If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes with a fabulous balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, you have to try this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce made with pepperoncini peppers that add just the perfect hint of zing. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights without sacrificing any of that comforting, homemade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward staples, but each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect texture. From the juicy chicken strips to the creamy Parmesan sauce, this list is designed to be easy to gather and even easier to love once it’s simmering in the skillet.
- Chicken strips (2 lbs): Thinly cut to ensure quick cooking and even browning for maximum juiciness.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Provides rich flavor and a golden base for sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Ground pepper (1 tsp): Adds mild heat and complexity to the seasoning of the chicken.
- White onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until fragrant and soft.
- Garlic (2 tbsp, diced): Brings that irresistible aroma and a punch of flavor to the sauce.
- Chicken stock (½ cup): Helps to deglaze the pan and acts as a savory liquid base to reduce for concentrated flavor.
- Roasted red pepper (½ cup, drained and sliced): Offers smoky sweetness and a pop of color that brightens up the skillet.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to the dish’s indulgently creamy sauce that coats each bite beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce with its savory depth.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): A perfect blend of herbs that tie together the whole flavor profile effortlessly.
- Pepperoncini peppers (½ cup, drained): These provide a mild tangy heat that makes this skillet dish uniquely exciting.
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by seasoning your thin chicken strips evenly with sea salt and ground pepper. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until each piece is beautifully browned on all sides, locking in those juicy flavors. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside so you can build your sauce in the same skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the residue of the pan, sauté diced white onion and garlic until they become soft and fragrant. This step is crucial as it forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce, releasing those sweet and savory scents that make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Roasted Red Peppers
Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits at the bottom. Then stir in the roasted red peppers and let everything reduce by about half, concentrating the flavors and thickening the base for your sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat to medium and gradually whisk in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky smooth. This luscious blend will coat your chicken with a velvety richness that is simply irresistible.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Pepperoncini
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and toss in the drained pepperoncini peppers. Their tangy, slightly spicy kick brightens the dish, cutting through the creaminess and adding a fantastic layer of complexity.
Step 6: Simmer with Chicken
Return the browned chicken strips to the skillet, stirring them gently into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. This ensures every bite is juicy and dripping with that signature creamy pepperoncini flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil work wonderfully to add a hint of freshness and color to the rich skillet dish. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving can give it an inviting, cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy skillet is so versatile that you can serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, buttered pasta, or even alongside steamed vegetables. Each option soaks up the sauce, making every mouthful comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, spoon the creamy chicken over polenta or mashed potatoes. You can also stuff the pepperoncini chicken mixture inside warmed pita bread for a delightful handheld meal. These small twists make the dish exciting and perfect for entertaining or weeknight family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken strips?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts thinly to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. You could also use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier result.
Are pepperoncini peppers very spicy?
Pepperoncini peppers are more tangy and mildly spicy rather than hot. They add a pleasant zing without overwhelming the dish with heat.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap butter for a plant-based alternative, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese substitute.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Pair this creamy chicken with simple sides like steamed broccoli, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced, satisfying plate.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining creamy textures with that subtle, exciting tanginess from the pepperoncini. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a guaranteed hit that anyone can whip up in under 30 minutes. Grab your skillet and start cooking—you’re going to love it!
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Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken strips are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich and creamy sauce infused with tangy pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, and Italian seasoning. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a luscious creaminess that complements the slight heat and acidity of the peppers, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, diced
- ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced or whole)
Liquids & Dairy
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with sea salt and ground pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Cook until they become fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Liquids and Peppers: Pour in the chicken stock along with the roasted red peppers. Allow the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Mix continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the Italian seasoning along with the drained pepperoncini peppers, stirring to combine.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the browned chicken strips to the skillet. Let everything simmer together until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken hot, ideally over rice, pasta, or your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers based on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables to make it a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to prevent the cream sauce from splitting.
