Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and tangy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with pepperoncini peppers and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a low-carb cauliflower mash.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally or pounded thin)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus 2 tablespoons of brine)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth and pepperoncini brine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Stir well to combine.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, sliced pepperoncini peppers, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Cook an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the chicken through and let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.
- For added tanginess, increase the amount of pepperoncini brine to taste.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the sauce.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded or halved for consistent cooking.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
