Pin It This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and comforting main dish that brings together the tangy zest of pepperoncini with a luscious, velvety cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal transforms simple chicken into a flavorful feast in just 30 minutes.
Pin It By searing the chicken to a golden brown before simmering it in a mixture of garlic, broth, and cream, you ensure every bite is juicy and infused with the bright flavors of the peppers. It is an approachable yet sophisticated dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini (fresh or jarred, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Add sliced pepperoncini and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 6
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 7
- Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken until everything is heated through.
- Step 8
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with extra pepperoncini if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the chicken develops a nice crust, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meat. Using a large non-stick skillet will make the cleanup easier and prevent the minced garlic from sticking during the sauté process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra tang, add a splash of the pepperoncini brine to the sauce while it simmers. To make the dish dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream. You can also add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil at the very end for extra herbal flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy skillet chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up the sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Pin It With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, this Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is bound to become a recurring favorite. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat and comfort in every forkful.
Your Questions Answered
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both cook well, offering tender, juicy results when properly browned in the skillet.
- → Can I use fresh pepperoncini instead of jarred?
Yes, fresh pepperoncini can be sliced and used in the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor similar to jarred varieties.
- → How do I thicken the cream sauce properly?
Simmer the cream and broth mixture on medium-low, stirring occasionally until it reduces slightly and thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- → What are good side options to serve with this skillet?
Rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad complement the creamy tangy chicken and balance the dish well.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, if served without wheat-based sides, this skillet is gluten-free as the ingredients contain no gluten.