Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor? Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is your answer. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, and tangy spices, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. It’s a meal that delivers both comfort and bold flavors in every bite, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at dinner.
The combination of spicy pepperoncini, creamy sauce, and juicy chicken creates a comforting yet vibrant dish that is perfect when served over rice, pasta, or even with a side of crispy bread to mop up all that delicious sauce. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this easy yet scrumptious recipe.
Ingredients (in grams)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6 g)
- 200 g pepperoncini peppers, drained and sliced
- 200 g heavy cream (or full-fat cream)
- 120 g chicken broth (or white wine for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (1 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (1 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Make sure to coat each piece evenly on both sides for maximum flavor. - Sear the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté the garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Add the pepperoncini:
Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes to release their flavor into the oil and garlic. - Deglaze the pan:
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. This will add depth to your sauce. - Make the creamy sauce:
Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the broth and pepperoncini. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. - Simmer and cook:
Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and is fully cooked through. The sauce should thicken slightly as it simmers. - Finish the dish:
If you like, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serving:
- Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is creamy and thick, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken with the sauce over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
(These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks
- Spice level: If you want a spicier dish, leave some of the pepperoncini seeds in the peppers. Alternatively, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Chicken variations: While chicken breasts are used in this recipe, you can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option. Bone-in chicken works too, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time.
- Add vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the skillet for added texture and flavor.
- One-pan meal: Serve this dish with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple salad to round out the meal.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
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Why is Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet such a great choice for your readers?
This dish offers the perfect balance of rich, creamy comfort and bold, tangy flavors. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s not only quick and easy but also has a unique flavor profile that makes it stand out from more traditional creamy chicken recipes. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with ingredients that many already have on hand, making it both accessible and exciting.
To spice things up, you could also suggest making Pepperoncini Chicken Sandwiches by serving the chicken on toasted buns with the creamy sauce — a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a delicious lunch option!
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