Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a rich and tangy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This comforting and versatile recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Serve it over pasta, rice, or vegetables for a hearty dinner everyone will love!
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
This dish features tender, golden-brown chicken cooked in a creamy, tangy sauce infused with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and the irresistible zing of pepperoncini peppers. The roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese add depth and richness, making every bite a perfect balance of bold and creamy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30–40 minutes.
- Bold Flavors: The tanginess of pepperoncini peppers pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients Notes for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- 2 tbsp butter: Provides a rich base for browning the chicken.
- 2 lbs chicken (cut into thin strips): Cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- 1 tsp sea salt + 1 tsp ground pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the dish.
- 1 white onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp garlic (diced): Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup chicken stock: Creates the base for the sauce and helps reduce it.
- ½ cup roasted red peppers (sliced): Adds sweetness and smoky flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Infuses the sauce with salty, nutty richness.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of classic herb flavors.
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers (drained): Provides tangy, slightly spicy notes that elevate the dish.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Large heavy skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Tongs or a spatula for turning chicken
- Cutting board and knife
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with sea salt and ground pepper, then add them to the pan. Brown the chicken on all sides, turning every couple of minutes. This takes about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan (it’s okay if it’s not fully cooked yet).
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, letting them soften and brown slightly to develop flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze with Chicken Stock and Add Roasted Red Peppers
Pour in the chicken stock and use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the roasted red peppers and let the liquid reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Seasoning, Pepperoncinis, and Chicken
Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Add the browned chicken back to the pan, along with any juices that collected on the plate.
Step 6: Reduce the Sauce and Cook the Chicken
Let the sauce simmer and reduce by half while the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to thin it.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the chicken and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
How to Store Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet for added nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Use Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a twist on the classic Parmesan flavor.
- Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey strips.
What to Serve with Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are great for soaking up the sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: A hearty base to complement the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh and healthy side.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Top Tips for Perfect Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
- Stir Constantly: Whisk the cream and Parmesan in slowly to avoid lumps.
- Thin the Sauce as Needed: Add a splash of chicken stock if the sauce reduces too much.
- Adjust the Tanginess: Use more or fewer pepperoncini peppers based on your flavor preference.
Helpful Notes
- If using whole pepperoncinis, slice them for even distribution in the sauce.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always let cream sauces reduce slowly for a velvety texture.”
- Giada De Laurentiis: “Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the most authentic flavor.”
- Rachael Ray: “Don’t forget to scrape the pan after deglazing—it adds incredible flavor to the sauce!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well and add even more flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. How spicy are pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini peppers are mildly spicy, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Reheat gently and thin the sauce with a little chicken stock or cream.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and peppers separately, then prepare the sauce fresh when reheating.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is the ultimate comfort dish with bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 2 lbs chicken cut into thin strips
- – 1 tsp sea salt
- – 1 tsp ground pepper
- – 1 white onion diced
- – 2 tbsp garlic diced
- – ½ cup chicken stock
- – ½ cup roasted red pepper drained and sliced
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- – 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- – ½ cup pepperoncini peppers drained (sliced, ring, or whole pepper, as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large, heavy pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to the pan. Brown the chicken on all sides, turning every couple of minutes, about 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan (it may not yet reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is fine at this stage).
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add garlic and onion to the pan and let them brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add Stock and Red Peppers: Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted red peppers. Let the mixture reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, whisking vigorously to combine smoothly. Gradually bring the heat back to medium-high.
- Combine Everything: Add the Italian seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and chicken back to the pan. Allow the sauce to reduce by half while bringing the chicken to a fully cooked internal temperature of 165°F. Add more chicken stock if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the dish over vegetables, pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own!
Notes
- Adjust the tanginess by adding more or fewer pepperoncini peppers based on your preference.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a little extra chicken stock or cream.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for dipping!
