Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, tangy sauce with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, and herbs. It’s rich, zesty, and perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (mild or hot, drained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp pepperoncini brine (optional, for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pepperoncini peppers and cook for 1 minute, then pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepperoncini brine (if using). Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use jarred pepperoncini peppers for convenience — mild for tangy flavor or hot for extra spice.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- This dish also works well with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- The sauce thickens as it cools — add a splash of broth if reheating leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American