This Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a wonderfully creamy and zesty one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a flavorful garlic sauce made tangy with sliced pepperoncini. It’s the kind of comforting, easy dish that brings everyone to the table.
The smell of garlic sizzling in a skillet always takes me right back to my dad, James. He was the king of hearty, one-pan dinners. This creamy, zesty chicken is just the kind of meal he would have loved, simple, comforting, and full of flavor that fills the whole house.
Why This Skillet Dinner Feels Like Home
- Flavor Profile: A delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory with a gentle warmth.
- Time to Cook: This easy dinner comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Primary Cooking Method: Everything is cooked in one skillet on the stovetop for minimal cleanup.
- Dietary Adaptability: Easily modified for lower-fat or lower-carb diets.
- Main Components: Tender chicken, a creamy pepperoncini and garlic sauce.
The Simple Ingredients for Our Skillet
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini (mild or hot, drained)
- 1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine (optional for extra tang)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a richer sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
My Trusted Kitchen Helpers for This Dish
For That Perfect Sear
A good, heavy skillet is my best friend for this recipe because it heats evenly and gives the chicken a perfect golden-brown sear.
To Guarantee Juiciness
To ensure your chicken breast is juicy and perfectly cooked, I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Bringing Our Pepperoncini Chicken to Life, Step by Step
First, A Beautiful Golden Sear on the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season your chicken generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through just yet. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Next, Let the Aromas Fill Your Kitchen
In the very same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and wonderfully fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Now, We Build Those Layers of Flavor
Stir in the sliced pepperoncini, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, gently scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, that’s where so much flavor lives!
Time for That Silky, Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and the spoonful of pepperoncini brine if you’re using it. If you’re adding Parmesan, stir it in now until the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Finally, Let Everything Mingle Together
Return the seared chicken and any juices from the plate back into the skillet. Spoon some of that creamy sauce over the chicken. Allow it to cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
The Finishing Touch
Sprinkle fresh, chopped parsley over the top for a bit of color and freshness. This dish is ready to be served warm and enjoyed immediately!
A Gentle Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. For precise nutritional values, I recommend using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ways to Make It a Little Lighter
- Lighter Cream: To reduce the fat content, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, sauce.
- Leaner Protein: While chicken thighs are delicious, using boneless, skinless chicken breast is a leaner option.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach or some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrients and fiber.
Gather Around the Table: My Favorite Ways to Serve
This creamy chicken skillet is incredibly versatile. My favorite way to serve it is over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. It’s also wonderful with steamed rice, egg noodles, or even a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a truly comforting meal, serve it with a piece of crusty bread for dipping.
Sarah’s Secrets for a Perfect Skillet
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches if necessary will ensure each piece gets a nice, even golden-brown crust.
- Keep the Sauce at a Gentle Simmer: After adding the cream, keep the heat on a low simmer. Boiling a cream-based sauce can cause it to separate or curdle.
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Remember that the chicken will continue to cook after you return it to the sauce. Using a meat thermometer helps prevent the chicken from becoming dry.
Storing Leftovers for Another Day
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce needs thinning.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There’s something so special about a meal that is both easy to make and full of comforting flavor. This Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet has become a new favorite in my home, and I hope it finds a cherished place in yours as well. May it fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and bring your loved ones together to make sweet new memories around the dinner table.
Your Questions, Answered with Love
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thinner cutlets will cook faster.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level depends on the type of pepperoncini you use. Most jarred pepperoncini are mild and lend more of a tangy flavor than intense heat. If you prefer more spice, you can choose a jar labeled “hot” or add extra red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can adapt this for a dairy-free diet. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cooking cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a wonderfully creamy and zesty one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a flavorful garlic sauce made tangy with sliced pepperoncini.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini (mild or hot, drained)
- 1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine (optional)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the same skillet; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in pepperoncini, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream and pepperoncini brine if using. Stir in Parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return chicken and juices to the skillet; simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: pepperoncini chicken, creamy skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal