Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the zesty tang of pepperoncini with the soothing creaminess of a rich sauce—all made in under 40 minutes. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this creamy chicken is comforting yet light enough for any season. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating the chicken in velvety flavor, and the pepperoncini bring a subtle heat that’s completely addictive.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet: A Tangy, Comforting One-Pan Delight
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet combines juicy chicken breasts with tangy pepperoncini peppers in a luscious garlic cream sauce for a simple, flavorful one-pan meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and pepperoncini brine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, pepperoncini slices, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer another 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer pepperoncini peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein—tender and juicy when seared properly. You can also use chicken thighs for extra richness.
Butter and Olive Oil: The perfect combo for searing chicken to golden perfection while adding flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
Pepperoncini Peppers: The star of the dish. Their mild heat and tangy brine bring brightness that balances the cream perfectly.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and prevents the sauce from being overly heavy.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce naturally. Always use freshly grated for best results.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that complement the creamy base and add Mediterranean flair.
Flour: Lightly dusting the chicken before searing helps it brown nicely and adds body to the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every element of the dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Directions
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of flour on both sides.
- Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
- Add pepperoncini and broth. Pour in chicken broth and stir in sliced pepperoncini. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Create the creamy sauce. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken. Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, for a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the cream from separating.
Variations and Customizations
Pepperoncini Chicken Pasta
Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked fettuccine or penne for a creamy, tangy pasta dish.
Add Vegetables
Include spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms in the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Cheesy Upgrade
Melt mozzarella or provolone on top just before serving for an extra gooey layer.
Spicy Kick
Use hot pepperoncini or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Low-Carb Option
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
Lemon Twist
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.
Creamy Ranch Version
Stir in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a zesty American-style flavor.
Herb Lovers’ Mix
Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for aromatic depth.
Slow Cooker Adaptation
Combine all ingredients except the cream and cheese, cook on low for 4 hours, then stir in the cream and cheese before serving.
Bacon Boost
Crumble crispy bacon over the top just before serving for a smoky crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy—just adjust cooking time slightly.
2. Are pepperoncini very spicy?
No, they’re mild and tangy with a gentle heat that enhances the sauce without overpowering it.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
4. Can I use jarred pepperoncini?
Yes, jarred pepperoncini are perfect and add extra flavor from the brine.
5. What side dishes go best with this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully.
6. Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of white wine works beautifully—add it after the garlic and reduce slightly before adding broth.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce thickens as it cools—reheat gently with a little extra broth or cream.
8. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or whisk in a teaspoon of flour mixed with a bit of water.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh—cream sauces can separate when frozen.
10. Can I serve this over rice?
Absolutely. White rice, wild rice, or even quinoa soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is everything you want in a comforting, flavorful dinner—simple, hearty, and bursting with personality. The creamy sauce, tangy peppers, and perfectly seared chicken create a dish that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers pure comfort and bold flavor in every bite. Serve it once, and it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
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