Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, rich pepperoncini sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (choose boneless for tenderness)
• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini (fresh or jarred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 3 cloves fresh minced garlic (use fresh for best flavor)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (to control salt levels)
• Salt, to taste (essential for flavor)
• Pepper, to taste (essential for flavor)
• Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced pepperoncini and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your choice of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Serve with cooked pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them tender and juicy.

What can I substitute for pepperoncini?

If you don’t have pepperoncini, mild banana peppers or pickled jalapeños can work as alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor and heat level.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a rich and tangy sauce made from heavy cream, pepperoncini, garlic, and chicken broth. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this skillet meal pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

For the Sauce

• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini (fresh or jarred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for lighter option)
• 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

For Seasoning

• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for cooking, about 1-2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Pepperoncini: Stir in the sliced pepperoncini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken hot, alongside your choice of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad to create a balanced meal.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini according to your spice preference as they add a tangy heat.
• Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Pepperoncini chicken, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken recipes, one-pan chicken dinner, pepperoncini sauce, dinner skillet, quick chicken dinner