Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet: Your New Weeknight Favorite Recipe
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and easy-to-make weeknight favorite featuring tender chicken cooked in a luscious creamy sauce with tangy pepperoncini peppers and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting dinner served alongside your choice of sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini (fresh or jarred)
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Olive oil for cooking (about 1-2 tablespoons)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a delicious crust.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the exterior is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to low-medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Pepperoncini: Stir in the sliced pepperoncini and sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften slightly.
- Make Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce to warm through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Using boneless chicken thighs provides more tenderness and flavor compared to breasts, but either cut works well.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Low-sodium chicken broth allows better control over salt levels, especially when adding pepperoncini, which can be salty.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for the best aroma and taste over pre-minced or powdered varieties.
- If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Keywords: Creamy pepperoncini chicken, one skillet chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken skillet, pepperoncini chicken
