Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with tangy pepperoncini peppers. The dish is quick to make, with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a simple yet indulgent dish that packs a punch with minimal effort. The savory chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy pepperoncini peppers and a creamy sauce made from garlic, cream, and a touch of seasoning. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make on a busy weeknight and is sure to become a family favorite.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, sliced pepperoncini peppers, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, letting the chicken soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra pepperoncini peppers for a tangy kick. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Pepperoncini Chicken: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Chicken Thighs Option: You can swap chicken breasts for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Cheesy Creamy Version: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a cheesier, richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover creamy pepperoncini chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding extra broth or cream if needed.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave individual servings for about 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of peppers?

While pepperoncini peppers are key to this dish, you can substitute with banana peppers or mild chili peppers for a similar tangy flavor.

2. Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add chopped fresh chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and prepare this dish ahead of time, then reheat it gently on the stovetop. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more flavorful.

5. Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese?

Yes, you can replace the cream cheese with sour cream, though it will have a slightly different tanginess and texture.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and make sure to use a dairy-free broth.

7. What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Steamed vegetables or a green salad are great options as well.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce consistency.

9. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and cook in a larger skillet or divide into two pans. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is well balanced.

Conclusion

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for special occasions. With a rich and tangy cream sauce, tender chicken, and the perfect blend of spices, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy this savory, creamy meal in no time!

Chef MARTHA