Description
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious, tangy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. A quick and flavorful one-pan meal that brings together creamy, savory, and slightly spicy elements for a delightful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear and seasoning adherence. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chopped pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, which will add a tangy zest to the sauce.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to combine smoothly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce and allow it to thicken slightly, creating a silky and rich texture.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them to coat well, then cover the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has absorbed the delicious flavors of the creamy, tangy sauce.
Notes
- Use gluten-free chicken broth if you require a gluten-free dish.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to control the level of tanginess or spiciness.
- For a lighter version, consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
