Description
This creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a rich, tangy, and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful cream sauce infused with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to season both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Build the sauce: Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers, pepperoncini brine, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese into the sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
