I can almost smell the tangy aroma of pepperoncini peppers simmering in a creamy sauce, just thinking about this recipe. It takes me right back to Sunday dinners at my Aunt Maria’s house. The whole family would gather around a huge table, and this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet was always the star.
Her version was a closely guarded secret, but I’ve managed to create my own that captures that same comforting flavor. The best part? It’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours. It’s become a regular in my own kitchen, and it’s a dish I always look forward to. I love how it gets even better when spooned over the top of my Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, so good!
## Why you’ll love this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
* It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* The creamy, tangy sauce is incredibly flavorful and comforting.
* The pepperoncini peppers add a unique zest that elevates the dish.
* It’s versatile – serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
* This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is easy to customize to your liking, by adjusting the amount of pepperoncini peppers to control the level of spice.
* It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.
## Ingredients
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (plus 2 tablespoons of the juice from the jar)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
## Directions
Step 1
Pepperoncini chicken skillet makes every moment feel lush. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta or rice, if desired. Enjoy your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet!
## Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the pepperoncini peppers. You could also experiment with different types of cheeses. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella would add a lovely, cheesy pull to the dish.
Consider adding other vegetables to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrients. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. It will still be creamy and flavorful, but with fewer calories. You can also substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer, more flavorful dish.
Pairings
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet pairs perfectly with pasta. I love serving it over fettuccine or linguine, so the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce. Cooked rice is also a fantastic option, especially if you want a gluten-free alternative.
A simple side salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce. A vinaigrette dressing is a great choice to balance the creamy flavors. Crusty bread is a must-have for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.
Looking for another great pairing? See how Cook Reel shows how to make a family favorite with these chicken and rice stuffed peppers—they offer a complementary flavor profile that is sure to impress! Check out the chicken and rice stuffed peppers here.
Serving ideas
Garnish your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of richness and shine to the dish. Arrange the chicken and sauce artfully over the pasta or rice for an appealing presentation.
Serve the skillet directly from the stovetop for a rustic and comforting feel. Individual bowls or plates allow each person to customize their portion. Offer extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who like an extra cheesy kick.
Consider serving this dish at a potluck or family gathering. Its crowd-pleasing flavor and easy preparation make it a perfect choice. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group.
## Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store any leftover Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as the chicken can become dry. Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
While freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce potentially separating, if necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can easily prepare the chicken ahead of time by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and storing it in the refrigerator. Chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance to save time during cooking. The pepperoncini peppers can also be sliced ahead of time and stored in the jar with the juice.
The sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken. This is a great way to streamline the cooking process on a busy weeknight.
For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through. This will cut down on the cooking time even further.
## Common mistakes when making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
* **Overcooking the chicken:** Chicken breasts can easily become dry if overcooked. Be sure to cook them until they are just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
* **Not scraping up the browned bits:** The browned bits at the bottom of the skillet add a ton of flavor to the sauce. Be sure to scrape them up with the chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
* **Adding the Parmesan cheese too early:** Adding the Parmesan cheese too early can cause the sauce to become grainy. Wait until the sauce has thickened slightly before adding the cheese.
* **Using low-quality Parmesan cheese:** Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
## Final notes
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of family dinners, and a celebration of simple, flavorful ingredients. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same joy and comfort that it brings to my family.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own! Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, and serve it with your favorite sides. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
## Loved this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet? Try these next
* Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
* Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
* Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
* Creamy Steak and Potato Soup
* Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Whip up a flavorful and comforting Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet in under an hour! Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, tangy sauce with pepperoncini peppers creates a dish that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (plus 2 tablespoons of the juice from the jar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta or rice, if desired. Enjoy your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet!
Notes
For a spicier dish, add more pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg