Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken strips with a rich, tangy sauce. The pepperoncini peppers add a delightful zest that brightens the creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect served over rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetables for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 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 pepper, drained and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season with sea salt and ground pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let the mixture reduce by half to deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Return the heat to medium and add the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well to combine.
7. Step 7: Add the browned chicken back to the pan and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve hot over rice, vegetables, or pasta, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more robust flavor.
• Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the dish, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned peppers instead of roasted red peppers?

Yes, canned roasted red peppers work well. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the skillet to avoid excess liquid.

What can I serve this dish with?

This creamy chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, buttered pasta, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 114 reviews

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken strips simmered in a rich and creamy sauce infused with tangy pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Perfect served over rice, pasta, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper

Sauce and Vegetables

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)

Instructions

1. Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season evenly with sea salt and ground pepper to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced white onion and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until they become fragrant and golden, releasing their full flavor into the pan.
4. Reduce liquids: Pour in the chicken stock along with the drained roasted red peppers. Allow this mixture to simmer and reduce by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
5. Create creamy sauce: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to form a smooth and luscious sauce.
6. Add seasonings and peppers: Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and the drained pepperoncini peppers, mixing well to combine the tangy and herby elements with the creamy sauce.
7. Simmer chicken in sauce: Add the browned chicken back to the skillet. Simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken hot over your choice of rice, vegetables, or pasta, and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to control the level of tanginess and heat.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken stock is gluten-free or use homemade stock.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Keywords: Creamy pepperoncini chicken, chicken skillet recipe, creamy chicken dinner, quick chicken skillet, pepperoncini chicken recipe, easy stovetop chicken