Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked to perfection in a flavorful spicy cream sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, comforting one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual weekend feast. The rich, tangy sauce pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Fat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs well with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the chicken broth, sliced pepperoncini peppers, pepperoncini juice, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese, Thicken Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Return Chicken and Finish Cooking: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the skillet with fresh parsley if desired. Serve this creamy pepperoncini chicken hot alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- This recipe pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
