Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips simmered in a rich, tangy sauce with pepperoncini peppers create a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

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 salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add diced onions and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let reduce by half to deepen flavor.
5. Step 5: Turn off heat and slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Return heat to medium and add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well.
7. Step 7: Add the browned chicken back to the pan and simmer until fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve hot over rice, vegetables, or pasta, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Use fresh garlic instead of diced for a more intense flavor, sautéing it carefully to avoid burning.
• Add chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Slice them into thin strips to ensure even cooking and tenderness in the skillet.

What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 398 reviews

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with Parmesan, roasted red peppers, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper

Sauce and Vegetables

• 2 tbsp butter
• 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 the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season them evenly with sea salt and ground pepper for balanced flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden, releasing their savory aromas into the dish.
4. Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the chicken stock along with the roasted red peppers. Let the mixture simmer until it reduces by half to concentrate the flavors.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Add Seasoning and Peppers: Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers to infuse a zesty and aromatic character.
7. Simmer with Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken hot over your choice of rice, vegetables, or pasta. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!

Notes

• For extra heat, use more pepperoncini or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Parmesan grated just before use will melt better and enhance flavor.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
• Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
• To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: creamy pepperoncini chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken skillet, pepperoncini peppers recipe