Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet features juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich, tangy, and creamy pepperoncini sauce. The combination of tender chicken, zesty pepperoncini peppers, and a smooth cream sauce makes for an easy and comforting meal perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cooking Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Sauce & Flavorings
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat the fats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil until shimmering, preparing the pan for searing the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked most of the way through. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté peppers and garlic: Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, allowing their flavors to release into the pan.
- Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; this adds depth to the sauce.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce while stirring gently until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Feel free to add mushrooms or fresh spinach to the skillet for added vegetables and nutrients.
- Adjust the quantity of pepperoncini peppers depending on how tangy or spicy you prefer the dish.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American