Discover the magic of this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, a quick and satisfying meal that brings a delightful tangy kick to your table. This recipe is your new go-to for a delicious dinner that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, drained (reserve some brine)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. This dish simplifies dinner preparation, delivering tender chicken bathed in a rich, tangy sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. With a preparation time of just around 30 minutes, it’s ideal for any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook the onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and the reserved pepperoncini brine (start with a tablespoon or two, and add more to taste if you like it tangier). Bring the liquid to a simmer, gently scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any lingering flavorful bits.
- Add Pepperoncini and Cream: Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and the dried Italian seasoning. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Incorporate Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you desire a creamier sauce, you can add another splash of heavy cream.
- Finish and Serve: Let the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet simmer for a final minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
You’ll fall head over heels for this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet because of its incredibly succulent chicken and the luscious, tangy sauce that enfolds it. Unlike a basic creamy chicken dish, the pop of pepperoncini peppers adds a vibrant zest that elevates every bite, making it a truly memorable meal. Plus, the cost-effectiveness of creating this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen is a huge win for your wallet, especially when compared to takeout options.
This easy skillet recipe is packed with flavor and comes together in a flash, making it a weeknight hero. Imagine serving up tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of zesty pepperoncini – it’s comfort food at its finest. So, why not treat yourself and your family to this delightful meal tonight? Give this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this delicious Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and sauce are completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
To reheat, you can gently warm the skillet dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For best results, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or a splash of milk to the dish before reheating, as this can help revive the creaminess of the sauce. If you wish to freeze portions for future meals, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a fantastic testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook the onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.1 small yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Pour in the chicken broth and the reserved pepperoncini brine (start with a tablespoon or two, and add more to taste if you like it tangier). Bring the liquid to a simmer, gently scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any lingering flavorful bits.1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and the dried Italian seasoning. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.1/2 cup heavy cream
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you desire a creamier sauce, you can add another splash of heavy cream.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Let the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet simmer for a final minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.fresh parsley