Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy pepperoncini peppers and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers comforting flavors that can quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat and best results.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers based on your preferred spice level.
• For extra richness, add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce just before simmering.
• Serve with crusty bread, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or cooked pasta for a complete meal.
• Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream to make the dish dairy-free.
• Add diced tomatoes or fresh spinach to boost flavor and nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will help loosen the sauce for a smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in cuts typically require longer cooking to reach a safe internal temperature.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of pepperoncini peppers or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to bring more heat to the dish.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 54 reviews

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, comforting one-pan dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a tangy and creamy pepperoncini sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this skillet meal combines the zesty bite of pepperoncini peppers with a rich cream sauce, enhanced by garlic and onions. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (about ½ cup drained)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins and Variations

• ½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Season Chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Pepperoncini Peppers: Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse their tangy flavor into the mixture.
5. Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. This adds great depth of flavor to the sauce.
6. Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Continue to simmer until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Enjoy hot over your choice of rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Notes

• For best results, use a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for even heating.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to suit your spice and tang preference.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess and depth.
• Serve with crusty bread, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Bone-in chicken can be used but will require longer cooking time.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth to keep the dish gluten-free.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Fresh pepperoncini peppers are preferable to dried for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: pepperoncini chicken, creamy chicken skillet, one-pan chicken recipe, easy dinner, pepperoncini peppers, creamy sauce chicken, stovetop chicken recipe