This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Dinner is a quick and tasty meal. Juicy chicken cooks in a creamy sauce made with tangy pepperoncini peppers for a delightful flavor kick!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something special without much fuss. I serve it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs add more flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets can work too!
Pepperoncini Peppers: These add a tangy kick! If you’re not a fan, you can use sliced jalapeños for more heat or pickled banana peppers for a milder taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk. Just know that it might change the flavor a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is perfect, but feel free to use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can mix equal parts of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Fresh herbs are also great for a garden-fresh flavor!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Getting juicy, perfectly cooked chicken is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Large chunks are fine, but aim for similar sizes.
- Preheat the skillet and let the oil get hot. This seals in the juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside, and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F or 75°C).
Trust me, with these tips, your chicken will be tender and delicious every time!
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into large chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers with juice (about 8-10 peppers)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 35 minutes in total! Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This is where you build your flavor right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; you’ll want that delicious garlic flavor!
4. Add the Peppers and Broth:
Next, toss in the pepperoncini peppers along with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir it all together and bring this mixture to a simmer. The sauce is starting to come together!
5. Make it Creamy:
Turn down the heat to medium-low, and now it’s time for that luscious cream! Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and if you like a bit of spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let this cook gently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens up just a little bit.
6. Combine with Chicken:
Now, return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give it a good stir to coat the chicken in that creamy pepperoncini sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken can warm through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well combined and heated, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve your creamy pepperoncini chicken hot over cooked rice or pasta, and enjoy every bite!
This dish offers a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor with tender chicken in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Enjoy!
FAQ for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add a richer flavor. You could also use chicken tenders or even shredded rotisserie chicken; just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Pepperoncini Peppers?
If you can’t find pepperoncini, you can substitute them with sliced jalapeños for a spicier kick or pickled banana peppers for a milder, tangy flavor. Both will give a delicious twist to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then let them cool before storing them separately in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. Just be aware that the sauce may thicken; add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if needed!
