Zesty Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Heavenly Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe For Dinner

Tender chicken simmering in a luscious pepperoncini chicken skillet promises pure comfort on a plate.

Zesty peppers dance with rich, velvety sauce, creating a melody of flavors that instantly spark dinnertime excitement.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade with this one-pan wonder.

The skillet method ensures every bite bursts with tangy, creamy goodness.

Juicy chicken absorbs the bright, piquant pepperoncini notes, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish faster than ordering takeout.

Serve this mouthwatering skillet and watch everyone request seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 602 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

For Chicken and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that creates the hearty base of the dish, choose fresh, high-quality chicken for best texture and flavor.
  • Sea Salt, Ground Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the chicken and add depth to the overall dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors and adds complexity to the skillet.
For Base and Aromatics:
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden foundation for sautéing and adds luxurious depth to the skillet.
  • White Onion: Adds sweet, slightly sharp undertones that complement the creamy sauce and provide subtle texture.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that forms the aromatic backbone of the dish.
For Sauce and Finishing:
  • Chicken Stock: Creates a liquid base that helps develop rich, savory flavors and ensures tender chicken.
  • Roasted Red Pepper: Introduces smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture and creates the signature creamy consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce with its natural melting properties.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: Provides tangy, bright acidity that cuts through the richness and adds zesty excitement to the dish.

Cooking Gear for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

  • Large Heavy Skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending heavy cream and parmesan into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for dicing garlic, onions, and slicing peppers.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately seasoning chicken and adding spices.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

Instructions to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

  • Chicken Preparation

Select tender chicken strips and season with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a heavy skillet and sear chicken until golden brown, creating a delicious outer crust.

  • Flavor Base

Remove chicken and sauté diced garlic and onions in the same skillet, developing a rich aromatic foundation for the dish.

  • Liquid Infusion

Pour chicken stock and add roasted red peppers, letting the mixture simmer and concentrate flavors.

  • Creamy Transformation

Whisk heavy cream and parmesan cheese into the skillet, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats every ingredient with luxurious richness.

  • Final Harmony

Return chicken to the skillet with pepperoncini and Italian seasoning. Simmer until chicken reaches perfect doneness and sauce reaches ideal consistency.

  • Serving Suggestion

Plate this vibrant skillet meal over your favorite base like rice, pasta, or vegetables, allowing the creamy sauce to elevate the entire dish.

Cream Tips for Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

  • Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunches during the week. Keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Pepper Power: Swap pepperoncini for banana peppers or jalapeños if you want different heat levels. Each variety brings unique tangy or spicy notes to the dish.
  • Cream Alternatives: Dairy-free friends can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk cream for a lighter version. These options maintain the creamy texture while offering different flavor profiles.
  • Protein Playbook: Try this recipe with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for variety. Each protein absorbs the rich, zesty sauce differently, creating exciting meal transformations.
  • Garnish Game: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, basil, or green onions on top for added color and a burst of fresh herb flavor. These simple additions elevate the dish's visual appeal and taste complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

  • Pasta Paradise: Ladle the creamy pepperoncini chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that's bursting with flavor and comfort.
  • Salad Companion: Serve the chicken atop a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, adding a zesty protein-packed topping that transforms an ordinary salad into an extraordinary lunch.
  • Rice Bowl Delight: Spoon the creamy chicken over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, letting the rich sauce drizzle and soak into the grains for a satisfying and hearty meal that'll keep you full and happy.
  • Crusty Bread Dipping: Pair the skillet chicken with warm, crusty garlic bread or artisan sourdough, using the slices to soak up every last drop of the luxurious, tangy sauce.

How to Store Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container, lasting 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent bacterial growth, ensuring delicious reheated meals.
  • Freezer Friendly Technique: Portion chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before gentle reheating to maintain sauce consistency.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken mixture in advance, storing components separately. Combine fresh when ready to serve, keeping ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken stock to revive creamy sauce. Stir consistently to prevent sauce separation and maintain original silky texture.
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Zesty Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Zesty Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Pepperoncini chicken skillet delivers tangy, creamy comfort on one delightful plate. Italian-inspired ingredients meld perfectly, offering home cooks a simple yet impressive meal you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (118 ml) chicken stock
  • ½ cup (118 ml) pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, rings, or whole pepper, as preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 grams) roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
  • 2 tbsps (30 grams) butter
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps (20 grams) garlic, diced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Skillet Preparation: Heat a robust skillet over medium-high temperature, melting butter until golden. Season chicken strips generously with salt and pepper for a flavorful exterior.
  2. Chicken Searing: Brown chicken pieces evenly, rotating to develop a caramelized crust. Cook for 6-7 minutes, maintaining a juicy interior while creating a rich, golden surface.
  3. Aromatic Base: Remove chicken and use the same skillet to sauté minced garlic and diced onions until translucent, releasing their fragrant essence and capturing the pan’s existing flavor profile.
  4. Liquid Infusion: Deglaze pan with chicken stock and roasted red peppers, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce, creating a concentrated flavor foundation for the sauce.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and whisk heavy cream and parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring methodically until the sauce becomes a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  6. Final Integration: Return chicken to the creamy mixture, incorporating Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated and cooked to perfect temperature, allowing flavors to meld completely.
  7. Serving Presentation: Adjust sauce consistency if needed, then plate over pasta, rice, or vegetables, creating a sumptuous dish ready to delight the palate.

Notes

  • Chicken Preparation Tip: Season chicken generously with salt and pepper for a flavorful crust that enhances overall taste profile.
  • Searing Technique: Brown chicken evenly on medium-high heat to develop rich caramelization and lock in natural juices.
  • Sauce Consistency Check: Whisk cream and parmesan carefully to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.
  • Temperature Control: Monitor internal chicken temperature and sauce thickness to ensure optimal cooking and ideal serving texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 602
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 878 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 27 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 189 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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