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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Foundation: Remove chicken and preserve warmth while maintaining the skillet’s flavorful drippings, setting the stage for a luxurious sauce creation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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