This creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a tasty one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Juicy chicken cooks with zesty pepperoncini peppers in a delightful cream sauce!
I love how quick this meal comes together. Just pop everything in the skillet and let the flavors work their magic! Dinner is served, and you can enjoy more time with family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts give the dish a nice, lean protein base. If you prefer dark meat, go for thighs which are juicier. You can also substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Pepperoncini Peppers: These tangy peppers add a fantastic zing. If you can’t find them, banana peppers or jalapeños can work, though they will change the flavor slightly. Just adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Heavy Cream: This is key for a rich and creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even a vegan cream alternative can be good substitutes. Just remember, the texture might be a tad different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a depth of flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great alternative for a cheesy flavor, or you can skip cheese altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Chicken?
To keep your chicken moist and flavorful, start by patting it dry—this helps get a nice sear. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor. When cooking, don’t rush it! Cooking on medium-high heat allows the chicken to brown well without drying out.
- Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side, depending on thickness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; it keeps the juices in.
How Can You Make the Sauce Extra Flavorful?
The sauce is where all the magic happens! Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavor base. Use the chicken broth to scrape those browned bits from the skillet, as they are packed with flavor. Lastly, let the cream and cheese simmer until thickened—a few extra minutes really helps meld the flavors together!
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (about 7 oz) pepperoncini peppers, sliced, plus 2 tablespoons of the juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken. With the simmering time for the sauce, the total time for this recipe is around 25-30 minutes. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor right at the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides and thoroughly cooked (around 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness). When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!
4. Add Pepperoncini & Broth:
Stir in the pepperoncini peppers along with 2 tablespoons of their juice. The tanginess adds such a great flavor! Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low, and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. If you want to add Italian seasoning for extra flavor, now is the time! Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet:
Place the cooked chicken back in the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the chicken absorb all that delicious flavor and reheat.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Finish with some fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color! Serve your creamy pepperoncini chicken warm, paired with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce!
Enjoy this delightful meal! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking. It’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. Pat it dry before seasoning for optimal browning.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the sauce thickens, add a little broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Make this Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for flavor. Adjust other ingredients to your liking for the best taste!
