Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a warm, tangy, and creamy dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, pepperoncini peppers, and a luscious sauce in one easy skillet. It’s everything I look for in a comforting weeknight dinner—flavorful, simple, and ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The tanginess from the pepperoncini peppers blends perfectly with the rich creaminess of the sauce, making every bite memorable. It all comes together in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether I’m cooking for the family or prepping lunch for the next day, this dish checks all the boxes—fast, satisfying, and versatile.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- After seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, I sear them for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Then I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, I sauté sliced onions and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- I add in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and let them cook for another 2 minutes.
- Then I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet to deglaze it.
- I stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- The chicken goes back into the skillet, and I let it all simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Before serving, I garnish it with fresh chopped parsley.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so dinner is on the table in just under 40 minutes.
Variations
- I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness.
- When I want to keep things dairy-free, I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- If I’m craving a vegetarian version, I replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Adding spinach or cherry tomatoes is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan makes the sauce even more indulgent.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. While this dish can be frozen, I prefer to enjoy it fresh, as the cream sauce can change texture after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, I can! Just keep in mind that bone-in pieces will take a bit longer to cook through. I make sure to adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely. I like to double the amount of pepperoncini or stir in a bit of hot sauce when I’m in the mood for a kick.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as I use gluten-free chicken broth, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
I can freeze it, but I’ve found the sauce might separate a bit upon thawing and reheating. It’s best when eaten within a few days from the fridge.
Can I use dried pepperoncini instead of fresh?
Fresh or jarred sliced pepperoncini work best for flavor and texture. I wouldn’t recommend dried peppers for this recipe—they just don’t offer the same brightness.
Conclusion
Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to week after week. It’s quick, full of flavor, and feels like comfort food with a fresh twist. Whether served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread, it always hits the spot.
PrintCreamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken breasts, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce. This easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in the skillet for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add pepperoncini peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits to deglaze the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked and sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra tenderness.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- A sprinkle of Parmesan enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg