Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken Recipe
A rich and flavorful one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken fillets simmered in a creamy garlic and red pepper sauce with pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This recipe balances smoky, tangy, and creamy elements, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal served with crusty bread and a simple salad.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Salt
Meat and Poultry
- 3.5 ounces pancetta
- 2 large chicken fillets
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin slices
- 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Liquids and Dairy
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup white wine (preferably Pinot Grigio)
- ¾ cup cream (20% fat)
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for serving)
- Browning Pancetta: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove pancetta from skillet and set aside, leaving as much grease as possible in the skillet.
- Seasoning Chicken: Season the chicken fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Searing Chicken: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and browned. Removal time may vary depending on chicken thickness. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine, stirring to loosen and dissolve the browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Cooking Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Simmering Sauce: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Finishing Sauce and Chicken: Stir in cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Return the chicken fillets to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serving: Garnish the dish with the cooked pancetta and freshly chopped parsley. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve hot with crusty bread and a simple side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- If white wine is unavailable, substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
- Cooking time for chicken may vary depending on thickness; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated flavor, so choose oil-packed ones if possible for better moisture.
- Crusty bread is recommended to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fillet with sauce and pancetta
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken recipe, garlic chicken, red pepper chicken, pancetta recipe, one skillet chicken, Italian chicken dish