You are about to dive into the joy of a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort: the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. Imagine tender strips of chicken perfectly browned, nestled in a luscious, tangy cream sauce studded with pepperoncini peppers and roasted red peppers. This skillet meal strikes a divine balance of creamy richness and a zesty kick, transforming everyday ingredients into an irresistible feast. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ready to make dinner time your new favorite tradition.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple but incredibly impactful. Each item plays a special role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.

2 tbsp butter: Adds depth and richness, helping to brown the chicken beautifully and create a silky sauce base.
2 lbs chicken cut into thin strips: The star protein, offering lean, juicy bites that soak up all the bold flavors.
1 tsp sea salt: Elevates all the ingredients, enhancing their natural tastes without overwhelming.
1 tsp ground pepper: Provides a gentle heat that complements the pepperoncini’s tang perfectly.
1 white onion diced: Brings sweetness and texture, softening into the creamy sauce for added heartiness.
2 tbsp garlic diced: Imparts aromatic warmth that infuses every bite with savory goodness.
½ cup chicken stock: Balances the cream’s richness and helps meld the flavors together.
½ cup roasted red pepper drained and sliced: Adds vibrant color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and comforting, wrapping the ingredients in richness.
½ cup parmesan cheese shredded: Introduces a salty, nutty dimension that enhances the cream sauce beautifully.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brings freshness and a savory Mediterranean flair.
½ cup pepperoncini peppers drained (sliced, ring, or whole): Injects the perfect tangy zing and a bit of mild heat, signature to this dish.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Perfection

Start by melting the butter over medium-high heat in a large, heavy pan. Season your chicken strips with sea salt and ground pepper, then add them to the pan. Brown the chicken evenly on all sides, turning every couple of minutes. This process takes about 8 minutes and is crucial for locking in juiciness and developing a flavorful crust. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through yet—we’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Onion and Garlic

Remove the browned chicken from the pan and set it aside. Next, toss in the diced garlic and onions, allowing them to sauté and brown for around 5 minutes. They’ll soften and soak up all the buttery, chickeny goodness left behind, adding a sweet and savory layer that is downright mouthwatering.

Step 3: Reduce with Stock and Roasted Red Peppers

Pour in the chicken stock along with the drained roasted red peppers. Let this mixture simmer gently until it reduces to half its volume, which takes about 5 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and creates the perfect base for our creamy sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously to ensure the sauce becomes smooth and velvety without any lumps. The mixture will start thickening noticeably—it’s pure comfort in the making!

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Italian Seasoning and Pepperoncini

Turn the heat back up to medium-high and mix in the Italian seasoning, plus your pepperoncini peppers in whatever style you prefer—sliced, rings, or whole. Add the chicken strips back into the pan and allow everything to simmer until the sauce further reduces by half, and your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash more chicken stock to loosen it while the chicken finishes cooking.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Finish this gorgeous skillet meal with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green and freshness. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese on top can add an irresistible salty touch that guests will love. These simple garnishes elevate the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

The creamy, tangy nature of this chicken skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think steamed vegetables, fluffy white or brown rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. Each side creates the perfect balance, letting the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet shine in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish over garlic bread or crispy polenta cakes to soak up the luscious sauce. You could also turn it into a hearty wrap or stuff it into pita pockets with some fresh greens for a delicious lunch option. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily reinvent it to suit your mood or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and robust flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes fairly well, though you might want to keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing. To freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream while warming will help restore the smooth, creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it can make the sauce split.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if sliced thinly or pounded to an even thickness before cooking, ensuring even browning and quick cooking time.

How spicy is the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet?

The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the pepperoncini peppers, which are tangy and slightly spicy but never overwhelming. Adjust the quantity if you prefer it milder or with more bite.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?

You could try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For the best creamy outcome, heavy cream is ideal.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Yes, browning the chicken adds incredible flavor and texture. It creates a caramelized crust that brings a wonderful complexity to the dish.

Are pepperoncini peppers essential?

They are the signature ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive tang and mild heat. If you can’t find them, banana peppers could work as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a recipe that you can rely on to become a beloved staple, and the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is exactly that. It’s creamy, tangy, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to whip up. If you’re ready to impress your family or just treat yourself to an incredible home-cooked meal, this skillet dish deserves a spot on your dinner table soon!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a rich and tangy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a luscious cream sauce infused with roasted red peppers, Italian seasoning, and zesty pepperoncini peppers. This flavorful skillet meal is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served over vegetables, pasta, or rice.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan and Chicken: In a large, heavy pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips evenly with sea salt and ground pepper, then add them to the pan.
Brown the Chicken: Cook the chicken strips, turning every couple of minutes, until they are browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. The chicken might not reach an internal temperature of 165°F at this point, which is okay. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced garlic and onion to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and browned, about 5 minutes.
Add Stock and Roasted Peppers: Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted red peppers. Let the mixture simmer and reduce by half, approximately 5 minutes.
Create the Cream Sauce: Turn the heat off. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese together, mixing vigorously as you add the cream to prevent curdling.
Combine and Season: Bring the heat back to medium-high and stir in the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Return the chicken strips to the pan.
Simmer Until Done: Allow the sauce to reduce by half while the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Add additional chicken stock if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken over your choice of vegetables, pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own.

Notes

Chicken strips can vary in thickness; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers based on your preferred spice and tang level.
To make the sauce thinner, add more chicken stock gradually.
This dish pairs well with sautéed greens, steamed vegetables, or over egg noodles or rice.
For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion