Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Delight
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish is rich, flavorful, and comforting without being overly heavy. Tender chicken breast chunks simmer in a creamy broth infused with onion, garlic, thyme, and paprika. The result is a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve at gatherings. Pair it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics: 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids: 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings: 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish: Chopped green onion
Instructions
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add onion and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Stir in the thyme, paprika, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onion and serve hot with rice, pasta, or bread.
Tips
Cut chicken evenly: Keep the chunks the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcook chicken: Remove it once browned and finish cooking in the sauce to keep it tender.
Simmer gently: When adding cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Thicken sauce naturally: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer.
Variations
Add vegetables: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini can be stirred into the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese lovers: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for added richness.
Herb swap: Replace thyme with oregano, basil, or rosemary to change the flavor profile.
Protein twist: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option or substitute shrimp for a lighter seafood version.
Lighten it up: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier sauce.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Because of the cream, freezing may cause the sauce to separate. If you want to freeze it, leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: It pairs beautifully with rice, orzo, couscous, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Milk will make the sauce thinner and less rich. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or Greek yogurt are better substitutes.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, approx. 4 servings)
Calories: 340
Protein: 27 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Delight is a simple yet indulgent meal that combines tender chicken with a velvety, aromatic sauce. The blend of garlic, onion, thyme, and paprika gives it depth, while the cream makes it comforting and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to serve over grains, pasta, or with bread, and can be adapted to be lighter or heartier depending on your preference. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both homey and elegant.