Description
Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and creamy one-pan dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a tangy, slightly spicy pepperoncini sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory chicken with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings, finished with a rich cream sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or rice for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings
- 3 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Vegetables & Peppers
- 1 cup Pepperoncini Peppers (adjust for less heat)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)
Optional
- Pasta or Rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Veggies: Dry the chicken breasts thoroughly and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Chop the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and drain and roughly chop the pepperoncini peppers for later use.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the reserved juice from the pepperoncini peppers and scrape the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Add chopped pepperoncini, low-sodium chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cream and Return Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream to create a rich sauce, then place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish the dish generously with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve hot over pasta or rice to enjoy the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better manage the dish’s saltiness.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by slicing an internal piece; juices should run clear.
- Serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.
