Name: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus 1–2 tablespoons juice); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you love vibrant, zesty flavors wrapped up in a cozy, creamy sauce, then this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is about to be your new weeknight obsession. Picture perfectly golden chicken nestled in a velvety sauce bold with tangy pepperoncini, nutty Parmesan, fresh garlic, and a hint of herbaceous oregano, all made in a single pan. The result is an inviting dish that somehow feels both lively and comforting—ideal for busy evenings when you want something truly memorable without a mountain of dishes.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet brings unique flair—spice, richness, brine, and fresh herbal notes—all working together for irresistible flavor. Let’s break down everything you’ll need and why it matters.

Chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): The juicy base; thighs add a bit more flavor, while breasts keep it lean and tender.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives you that golden, flavorful sear and a Mediterranean touch.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings a punch of aromatic depth that infuses the whole skillet.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Deglazes the pan and forms the backbone for the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a lush, silky texture for the sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Sliced pepperoncini peppers (½ cup) & juice (1–2 tablespoons): The tangy, slightly spicy star of the show, adding brightness and bite.
Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup): Melts into the sauce for a savory, nutty finish.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): A subtle herbal hit for earthy complexity.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who like an extra spark of heat.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Toasty flavor enhancers—adjust as needed at every stage.
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Pops of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is shimmering and the butter foams, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sizzle without moving it for 4 to 5 minutes, until the underside is gorgeously golden. Flip and cook the other side until no longer pink in the middle, another 4 to 5 minutes depending on thickness. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate—don’t worry, it’ll return soon.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Turn the heat down to medium and toss the minced garlic into the same pan. Stir and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Immediately pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. This step is key for infusing every drop of that savory, caramelized goodness into your sauce.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream, sliced pepperoncini peppers, reserved juice, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) right into the pan. Stir it all together and let the mixture gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should begin to thicken and take on a soft golden hue, smelling invitingly tangy and rich.

Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Nestle the seared chicken right back into your creamy pepperoncini skillet, spooning plenty of sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures the chicken soaks up the bright, creamy flavors, and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle a shower of chopped fresh parsley over the whole skillet. It adds a fresh herbal aroma and a beautiful contrast to the sauce’s creamy, golden color. Now your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is ready to be devoured while still hot and bubbling with flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Adding the right finishing touch transforms this dish from everyday dinner to head-turning centerpiece. I love a flurry of fresh parsley for brightness, but you can also try basil, a little extra cheese, or even thinly sliced green onions for a punchy bite. Sometimes a few extra pepperoncini rings on top add drama and a playful hint at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

The luscious sauce begs for something to mop it up, and you have plenty of choices. Fluffy mashed potatoes are a dreamy sidekick, soaking up every drop. If you’re feeling classic, buttery rice or al dente pasta turn this into a hearty meal. For a lighter touch, steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli add color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family-style meal, simply bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you want to elevate things, plate the chicken over creamy polenta or herby couscous. Or try shredding the chicken and piling it into crusty rolls with a spoonful of the creamy pepperoncini sauce for the best sandwich ever.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, lucky you! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and intensify, making the leftovers even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this dish—though the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Let it cool completely, then pack chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and just be sure to stir well when reheating to bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for individual portions—add a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce silky if needed.

FAQs

Can I use jarred pepperoncini, or do I need fresh?

Absolutely, jarred pepperoncini are perfect and bring lots of flavor as well as their tangy juice to the skillet. Just slice them up and add as directed.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?

Definitely. You can swap out the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based creamer—the sauce will still be creamy and delicious, with a faint tropical note.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes! Both work beautifully. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts stay lean and cook up just as quickly in this creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet.

Does this recipe work with other proteins?

Of course. Try the skillet with boneless pork chops or even shrimp—just adjust the cooking time to suit your ingredient and keep an eye on the sauce thickness.

How spicy is Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet?

The heat is mild and tangy thanks to the pepperoncini, but you can amp it up with extra red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely for a family-friendly dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet brings serious flavor, satisfying comfort, and so much personality—all from one pan. If you’re craving a dinner that’s big on taste yet easy to make, this recipe is for you. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this crave-worthy meal; it might just become your newest weekly ritual!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a delicious one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus 1–2 tablespoons juice)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scrape up any browned bits. Stir in cream, pepperoncini, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and simmer: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer to heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.