Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with bright, zesty flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sliced pepperoncini and heavy cream. Simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and let the flavors meld.
- Step 4: Serve the chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. Pair with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the pepperoncini juice before cooking.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for more complexity.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce 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 cream from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What are pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini are mild, tangy, and slightly sweet Italian peppers often pickled. They add a bright, zesty flavor to dishes and are commonly found jarred in the condiment aisle.
PrintCreamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy and creamy pepperoncini sauce with garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the zing of pepperoncini peppers with rich cream to create a luscious sauce served right from the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the pepperoncini peppers along with their juice and stir to combine.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy pepperoncini sauce over the top, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini juice depending on how tangy you prefer the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: Creamy pepperoncini chicken, creamy chicken skillet, pepperoncini chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, creamy garlic chicken
