Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet features tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a tangy and rich creamy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, and Italian seasoning. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal that is both flavorful and comforting, perfect served alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat the skillet and cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté pepperoncini and garlic: Add sliced pepperoncini peppers and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute to release their flavors and soften the garlic, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the sauce and chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook while the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken warm with your choice of side such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, add mushrooms or fresh spinach to the skillet when sautéing the pepperoncini and garlic.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers according to your desired level of tanginess and heat.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding to the sauce to help it melt smoothly.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; substitute with garlic powder if needed, using about 1/2 teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
