Delicious Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe
This delicious Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy, creamy pepperoncini sauce. Served over pasta or rice, this one-pan meal combines a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors with easy preparation and cooking in a single skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Sauce
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, drained and chopped (reserve 1/4 cup brine)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 cups cooked pasta or rice for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Drain the pepperoncini peppers and roughly chop them, reserving 1/4 cup of the brine for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release the aroma.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the reserved pepperoncini brine, chopped pepperoncini peppers, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy sauce. Return the browned chicken cubes to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and infused with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the pepperoncini chicken hot over cooked pasta or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free or tangier variation.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the cream.
Keywords: pepperoncini chicken, creamy chicken skillet, quick chicken dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan chicken recipe, Italian seasoning chicken
