Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor — this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a dinner you’ll crave again and again. It combines tender chicken strips with pepperoncini peppers in a luscious parmesan cream sauce, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season with sea salt and ground pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let the mixture reduce by half, around 5 minutes, to intensify the flavors.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Then return the heat to medium-high.
6. Step 6: Add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers to the sauce. Return the browned chicken to the pan and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the sauce thickens. Add more chicken stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve hot over rice, pasta, or vegetables. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, shredded parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer pepperoncinis to suit your heat preference.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist using plant-based chicken alternatives.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream option to reduce calories.

Storage

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened or separated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay juicy throughout cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the heat by adding more pepperoncinis or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 123 reviews

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a tangy, creamy, and flavorful dinner recipe featuring tender chicken strips simmered in a parmesan cream sauce with pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, and Italian seasoning. It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole, as preferred)

Liquids and Dairy

• ½ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

Seasonings

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season evenly with sea salt and ground pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are fragrant and browned, which builds the flavor base for the sauce.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted red peppers. Allow the mixture to reduce by half over about 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Turn off the heat. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then return the heat to medium-high.
6. Finish with Seasoning and Peppers: Stir in the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers, mixing well into the sauce.
7. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Simmer the mixture until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens to your liking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more chicken stock to adjust the consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve hot over your choice of rice, pasta, or vegetables. Enjoy the tangy, creamy flavors!

Notes

• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth if using a vegetarian chicken alternative.
• Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot pepperoncini peppers.
• Garnish with extra shredded Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
• For a lower-calorie version, use half-and-half or a lighter cream option instead of heavy cream.
• Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan for even browning of chicken.
• Whisk cream and parmesan thoroughly to avoid clumpy sauce.
• Simmer longer for thicker sauce or add more stock for thinner sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stove or microwave, adding a splash of stock or cream if needed.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, though sauce texture may change upon thawing.

Keywords: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, Skillet Chicken Recipe, Parmesan Chicken, Easy Dinner, Pepperoncini Recipe, Italian-American Dinner, Quick Chicken Skillet