Welcome back to the kitchen, friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my home. If you’re a fan of rich, creamy sauces with a hint of tang and spice, this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is going to be a game-changer. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an impromptu dinner party.
The combination of tender chicken, the zingy kick of pepperoncinis, and the luscious, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to dive in with a spoon—or serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy dream come to life:
- 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 peppers – Drained and sliced.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese – Shredded.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers – Drained (sliced rings, whole, or chopped, as you prefer).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat a large, heavy pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it begins to sizzle.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
- Brown the chicken on all sides, turning every couple of minutes (about 8 minutes total). The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—just beautifully golden. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
- Add the diced garlic and onion to the same pan, letting them brown and soften for about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen with a warm, savory smell.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted red peppers. Let the mixture simmer and reduce by half—this will concentrate all those delicious flavors.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
- Turn off the heat (this step is crucial to avoid curdling) and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan. Whisk vigorously to create a smooth, silky sauce.
- Turn the heat back to medium-high and stir in the Italian seasoning, pepperoncinis, and the browned chicken.
4. Simmer and Serve
- Let the sauce reduce further while the chicken finishes cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock to adjust the consistency.
- Serve hot over your choice of rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables—or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 813 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 203 mg
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
- Cut Evenly: Slice the chicken into uniform strips for even cooking.
- Cream Consistency: Make sure to whisk the cream into the pan off the heat to prevent it from curdling.
- Pepperoncini Variety: Adjust the amount of pepperoncini to suit your heat preference. For more tang, add an extra spoonful of the pickling brine!
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative for a creamy, lactose-free option.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish as instructed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed.
Is this dish spicy?
The pepperoncini adds a mild tang with just a touch of heat. If you prefer more spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using hot pepperoncinis.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but this dish holds up well if reheated gently. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Storage Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a bit of stock or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
More Recipes to Try
If you loved this dish, you’ll also enjoy:
There you have it: a quick, flavorful recipe that’s as versatile as it is comforting. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is sure to wow everyone at the table. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, and don’t forget to share a picture of your masterpiece!
Happy cooking!