Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy Recipe

If you are craving a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in no time, the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender chicken strips with a luscious, tangy cream sauce studded with vibrant roasted red peppers and zesty pepperoncini, creating vibrant layers of flavor that dance on your taste buds. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on richness or personality and will soon become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a big role in making this dish pop with flavor and creamy comfort. From the buttery base to the sharp tang of pepperoncini, every item is essential.

• 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips: Quick-cooking and perfect for soaking up sauce.
• 1 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all other flavors.
• 1 tsp ground pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• 1 white onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a savory base for the sauce.
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced: Offers aromatic depth and a punch of flavor.
• ½ cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and helps create a flavorful reduction.
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced: Infuses sweetness and color.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its irresistible creamy texture.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds a salty, nutty boost and thickens the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant herbs that tie all the flavors together.
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained: Provides a bright, sharp tang with just a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken into thin strips for quick and even cooking. Season the chicken generously with sea salt and ground pepper to enhance its natural taste and lay the foundation for the dish’s balanced flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden on all sides – this usually takes around 8 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove and set aside to keep the juices locked in.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Onions

Using the same skillet (with all those lovely browned bits), toss in diced onions and garlic. Let them gently brown for about 5 minutes; this builds a rich, savory base by extracting sweetness from the onions and mellowing the garlic’s intensity.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock along with the roasted red peppers. Allow the liquid to reduce by half over medium heat, which concentrates flavors and starts to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Turn off the heat briefly to slowly whisk in heavy cream and shredded parmesan, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture. Then, bring the heat back to medium-high to meld everything together without curdling the cream.

Step 6: Finish with Italian Seasoning and Pepperoncinis

Stir in Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers for bursts of herbaceous notes and a piquant kick. Return the chicken strips to the skillet, letting them simmer in the luscious sauce until perfectly cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F). If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with additional chicken stock to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your chicken is tender and sauce has reached creamy perfection, remove from heat. Serve immediately over your favorite rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Dig in and savor every bite of this delightful Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a fresh, herbaceous pop that brightens the rich sauce. A little extra shredded parmesan can also be a welcome snowy finish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple pasta like fettuccine or penne to soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter touch, serve with roasted or steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this creamy chicken over grilled polenta rounds or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also stack it over toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer version perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop even further, making for delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

This creamy chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to prevent the cream from breaking. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce feels too thick or dry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?

Absolutely! Just slice whole breasts into strips before cooking to ensure they cook quickly and evenly, perfect for this skillet recipe.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor without dairy.

How spicy is the dish?

The pepperoncini peppers provide a mild to moderate tangy heat, but you can adjust the heat level by using milder or hotter varieties of pepperoncini or adding fewer peppers.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with plant-based chicken strips and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The creamy sauce still shines beautifully with these tweaks.

What is the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken strips until just browned in butter without fully cooking them initially, then simmer in the sauce to finish cooking gently. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe – Quick & Easy. It’s hearty enough to keep you full and happy, yet light and bright with the pepperoncini’s zing. I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this dish as much as I do – it’s a wonderful way to treat yourself on a busy weeknight without fuss or stress.

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