Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with a rich, tangy sauce made from pepperoncini peppers and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

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, rings, or whole)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add diced onions and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let simmer and reduce by half to deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Return heat to medium and add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well.
7. Step 7: Add the browned chicken back to the pan and simmer until 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 along with the Italian seasoning.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but cook gently to avoid curdling.
• Use fresh garlic for more vibrant flavor instead of pre-minced garlic.
• Add chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. You can add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Just ensure they are cooked through and browned well for best flavor.

What can I serve with this creamy pepperoncini chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pasta, or sautéed vegetables. Mashed potatoes or crusty bread also work well to soak up the creamy sauce.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a buttery, creamy sauce infused with the tangy zest of pepperoncini peppers and savory Italian seasoning. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal with a rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Skillet Sauce

• 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 with sea salt and ground pepper, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated for balanced flavor.
2. Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they are browned on all sides, which locks in juiciness and adds rich flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced white onion and garlic. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the onion becomes golden, building the base flavor for the sauce.
4. Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the chicken stock and add the sliced roasted red peppers. Allow the mixture to simmer, reducing by half to concentrate the flavors and create a flavorful base.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
6. Season Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in the Italian seasoning and drained pepperoncini peppers, adding lively, tangy notes to the sauce.
7. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken strips to the skillet. Simmer the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, coating the chicken beautifully.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken hot over rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Notes

• For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, though sauce will be less thick.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to control heat and tanginess according to your taste.
• This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring the chicken stock and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, Skillet Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken with Peppers, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Chicken, Italian-inspired Chicken