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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (jarred) - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They need to be boneless and skinless for easy cooking and eating. Next, the pepperoncini peppers bring a nice kick. They are sliced from a jar, making them easy to use. You will also need a medium onion and garlic. These add depth and flavor to the dish. For the creamy sauce, you need heavy cream and chicken broth. The cream makes it rich and velvety. The broth adds more chicken flavor. Don’t forget Italian seasoning! It ties the flavors together. You will also need olive oil for cooking the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider using grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce even richer. With these ingredients, you can create a tasty meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Seasoning and Searing Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure you cover both sides well. This step adds flavor. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for about 5-6 minutes. You'll want them golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Cooking Time and Techniques Cooking the chicken takes about 12 minutes total. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. This way, you know it is safe to eat. Cooking the Onion and Garlic In the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir it well until fragrant. This step adds depth to the dish. Deglazing the Skillet Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet. This process is called deglazing. It helps lift flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. The broth will mix with the onion and garlic flavors, creating a tasty base. Adding Broth and Pepperoncini Now, stir in the sliced pepperoncini and Italian seasoning. This adds a zesty flavor to your dish. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Incorporating Heavy Cream and Parmesan Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. If you want, add the grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. Mix everything until well combined. Returning Chicken to Skillet Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Make sure they are covered with the creamy sauce. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the flavors. Simmering for Flavor Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This helps to heat the chicken through and blend the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper according to your preference. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken Start with fresh chicken breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper. Sear them in hot olive oil. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. - Adjusting Sauce Consistency If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it in gently until it reaches the desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add more heavy cream. - Alternative Seasonings Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the dish. Experiment to find what you love. - Optional Add-ins You can add fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. They add color and flavor. If you enjoy cheese, stir in grated Parmesan for a richer taste. - Plating Ideas Serve the creamy chicken over mashed potatoes or pasta. This makes a comforting base. Spoon the pepperoncini sauce over the top for a nice finish. - Garnishing Tips Add chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. A sprinkle of chili flakes can make it pop. This not only looks good but also adds extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pepperoncini and high-quality chicken can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of pepperoncini or remove the seeds before adding them to the skillet. Perfect Cream Consistency: For a thicker sauce, let the creamy mixture simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken breasts for thighs. Thighs stay moist and add rich flavor. If you want a plant-based option, try using tofu. Just press it to remove excess water and cube it before cooking. This makes a great vegetarian version of the dish. For the peppers, feel free to explore different kinds. Banana peppers or jalapeños can add your desired heat. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be tasty. If you need a gluten-free version, this recipe is easy. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most brands offer this option. For dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream. It gives a nice richness and flavor. You can also leave out the Parmesan to keep it dairy-free. This creamy pepperoncini chicken pairs well with several side dishes. Serve it over mashed potatoes for comfort. Pasta is another great option; it soaks up the sauce well. For meal prep, this dish stores well. Cook a big batch, divide it into containers, and enjoy it throughout the week. You can add a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. - How Long It Lasts You can keep Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it cools before you store it. - Proper Storage Containers Use an airtight container to keep your chicken fresh. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. - How to Freeze and Thaw To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out extra air. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. - Best Practices for Reheating Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave, but stir often. - Recipes to Use Leftovers Shred leftover chicken for a creamy pasta dish or on top of a salad. You can mix it into a warm quesadilla for a tasty twist. - Creative Serving Suggestions Serve the chicken over rice or in a wrap with fresh veggies. You can also top baked potatoes with the creamy sauce for a hearty meal. What can I serve with Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken? You can pair this dish with many sides. Some popular options include: - Mashed potatoes - Cooked pasta - Rice or quinoa - Steamed vegetables - Crusty bread These sides soak up the creamy sauce well and add to the meal. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. This makes weeknight dinners easier! How can I make the sauce thicker? To thicken the sauce, try these methods: - Add more Parmesan cheese - Stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) - Simmer it longer to reduce the liquid Each method works well to achieve a creamier sauce. Caloric Content Each serving of Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken has about 450 calories. This can vary based on sides and portions. Macronutrients Per Serving - Protein: 35g - Carbohydrates: 8g - Fat: 30g This meal balances protein and healthy fats with low carbs. Can I use different types of peppers? Yes, you can use other peppers. Try banana peppers, jalapeños, or even bell peppers. Each type gives a unique flavor. What to do if I don’t have heavy cream? If you lack heavy cream, use these alternatives: - Half-and-half - Coconut cream - Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist) Each substitute will change the texture and flavor a bit, but they still work great! This blog covered how to make a tasty creamy pepperoncini chicken dish. We explored ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to boost flavor. I shared ways to modify the recipe for dietary needs and meal prep. You can store leftovers and even use them in new recipes. Remember, cooking is about joy and creativity. Experiment with your own flavors and have fun in the kitchen. The more you try, the better you'll get! Enjoy your meal!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring pepperoncini peppers, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (jarred)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and pick up any flavorful bits.
  • Stir in the pepperoncini slices and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. If using, add in the grated Parmesan cheese at this stage for a richer flavor.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are coated with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve on a bed of mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, pepperoncini, skillet