Are you on the lookout for a delicious, one-pan dinner recipe that offers a perfect balance of flavors? Look no further! The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is here to elevate your weeknight meal with its rich and tangy cream sauce. Imagine juicy chicken slices complemented by the bold taste of pepperoncini peppers and caramelized onions, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. This comforting dish is simple enough for busy cooks while delivering on taste, making it a favorite for families and gatherings alike.
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it also showcases a mix of textures—from the tenderness of the chicken to the soft, creamy sauce. The combination of creamy Parmesan cheese and zesty roasted red peppers enhances each bite, ensuring that your taste buds are treated to a delightful experience. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside some steamed veggies, this recipe is versatile enough to please everyone at the table.
With ingredients that are easy to find and a cooking process that takes only about 30 minutes, the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy good food and good company. So, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy pepperoncini, savory chicken, and creamy sauce creates a taste sensation.
- Quick and Easy: This one-pan recipe allows for fast preparation and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over your favorite grains, pasta, or veggies to customize each plate.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters are likely to enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish.
- Nutritious and Delicious: The ingredients provide essential nutrients while delivering mouthwatering flavors.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring you have a large skillet or frying pan ready, preferably one with a heavy bottom to evenly distribute heat. You’ll also need a cutting board and sharp knife for slicing the chicken and dicing the onions.
To enhance your cooking experience, make sure to measure out your ingredients beforehand. This includes melting the butter and gathering your spices and fresh items like garlic and pepperoncini. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking flow smoothly and keep you organized. A spatula or wooden spoon will be useful for stirring the ingredients, while a whisk will help you incorporate the cream and Parmesan cheese seamlessly into the sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 lbs chicken, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (drained)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start your cooking adventure by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the butter begins to bubble, season the thinly sliced chicken with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and allow it to sear undisturbed for about 4 minutes. This will create a nice golden crust. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for another 4 minutes. After browning on all sides, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
With the chicken resting, it’s time to create the aromatic base for your dish. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and finely chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and turn a beautiful golden hue. This step adds depth to the flavor of your dish and prepares the pan for the next delicious components.
Step 3: Deglaze and Reduce
Now, it’s time to build more flavor! Pour in the chicken stock and add the sliced roasted red peppers to the skillet. As the mixture comes to a simmer, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where a lot of flavors are concentrated. Allow this to simmer until the liquid reduces by half; this will intensify the taste and improve the overall texture of the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Once the mixture has reduced, remove the skillet from heat. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until everything is smoothly combined. The heat will thicken the creamy sauce, enveloping the flavors beautifully, so you want to make sure it’s properly mixed before taking the next steps.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the skillet to medium-high heat, and add the Italian seasoning and drained pepperoncini peppers to the creamy mixture. Finally, add the seared chicken back to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce should thicken to a luscious consistency. If it appears too thick, feel free to add a bit more chicken stock to reach your preferred texture.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a different protein source.
- Vegetables: Add in some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: If you prefer heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cut into even slices for consistent cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and onions to your taste preferences—the more, the merrier!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Pasta lovers will enjoy it served over al dente noodles, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Tips
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
- Prepare everyone’s portions ahead of time for a fun family meal around the table.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure to thoroughly thaw it beforehand for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with this creamy chicken dish?
Pair it with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with a crisp side salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
Definitely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Conclusion
The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a gateway to comfort and satisfaction. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor and textures, ensuring everyone gets a plateful of goodness. Whether you’re whipping this up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to delight all palates. Don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own, and I encourage you to share your thoughts when you try it! Join in the deliciousness and get cooking today!
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Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a gateway to comfort and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 lbs chicken, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (drained)
Instructions
- Start your cooking adventure by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the butter begins to bubble, season the thinly sliced chicken with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and allow it to sear undisturbed for about 4 minutes. This will create a nice golden crust. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for another 4 minutes. After browning on all sides, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- With the chicken resting, it’s time to create the aromatic base for your dish. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and finely chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and turn a beautiful golden hue. This step adds depth to the flavor of your dish and prepares the pan for the next delicious components.
- Now, it’s time to build more flavor! Pour in the chicken stock and add the sliced roasted red peppers to the skillet. As the mixture comes to a simmer, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where a lot of flavors are concentrated. Allow this to simmer until the liquid reduces by half; this will intensify the taste and improve the overall texture of the sauce.
- Once the mixture has reduced, remove the skillet from heat. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until everything is smoothly combined. The heat will thicken the creamy sauce, enveloping the flavors beautifully, so you want to make sure it’s properly mixed before taking the next steps.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat, and add the Italian seasoning and drained pepperoncini peppers to the creamy mixture. Finally, add the seared chicken back to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce should thicken to a luscious consistency. If it appears too thick, feel free to add a bit more chicken stock to reach your preferred texture.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is cut into even slices for consistent cooking. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and onions to your taste preferences—the more, the merrier!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 45 g