Croatian Skillet Chicken and Vegetables

Croatian Skillet Chicken and Vegetables is a quick, flavorful, and hearty one-pan meal that brings Mediterranean flair to your table. With tender chicken thighs, blistered peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic spices, this dish can be served on its own as a satisfying low-carb option or stuffed into soft bread rolls for a comforting sandwich, Croatian-style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is packed with rustic, savory flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes. The use of chicken thighs ensures juicy, tender bites, while the smoked paprika and thyme add depth and a subtle warmth. Whether you’re craving a low-carb dinner or looking for a bold sandwich filling, this recipe delivers. It’s also great for meal prepping and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

• 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and roughly chopped

• 1 red onion, peeled and roughly chopped

• 8 ounces button mushrooms, quartered

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chopped bell peppers to the dry skillet and cook until they are lightly charred and blistered, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the red onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Push the onions to the side of the skillet.

4. Add the chicken pieces, mushrooms, thyme, smoked paprika, 1½ teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Sauté everything together, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes.

5. Return the blistered bell peppers to the skillet and cook everything together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

7. Serve hot on its own or spooned onto soft rolls such as ciabatta for a Croatian-style sandwich.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap proteins: Use boneless chicken breast, turkey, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced hot pepper for heat.

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer texture.

• Add greens: Toss in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

• Go vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with more mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a meatless version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and flavorful, but you can also use chicken breast if preferred.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if using pre-cooked chicken, add it with the peppers at the end and heat until warmed through.

What’s the best type of mushroom to use?

Button mushrooms are great for their mild flavor, but cremini or baby bella mushrooms also work well.

How do I get that nice char on the peppers?

Use a dry, hot skillet and avoid stirring too much so they can blister properly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish and can be stored and reheated for easy meals throughout the week.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, served on its own without bread, this recipe is naturally low in carbs.

What kind of bread is used in Croatia for sandwiches?

Croatian sandwiches often use soft, airy bread similar to ciabatta buns. These are a good substitute if you’re recreating the sandwich version.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or green beans would make great additions.

What does smoked paprika add to the dish?

Smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness and depth that elevates the overall flavor.

Can I cook this in a regular skillet?

Yes, a heavy-bottomed nonstick or stainless steel skillet works well if you don’t have cast iron.

Conclusion

Croatian Skillet Chicken and Vegetables is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Whether served solo for a low-carb meal or loaded onto crusty bread for a sandwich experience, it delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. It’s a perfect weeknight recipe that brings a taste of the Adriatic to your home kitchen.