream—just be patient with the sauce as it thickens.
Herbs: If you’re out of Italian seasoning, fresh oregano and thyme work beautifully as well.
Protein Swap: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts but be careful not to overcook—reduce cooking time slightly.
Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or zucchini near the end for a veggie boost that blends beautifully with the sauce.

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

Step 1: Blend the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Start by combining your chopped roasted red peppers, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse everything until you get a smooth, vibrant sauce. This step is key because it gives you that creamy, smoky base you’ll cook your chicken in later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Grease a large skillet well (I like to use extra virgin olive oil for flavor). Season your chicken thighs with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, then sear them over medium heat. Cook about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Make sure not to rush this part—the browning adds essential depth to the dish. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Heat and Cream the Sauce

Pour the blended red pepper sauce into the same skillet you used for the chicken. Stir it over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it’s warmed through, then add the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy—this usually takes 3-5 minutes. The residual chicken flavor left in the pan makes the sauce irresistible.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Gently toss or spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it fully. Let everything simmer together for a couple more minutes so the flavors marry perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and scatter some thinly sliced fresh basil. The feta adds a lovely salty contrast, and the basil brightens the whole dish with a fresh herbal burst.

Top Tip

After making the One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe many times, I’ve discovered some small tricks that really elevate the outcome and keep things easy for you.

Use Skinless Thighs: They stay juicy without the hassle of removing skin later, plus they brown beautifully.
Don’t Skip Browning: Letting the chicken get a nice crust adds flavor and texture that the saucy finish can’t replace.
Blend Smooth: A silky red pepper sauce sticks to the chicken better and creates a comforting mouthfeel.
Rest Chicken: After cooking, loosely cover the chicken—this keeps it tender while you bring the sauce together.

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

Mediterranean chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil – it’s a game changer. The feta’s salty tang perfectly balances the creamy red pepper sauce, and basil adds that fresh, herbaceous lift that makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

To soak up the sauce, I love serving this with warm, crusty bread or herbed couscous. Roasted Mediterranean veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or a simple green salad with lemon dressing also pair beautifully. The whole meal feels fresh yet hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated this with a swirl of sauce artistically drizzled over the chicken and garnished with microgreens and edible flowers. It looks stunning and turns your simple weeknight meal into something to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the chicken and sauce when possible to avoid the chicken soaking too much and getting mushy.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely. I recommend freezing the sauce and chicken separately for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of cream or water helps loosen the sauce so it doesn’t dry out. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but since they cook faster, keep a close eye to avoid drying them out. Adjust cooking to about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.

How do I make the red pepper sauce ahead of time?

You can blend the roasted red peppers, garlic, oil, and seasoning up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, just heat it and add the cream just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the Italian seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain additives with gluten.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe feels like a hug on a plate every time I make it. It’s approachable, packed with layers of flavor, and a total lifesaver when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll impress yourself and anyone you share it with!