Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a cozy vibe to your dinner table. This creamy skillet meal is not just easy to make, but it also bursts with flavor. Perfect for weeknights, it’s a dish your whole family will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
This recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s quick, simple, and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. The creamy sauce combined with the tangy pepperoncini creates a flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s an easy way to get the kids involved in cooking!
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
Making this dish is straightforward and fun. Start by sautéing chicken until it’s golden, then create a rich, creamy sauce in the same skillet. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This method is approachable for beginner cooks, ensuring success every time.
What You Need
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, diced
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)
Step-by-Step
- Cut the chicken into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add diced onions and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let reduce by half to deepen flavor.
- Turn off heat and slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
- Return heat to medium and add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well.
- Add the browned chicken back to the pan and simmer until fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Serve hot over rice, vegetables, or pasta, and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
You can serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta for a hearty meal. Steamed vegetables make a great side that complements the rich sauce perfectly. For a cozy dinner, add a slice of crusty bread to mop up that delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
How to Store Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for about a month. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of chicken stock can help bring it back to life.
Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add a few chopped jalapeños.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini to suit your family’s taste for spice.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap chicken for sliced pork tenderloin or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu or chickpeas.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken, then combine them shortly before serving. This helps the flavors meld and saves time on busy nights.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before storing in a container. It will last in the freezer for about a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I substitute the cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though it won’t be as thick or rich. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option but may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I serve this for kids?
Serve it over pasta or rice and let the kids add their favorite veggies on the side. You can also reduce the pepperoncini for a milder taste.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips Can use chicken thighs for better texture.
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter Melt over medium-high heat.
- 1 white onion diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, diced
- ½ cup chicken stock Low sodium preferred.
- ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained Adjust quantity for spice level.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add diced onions and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let reduce by half to deepen flavor.
- Turn off heat and slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
- Return heat to medium and add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well.
- Add the browned chicken back to the pan and simmer until fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
