Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are cooked in a rich, tangy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan, creating a comforting and savory dish that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

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 the chicken 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.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let the mixture reduce by half to deepen the flavors.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking as you go to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Turn the heat back to medium and add the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir everything together well.
7. Step 7: Return the browned chicken strips to the pan and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve the skillet hot over rice, vegetables, or pasta, and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream for a lighter version with a subtle tang.
• If you prefer, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juiciness.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil at the end for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream while reheating can help maintain a creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cutting into strips and cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.

What can I serve with Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 88 reviews

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a rich, tangy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The dish combines a flavorful blend of Italian seasonings with the zest of pickled peppers for a satisfying one-pan meal perfect over rice, vegetables, or pasta.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season them evenly with sea salt and ground pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté them until they become fragrant and golden brown, which will add depth to the sauce.
4. Add Stock and Peppers: Pour in the chicken stock along with the roasted red peppers. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce by half to concentrate the flavors.
5. Create Cream Sauce: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously to blend into a smooth and creamy sauce base.
6. Season Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
7. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Add the browned chicken strips back into the skillet. Simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken hot, ideally over rice, steamed vegetables, or your choice of pasta for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use thinly sliced chicken strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
• Drain pepperoncini peppers well to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if using salted chicken stock.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and freshness.

Keywords: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, Skillet Chicken Recipe, Easy Italian Chicken, Creamy Chicken Dinner, Pepperoncini Sauce Chicken