Mediterranean One Pan Smothered Chicken
This Mediterranean One Pan Smothered Chicken is a hearty and delicious meal made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce packed with olives, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together in one pan — perfect for busy nights and packed with flavor from the sunny Mediterranean coast.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Smothered Sauce:
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 (14 oz / 400 g) can crushed tomatoes or passata
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1/4 cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown (not fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Build the Sauce:
Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, basil (or Italian seasoning), chili flakes, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Smother & Simmer:
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Finish & Serve:
Sprinkle with feta or Parmesan (if using) and fresh herbs. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
With couscous, rice, quinoa, or orzo
Over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
With warm pita or crusty bread to mop up the sauce
Alongside a fresh cucumber-tomato salad
Tips
Sear for Flavor
Don’t skip searing the chicken — it adds a rich golden crust and locks in flavor before simmering in the sauce.
Use Quality Tomatoes
Choose good-quality crushed tomatoes or passata for a naturally sweet, rich base. Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are very acidic.
Adjust the Sauce Thickness
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with more broth or water. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Simmer just until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) for juicy, tender results.
Deglaze the Pan
Before adding tomatoes, splash in a bit of broth or wine to loosen the browned bits from searing — those bits add serious flavor to the sauce.
Variations
Add Creaminess
Stir in 2–3 tbsp of Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a splash of cream at the end for a luscious creamy finish.
Or melt some mozzarella or halloumi on top before serving.
Make It Briny
Add capers or more olives if you love bold, briny flavor.
Swap Kalamata olives for green olives for a twist.
Herb Boost
Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, dill, or rosemary can elevate the flavor.
Add fresh chopped spinach or kale to the sauce for extra greens.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper, paprika, or a drizzle of harissa for heat.
Add sautéed chili peppers if you like it bold.
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or roasted eggplant slices.
Use the same sauce for a vegetarian-friendly smothered stew.
Turn it into Pasta
Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta, like penne or spaghetti, for a Mediterranean-style chicken ragu.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully — they’re juicy and flavorful. Just increase the cook time slightly as they’re often thicker.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Definitely. You can cook it fully, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stovetop or in the oven. The flavors get even better overnight!
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — it freezes well! Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Great options include:
Sliced zucchini
Chopped spinach or kale
Mushrooms
Artichoke hearts
Roasted eggplant
Just adjust the sauce volume or cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Simply omit the feta or Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish is naturally dairy-free without the topping.
Nutrition
Estimates based on using chicken breasts and no added cheese:
Calories: ~310 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~580mg
(May vary depending on brand of olives, broth, tomatoes, and added cheese.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean One Pan Smothered Chicken is a vibrant, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for weeknights and dinner parties alike. Packed with juicy chicken, sweet peppers, briny olives, and fragrant herbs, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes — comforting, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.
This dish is highly adaptable, one-pan easy, and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether served over grains, pasta, or bread, it brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen — and your table.