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My Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet brings together tender chicken and a velvety sauce with just the right touch of tang. I created this recipe on a busy weeknight and it's become one of my family's most requested dishes. The way the creamy sauce mingles with those zesty pepperoncini creates pure magic in just one pan.
Simple Yet Special
The beauty of this dish lies in how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether I'm serving it over pasta for my kids or keeping it low-carb with roasted vegetables for myself it always delivers that perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Plus having everything cook in one pan makes cleanup a breeze.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Chicken: I love using tenders they cook so quickly and evenly.
- Butter: Good butter makes all the difference in creating that rich sauce.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These little peppers add such wonderful tang and gentle heat.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the silkiest sauce you can imagine.
- Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Adds depth and balances the cream.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Their sweetness complements the tangy pepperoncini beautifully.
- Garlic and Onion: The foundation of all those amazing flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: My perfect blend of herbs ties everything together.
Creating Your Masterpiece
- Start With Perfect Chicken
- Season those tenders well and sear them until golden in butter. Set them aside they'll finish cooking in that gorgeous sauce later.
- Build Your Flavors
- In that same pan cook your onions and garlic until they're soft and fragrant.
- Make Magic
- Let your stock reduce then stir in cream and parmesan off the heat it makes the smoothest sauce.
- Bring It All Together
- Add your seasonings pepperoncini and that golden chicken back to the pan let everything get cozy until the chicken's done.
- Time to Enjoy
- Serve it up however you like and watch everyone dive in.
Serving Ideas
Some nights we toss this with pasta other times we pile it over fluffy rice. When we're keeping things light zucchini noodles work beautifully. A simple green salad on the side makes everything complete.
My Kitchen Secrets
I always sear my chicken first it locks in so much flavor. Fresh pepperoncini make such a difference in taste. Keep your sauce from boiling once you add the cream it stays perfectly smooth that way. Fresh grated parmesan melts like a dream into the sauce.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I switch things up with shrimp or even tofu for my vegetarian friends. You can adjust the pepperoncini to your taste or try different herbs. Light cream works fine if you're watching calories and fresh herbs add such brightness.
Saving For Later
This keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days. When reheating I do it gently on the stove adding a splash of stock to keep that sauce creamy and perfect. The oven works great too just keep the temperature low.
Quick Answers
You can definitely swap in different peppers banana peppers are lovely here. The sauce thickens beautifully on its own but a little cornstarch slurry works if you're in a hurry. This recipe is naturally nut-free just focus on that creamy dairy base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Cut them into similar-sized strips and cook until they reach 165°F internal temperature.
- → What if my sauce is too thick?
Add more chicken stock, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce will continue to thicken as it reduces.
- → Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce the amount of pepperoncini peppers or remove them entirely. The dish will still be flavorful from the roasted red peppers and seasonings.
- → What can I serve this with?
This is versatile and goes well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
Conclusion
A delightful one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, tangy pepperoncini, and a rich, creamy sauce. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this skillet dish is perfect for busy weeknights.