Zesty Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this tangy pepperoncini chicken skillet recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken simmers in a zesty sauce that packs a delightful punch of flavor.

The pepperoncini adds a bright, vinegary kick that wakes up every bite.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of spice and richness to the plate.

You’ll appreciate how quickly this meal comes together after a long day.

The skillet method ensures juicy chicken and an impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours cooking.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

All The Basics For Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender base of the dish, opt for fresh, plump cuts for the best flavor and texture.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and balances the overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic warmth and earthy undertones without raw garlic intensity.
• Paprika: Introduces mild sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Delivers smooth, heart-healthy cooking base with rich Mediterranean essence.
• Butter: Creates golden-brown sear and contributes luxurious, velvety richness to the skillet.

• Pepperoncini Peppers: Tangy, bright peppers that inject zesty, pickled complexity into the dish.
• Pepperoncini Juice: Adds bright, acidic punch and enhances overall dish moisture.
• Cream Cheese: Transforms sauce into luscious, silky coating with gentle tanginess.
• Heavy Cream: Creates ultra-smooth, decadent sauce with incredible richness.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation and deepens overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkles fresh, herbal brightness as a vibrant finishing touch.

Kitchen Items For Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating a delicious one-pan meal.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and moving pieces around the skillet safely.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F/75C.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing and seasoning chicken.
• Sharp knife: Helps with trimming chicken and cutting if needed.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate for portioning out seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step-By-Step For Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Prep the Protein

Grab your chicken and give it a quick pat-down to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle a blend of zesty seasonings all over, making sure both sides get some love with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika.

• Create Golden Magic

Fire up your skillet with a swirl of olive oil and a knob of butter. Let the pan get nice and hot over medium-high heat. Gently place the seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan and let it dance until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through (when the inside hits 165°F/75°C). Once done, transfer your perfectly seared chicken to a waiting plate and loosely tent with foil to keep it warm and juicy.

• Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same magical skillet, toss in some minced garlic and let it bloom for a minute. Pour in chicken broth and pepperoncini peppers, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in cream cheese and let everything melt together into a luxurious, tangy sauce.

• Reunite and Finish

Nestle the golden chicken back into the creamy sauce, letting it soak up all those incredible flavors. Simmer everything together for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to get cozy. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Flavor Tips For Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap out traditional sides with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make this dish keto-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, creamy flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers based on your heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder taste or add more for extra kick.
• Meal Prep Champion: This skillet chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or lunch prep.

How To Dish Out Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Zesty Sandwich Delight: Shred the tender chicken and pile it high on soft, crusty bread with extra pepperoncini peppers for a tangy lunch option that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Plate Perfection: Slice the chicken and arrange over a bed of lemony couscous or rice, garnishing with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Salad Sensation: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss over a crisp green salad, drizzling the creamy pan sauce as a robust dressing that adds incredible flavor and richness to your greens.
• Quick Meal Prep Magic: Store the chicken in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, pairing perfectly with roasted vegetables or a quick grain blend for a nutritious, hassle-free meal.

Best Storage Tips For Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Fridge Storage Magic: Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container, which keeps it fresh for 3-4 days. Refrigerate quickly after cooling to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Low and slow heating restores moisture and preserves the delicious pepperoncini flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Slice cooled chicken and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare extra chicken during cooking to create quick lunches or dinner shortcuts. Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls for effortless meal transformations.

Tangy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Pepperoncini chicken skillet brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Creamy sauce and tangy peppers create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup sliced pepperoncini (plus 2 tbsps juice)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Meticulously dry chicken breasts and lavishly coat with a harmonious spice blend of salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Searing Technique: Ignite a substantial skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, creating an ideal caramelization environment for the seasoned chicken, developing a golden-brown exterior.
3. Chicken Cooking: Strategically place chicken breasts in the heated pan, allowing each side to transform into a crisp, rich-hued surface, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until reaching a precise internal temperature of 165F/75C.
4. Flavor Foundation: Remove chicken and preserve warmth while maintaining the skillet’s flavorful drippings, setting the stage for a luxurious sauce creation.
5. Sauce Development: Introduce minced garlic and pepperoncini peppers into the pan, rapidly stirring to unleash their aromatic intensity, then incorporate heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously to craft a silky, integrated sauce.
6. Final Composition: Reduce heat, allowing the sauce to simmer and concentrate its flavors, then reunite chicken with the creamy pepperoncini sauce, ensuring thorough coating and gentle reheating.
7. Garnish and Serve: Elegantly crown the dish with freshly chopped parsley and optional grated parmesan, presenting immediately to capture peak culinary excellence.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp, golden-brown sear without steaming the meat.
• Precise Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect caramelization, preventing burning while creating a beautiful crust on chicken.
• Cream Sauce Technique: Whisk continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky texture that coats the chicken evenly.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 150mg