This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Dinner is a quick and tasty meal! Juicy chicken is cooked with zesty pepperoncini and a rich cream sauce. It’s full of flavor!
I love how easy this dish comes together in just one pan. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the mess. Plus, it pairs great with rice or pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish due to their quick cooking time. If you need alternatives, thighs work well, or you can use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Pepperoncini: These provide a tangy kick! If you can’t find them, banana peppers or jalapeños (for more heat) can be used instead. Just remember, adjust the quantity based on your taste preference!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re avoiding dairy. Both will change the flavor subtly but still keep things rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano can be a good substitute. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option to maintain some cheesy flavor!
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
Creating a creamy sauce can be tricky, but it’s really about the balance of ingredients and technique.
- Cook garlic gently in olive oil to bring out its sweetness without burning it.
- When you add the broth and pepperoncini juice, scrape the bottom of the skillet to release those tasty browned bits.
- Once you stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, keep the heat low to let it gently simmer. This will help it thicken without curdling.
- Cook for a few extra minutes after adding the chicken. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
Don’t rush the simmering process; it makes all the difference! A little patience goes a long way in building that rich flavor.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (about 10-12 peppers)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes for prep and cooking the chicken, then another 15-20 minutes for the sauce and simmering it all together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This not only adds flavor but also helps to create a nice crust when you cook them.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and the pepperoncini juice, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth to your sauce!
Next, stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful touch. Serve hot with your favorite side—rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes all work wonderfully with this creamy dish!
Enjoy your creamy, delicious dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken first. The best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quick thawing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoncini. Additionally, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture while it simmers!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken?
This dish is delicious served over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables for a delightful balance of flavors!
