Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe: Zesty Comfort Food

Tender chicken simmering in a zesty pepperoncini chicken skillet creates pure comfort on a plate.

Tangy peppers mingle with rich, velvety sauce, promising a meal that sparks joy at first bite.

The skillet method locks in incredible flavor, making every morsel irresistibly juicy.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers bold, creamy goodness that wakes up tired taste buds.

Hearty and satisfying, it brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to serve this crowd-pleasing dish with crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop.

Expert Tips for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

• Use a large, heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and perfect browning of chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Remove pepperoncini seeds for a milder taste or add red pepper flakes for extra heat depending on preference.
• Whisk cream off direct heat to prevent curdling and create a smooth, silky texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking time and make this dish a fast, delicious meal for busy evenings.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken – Style Options

• Spicy Ranch Chicken Skillet: Replace cream with ranch dressing and add jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap pepperoncini with kalamata olives, use feta cheese instead of parmesan, and add oregano and thyme.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken: Replace onions with cauliflower rice, use coconut cream for dairy-free option, and add extra herbs for flavor.
• Dairy-Free Zesty Chicken: Substitute cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and add extra garlic for depth.

Best Ways to Serve Pepperoncini Chicken

• Pasta Paradise: Serve this creamy chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-worthy meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with cucumber and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken.
• Bread Buddy: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to mop up every last drop of the pepperoncini-infused sauce.
• Wine Companion: Match with a chilled white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the tangy, creamy flavors of the dish.

Pepperoncini Chicken – Keeping It Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
• Pack chicken and sauce in freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date.
• Place chicken and sauce in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165F.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat, add splash of chicken stock to prevent drying, stir gently until heated through and sauce is smooth.

FAQs

• What makes pepperoncini peppers special in this dish?

Pepperoncini peppers add a tangy, mild heat that gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor without overwhelming the creamy sauce.

• Can I use a different type of pepper instead of pepperoncini?

While you can substitute other peppers, pepperoncini provides a unique pickled flavor that’s key to this dish’s distinctive taste. Banana peppers might be the closest alternative.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken – Why You’ll Crave It

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder delivers delicious results with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken create a universally appealing dish that satisfies both adults and picky eaters at the dinner table.
• Straightforward cooking technique makes this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

Pepperoncini Chicken Ingredients List

• Chicken: A tender and versatile protein that forms the heart of this creamy skillet dish.

• Garlic, Onion: These classic flavor boosters provide a rich, savory base for the chicken skillet.
• Pepperoncini: A tangy pepper that adds a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the dish.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for cooking and adds depth of flavor.
• Stock: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce and helps develop the dish's overall taste.
• Red Peppers: Contribute a sweet and slightly sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Cream: Adds a luxurious, silky texture and richness to the skillet sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the chicken and sauce.

Tools for Pepperoncini Chicken Success

• Large heavy skillet: perfect for even cooking and creating delicious sauce.
• Whisk: essential for smoothly blending cream and parmesan.
• Measuring cups: helpful for accurate stock and cream measurements.
• Cutting board: for preparing garlic and onions.
• Sharp knife: needed to chop ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: great for stirring and sautéing vegetables.
• Meat thermometer: ensures chicken reaches safe 165°F temperature.

Cooking Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently melt butter until it’s bubbling and coating the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Generously coat chicken with salt and black pepper.

Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust.

Cook for about 8 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Diced onions

Sauté until ingredients turn golden and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Liquid Base

• Chicken stock
• Sliced red peppers

Simmer and reduce liquid by half, concentrating flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Richness

Remove skillet from heat.

• Heavy cream
• Grated parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return skillet to heat.

• Tangy pepperoncini
• Seared chicken
• Additional seasonings

Cook until chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Ensure even coating and thorough heating.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pepperoncini chicken skillet delivers tangy, creamy comfort from Italian-American kitchens. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in zesty pepperoncini peppers with cream cheese for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal that delights your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken, cut in strips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons garlic, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, drained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken stock

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Instructions

1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high, melting butter to create a golden cooking surface.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown and crisp, approximately 4-6 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from pan, keeping it warm while preparing subsequent components.
4. Sauté minced garlic and diced onions in remaining pan drippings until fragrant and caramelized, roughly 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour chicken stock and sliced red peppers into skillet, allowing liquid to reduce by half and concentrate flavors, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low, gently whisking heavy cream and grated parmesan into sauce until smooth and velvety.
7. Reintroduce seared chicken to skillet, adding chopped pepperoncini, dried herbs, and additional seasonings.
8. Simmer gently, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.
9. Allow sauce to thicken slightly and coat chicken pieces before serving, creating a rich, creamy coating.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Use fresh garlic and slice onions thinly for deeper flavor development during sautéing.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
• Adjust pepperoncini quantity based on heat preference, using milder peppers for sensitive palates or extra for spice lovers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 661
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1016 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 51 g
• Cholesterol: 193 mg