If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, zesty, and incredibly easy to pull together, look no further than this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. This one-pan wonder stars juicy, golden chicken enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce with bright pops of tangy pepperoncini—the kind of meal where you’ll want to scoop up every bit of sauce with crusty bread. It’s an absolute flavor bomb that manages to feel special, yet suits even the busiest of weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet recipe works together like a dream team, infusing the dish with layered flavors, irresistible creaminess, and an appealing golden color. Even if your pantry seems sparse, you’ll likely have the essentials on hand—every item truly plays an essential role.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cutlets cook quickly and stay juicy in the sauce; you can substitute with thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Lends a velvety mouthfeel to the sauce and accentuates the garlic flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves make all the difference, infusing the dish with savory depth.
- Pepperoncini peppers & juice: These bring the signature zippy tang and a little mild heat that sets the dish apart.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory backbone of the sauce, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
- Heavy cream: The key to a creamy, luscious sauce; for a lighter touch, you could swap for half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps slightly thicken the sauce.
- Dried oregano: For a subtle herby note that enhances every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick—add more or less to your spice preference.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that draw out all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Strewn on top, these herbs bring color and fresh fragrance right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken breasts a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden-brown and fully cooked through. That beautiful sear adds so much flavor! Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Pepperoncini
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the butter, letting it melt and foam gently. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute, just until you catch that irresistible fragrance. Next, stir in the chopped pepperoncini and let them sizzle for another minute—this wakes up their tangy flavor and blends it with the aromatics.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up those precious browned bits stuck to the bottom (they’re flavor gold!). Stir in the pepperoncini juice, heavy cream, Parmesan, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just a bit and everything smells amazing.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, letting them soak up that dreamy sauce. Simmer everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken gets beautifully coated and picks up all those bold, creamy flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the finished dish for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Serve the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet nice and hot—spooning that luscious sauce over each portion for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
You can’t underestimate the magic of a fresh garnish. A sprinkling of chopped parsley or basil brings brightness, while a few extra slices of pepperoncini on top add a burst of color and clue everyone in to the zesty surprise they’re in for. Even a dusting of extra Parmesan doesn’t go amiss!
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken skillet just begs to be paired with something that’ll soak up all the sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, tender rice, or buttery pasta—the sauce clings to every grain or noodle. For a lighter touch, serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is always a good idea for sopping up anything left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet right in the pan at the table for maximum coziness. Want to impress? Slice the chicken and fan it out over creamy polenta, then spoon the sauce on top. Or try piling it into warm, fluffy sandwich rolls with a little extra sauce for a next-level chicken sandwich that’ll become a new favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, it stores beautifully! Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The chicken and sauce will keep well for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner a breeze the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the creamy sauce might change texture slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool the chicken and sauce completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of extra cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth and luscious—microwaving in short intervals with stirring also works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious, and they tend to stay extra juicy. Simply adjust the cooking time as thighs may need another minute or two per side to cook through.
How spicy is this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet?
This dish is more zesty and tangy than spicy, thanks to the pepperoncini. For those who enjoy heat, add the red pepper flakes as directed, or even a chopped jalapeño for a bigger kick!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well if you have sensitivities.
Can I make this dairy-free?
While the creamy sauce is key to the recipe, you can try swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream and using a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. The flavor will change, but the tangy elements from the pepperoncini will still shine through.
What can I use instead of pepperoncini?
If you can’t find pepperoncini, mild banana peppers make a good substitute, or you could try chopped pickled jalapeños for more heat. The key is that briny, punchy flavor that lifts the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor, elegant enough for guests but humble enough for weeknights. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, tangy, saucy bite—you just might find yourself making extra for leftovers!
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Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy and creamy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets or pounded thin)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 1 minute. Stir in chopped pepperoncini, cook for another minute. Add chicken broth, deglaze the pan. Stir in pepperoncini juice, heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
