Description
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts with tangy, mildly spicy pepperoncini peppers in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan, and aromatic seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances creamy indulgence with a bright, zesty kick perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs, 1 tsp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels for a better sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs to enhance the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Build the Creamy Pepperoncini Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift browned bits. Stir in chopped pepperoncini peppers with their juice.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream gradually, stirring constantly. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the sauce and let it thicken slightly to create a silky texture.
- Simmer and Finish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and infused with sauce flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches if necessary for a golden crust.
- Stir the sauce gently on low heat to avoid cream and cheese separation.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini to control tanginess and spiciness.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for added color and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg