This Cast Iron Sicilian Chicken and Spinach dish is a flavorful one-pan sauté perfect for a hearty family dinner. Featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, the dish is brought to life with bold ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, crushed red pepper, and fresh spinach. A creamy, cheesy sauce ties everything together, making this low-carb meal both comforting and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 cup chicken stock

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

• 8 oz fresh leaf spinach

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper

• 1 tsp ground thyme

• ¼ tsp Himalayan sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Dash of red cayenne pepper

• 4 tbsp butter

Directions

1. Season the chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with sea salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the chicken: Heat 3 tbsp of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken thighs on both sides for 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Start the sauce: Discard most of the fat from the pan, then add 1 tbsp of butter, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes.

4. Build the flavor: Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, Parmesan, and thyme. Let the mixture blend and begin to simmer.

5. Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cayenne. Cook briefly, then add spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Finish in the oven: Return chicken to the pan (skin side up). Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes.

7. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients

Per serving (approx. values):

• Calories: 383 kcal

• Protein: 17.8g

• Fat: 25.6g

• Saturated Fat: ~10g

• Carbohydrates: 3.3g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 0.7g

• Sodium: 295mg

• Cholesterol: 139mg

Rooted in Mediterranean Flavor

Drawing inspiration from traditional Sicilian and broader Mediterranean cuisines, this dish blends hallmark ingredients of the region: sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, and olive oil–based richness. Sicilian cooking is often recognized for its emphasis on bold herbs, cheeses, and slow-cooked meats, and this recipe aligns perfectly with that legacy. The use of spinach and Parmesan further roots this dish in Southern European culinary traditions, while the cayenne and red pepper add a touch of modern spice.

By combining earthy greens and zesty, preserved tomatoes, the flavor base becomes layered and vibrant, creating a balance between richness and freshness. The Sicilian influence shines through in the bright acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes and the aromatic thyme, giving the dish both soul and sophistication.

The Power of the Cast Iron Skillet

Cooking in a cast iron skillet isn’t just about nostalgia—it brings technical advantages that truly elevate this dish. Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly, creating a deep, golden sear on the chicken thighs. This searing process locks in moisture and flavor, while crisping the skin to a deliciously crunchy finish. It’s a simple touch that brings restaurant-quality texture to a home kitchen.

Another major benefit is that the same skillet moves from stovetop to oven seamlessly. This reduces cleanup and allows the flavors to continue developing in one cohesive environment. The juices from the chicken meld beautifully with the sauce ingredients as they bake, resulting in a unified, flavorful dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

A Sauce That Brings Everything Together

At the heart of this dish is the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties every component into one harmonious plate. Built with a base of chicken stock and heavy whipping cream, the sauce thickens naturally as it simmers and bakes. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich depth, while the garlic and crushed red pepper infuse the sauce with warmth and complexity.

This sauce isn’t overly thick or heavy—it clings lightly to the chicken and spinach, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful without overwhelming richness. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a low, smoky heat that lingers, while the thyme offers subtle herbal notes that balance the bold ingredients.

The sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated slightly in the warm sauce, bring a chewy texture and burst of tanginess that offsets the cream’s heaviness. This interplay of textures—creamy, chewy, crisp—is what makes the dish both comforting and exciting.

Nutritional Strength with Low-Carb Appeal

This recipe is a standout in the realm of low-carb cooking. With just over 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it aligns well with keto or paleo diets while still delivering indulgent flavor. The chicken thighs offer high-quality protein and fat, making the dish naturally satisfying and sustaining. Spinach contributes fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C, while the cream and cheese provide calcium and additional protein.

Despite its richness, the calorie count remains moderate for a main course, and the fat content—much of it from butter and cream—contributes to satiety without the need for additional starches or sugars. For those watching sugar intake or seeking blood sugar balance, this dish makes a fulfilling option that doesn’t feel restrictive.

A Dinner Party or Weeknight Hero

While easy enough for a weeknight, Cast Iron Sicilian Chicken and Spinach also has the presentation and flavor depth to impress guests. The vibrant contrast of golden chicken, dark green spinach, and ruby-toned tomatoes gives the dish a rustic elegance that suits family gatherings or date nights at home. Pair it with a glass of dry white wine—like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay—for a meal that feels like a night out in the Sicilian countryside.

Best of all, the dish requires minimal supervision after the chicken returns to the oven. This allows you to focus on sides, set the table, or simply relax while the flavors meld into the perfect finish.

Suggested Sides and Pairings

While this meal stands on its own as a complete entrée, it pairs beautifully with a range of sides depending on your dietary preferences. For those not following a low-carb plan, crusty bread or buttered pasta makes the ideal vehicle for soaking up the extra sauce. For low-carb adherents, try a side of cauliflower mash, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a light salad of arugula with lemon vinaigrette.

Even on its own, the sauce is rich enough to flavor steamed vegetables or grains, making leftovers highly versatile. The dish also reheats well, with the flavors deepening after a day in the fridge, which makes it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunch.

Customizations and Variations

One of the great strengths of this dish is how easily it can be tailored to taste or availability. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts for a similar Mediterranean flair. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the amount of butter slightly.

Those who prefer boneless chicken thighs or even breasts can still achieve great results, though skin-on cuts do yield the most flavor. The spinach can be swapped for kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens, depending on what’s in season or in your fridge.

Want more heat? Increase the cayenne or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce base. Prefer a touch of lemon? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added before serving can brighten the entire dish.

Conclusion

Cast Iron Sicilian Chicken and Spinach is the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple—reliable, flavorful, and adaptable. It captures the soul of Southern Italian cooking with its reliance on bold ingredients and straightforward technique, while delivering the modern advantages of one-pan convenience and low-carb nutrition.

Whether you’re seeking comfort food with a gourmet twist, trying to reduce carbs, or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken, this dish delivers. The contrast of textures and the layering of savory, spicy, and creamy elements makes each bite memorable. It’s proof that you don’t need complex steps or expensive ingredients to create a stunning, crowd-pleasing meal. All you need is a cast iron skillet and a love of bold, beautiful food.