Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without much effort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 jar (about 7 oz) pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the pepperoncini peppers along with their juice and stir to combine. Then, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce before simmering.
- Serve over rice or pasta to soak up the creamy pepperoncini sauce.
- Adjust the heat by using more or fewer pepperoncini peppers according to your taste.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly until thighs are cooked through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but the texture may be less rich.
PrintCreamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy pepperoncini sauce with garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances a tangy, slightly spicy kick from the pepperoncini with a rich, smooth cream sauce.
- 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 (about 1.5 lbs)
Sauce
- 1 jar (about 7 oz) pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per 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 the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the pepperoncini peppers with their juice, stirring to combine.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken immediately, garnished with extra pepperoncini if desired. Pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of pepperoncini or rinse them before adding.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, but cream will give the best texture.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor even more.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.
Keywords: pepperoncini chicken, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken recipes, one-pan chicken, garlic pepperoncini sauce
