One Pan Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Recipe

Craving something bold, cozy, and full of flavor without a mountain of dishes? This easy creamy chicken and chorizo recipe brings restaurant-worthy taste to your table in just one skillet – perfect for weeknights or impressing last-minute guests!

Why This One Pan Chicken Dinner Will Be Your New Favorite

If you’re always on the hunt for quick chicken dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor, this dish is your dream come true. Think tender, golden-seared chicken thighs swimming in a rich, smoky, creamy chorizo sauce with sweet tomatoes and fresh basil. The Spanish chorizo melts into the pan, creating a paprika-spiked base that transforms into the most incredible sauce.

This one pan chicken dinner is the perfect balance of comforting and gourmet. It’s elegant enough for date night or dinner parties, but simple and fast enough for your busiest weeknights. Minimal effort, no special equipment, and only one skillet to wash? Yes, please.

Quick Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 3–4

What You’ll Need

• Large high-sided skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Measuring jug
• Tongs + wooden spoon
• Fine cheese grater

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Chorizo Sauce:

• 1 medium white onion, finely diced
• 5 oz (150g) Spanish chorizo, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine
• ¾ cup (180ml) low-salt chicken stock
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 cup (150g) baby plum tomatoes, halved

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Chorizo (Step-by-Step)

1. Season & Sear the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub evenly onto the chicken thighs.

Heat olive oil in your pan over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Set aside and keep warm. Don’t clean the pan – all that flavor stays behind!

2. Build the Sauce

Add diced onion to the same pan and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in chorizo and cook until its oils release and it crisps slightly (2–3 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Deglaze with white wine, scraping the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until reduced by half.

3. Make It Creamy

Add chicken stock and simmer 2 minutes. Pour in the cream and return to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken.

Stir in Parmesan, then add the halved tomatoes and basil. Save a few basil leaves for garnish.

4. Return the Chicken

Place the chicken (and its juices) back into the sauce. Let everything bubble together for 2–3 minutes so flavors can meld.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with extra basil and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with your favorite side (see ideas below).

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken and Chorizo

This rich and flavorful creamy chorizo chicken recipe pairs beautifully with:

• Lemon orzo – adds brightness to balance the creamy sauce
• Crusty bread – for soaking up every drop
• Fluffy rice or roasted baby potatoes
• Light side salad – a crisp green salad with vinaigrette works wonders
• Steamed greens like broccolini, asparagus, or green beans

Cook’s Tips for Success

• Let the chicken brown properly – this adds tons of flavor
• Chorizo tip: Use Spanish cured chorizo, not Mexican fresh chorizo
• Too salty? Go with low-salt chicken stock (or use a diluted cube)
• No wine? Use extra stock + lemon juice
• Thicker sauce? Let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back

FAQs About Chicken Thighs with Chorizo Sauce

Is this dish spicy?

Just a little – most of the heat comes from the chorizo and a pinch of cayenne. You can easily tone it down by omitting the cayenne or using a mild chorizo.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen over time. Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I freeze this?

You can freeze the base (chicken + chorizo), but for best texture, add the cream and Parmesan after thawing and reheating.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, slice them thin and cook for less time – about 3–4 minutes per side. Add more oil since they’re leaner than thighs.

What can I use instead of cream?

For a lighter version, try half-and-half or tempered full-fat Greek yogurt (just don’t boil it!).

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This creamy one pot chicken and chorizo dinner isn’t just flavorful – it’s downright addictive. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds and beg for the recipe. And with just one pan, no complicated steps, and a 30-minute cook time, you’ve got a guaranteed weeknight win.

Save this recipe the next time you’re craving:

• A comforting chicken dinner with a twist
• Easy meal prep that feels gourmet
• A satisfying but low-fuss dinner in under 30 minutes

Tried this creamy chicken and chorizo? Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram – I’d love to see how it turned out for you!