Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that packs some serious flavor punch: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. Tender chicken cutlets are seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a zesty, peppery, and lusciously creamy sauce that gets a tangy kick from pepperoncini and a savory boost from Parmesan. Fast enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve friends, this one-pan wonder is comfort food with an edge that will have everyone grabbing extra bread to mop up every last bit.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret behind an unforgettable Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every element earns its spot, balancing creamy richness, tangy heat, and savory depth while keeping things ultra-simple for weeknight ease.

Chicken breasts: Slicing them into cutlets ensures they cook evenly and soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the skillet.
Unsalted butter: Blends with the olive oil for a golden, flavorful sear and extra silkiness in the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Foundational for seasoning the chicken and the sauce to perfection.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry staples amp up the savoriness and infuse the chicken with layered flavor.
Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, it gives the dish herby undertones and ties every flavor together.
Minced garlic: Adds an irresistible punch of fresh garlicky goodness to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Lifts up all those tasty browned bits from the pan and forms the flavor base of the sauce.
Pepperoncini peppers (plus brine): The star ingredient, bringing a unique tangy, mildly spicy zing that makes this skillet sing.
Heavy cream: Brings luxurious body and rich dairy notes, turning the sauce velvety and lush.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right into the sauce for savory depth and salty, nutty complexity.
Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of herbal freshness and color makes every serving look vibrant and inviting.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by sprinkling your chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano on both sides. Taking a minute to season thoroughly means every bite of Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is packed with flavor from the inside out. Don’t be shy—the cutlets are your canvas!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat up the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once they shimmer, lay the chicken cutlets in the pan. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, undisturbed, until golden brown and just cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate; it’s going to rest and stay juicy for the next step.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Turn the heat down to medium and toss the minced garlic right into the same skillet. Sauté it gently for about 30 seconds—just long enough to get fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape up all those fond bits stuck to the pan. These little pan treasures are loaded with savory flavor that will make the sauce sing.

Step 4: Add Zing with Pepperoncini

Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and a couple tablespoons of their tangy brine. Let things simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors have a chance to mingle and brighten up the sauce with a little heat and plenty of zing.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat to its gentlest setting and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a super-smooth, slightly thickened sauce. This is where Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet turns from tasty to totally crave-worthy.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish

Nestle the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning that luscious sauce over the top. Let them simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just to warm through and infuse every piece with bold, creamy flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley instantly brightens up the creamy sauce and adds a crisp herbal note. If you want an extra pop of color and flavor, try a little lemon zest or some extra pepperoncini slices scattered on top. A pinch of red pepper flakes is perfect if you crave added heat!

Side Dishes

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet begs for the company of something that can soak up its delicious sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or hunks of crusty bread. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad add freshness and crunch to balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to amp up the wow factor? Serve this dish family-style right from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel, or plate individual portions over a swoosh of mashed potatoes with generous spoonfuls of sauce. You can even slice the chicken and pile it onto toasted ciabatta for a decadent sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet stores beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, but its flavor only improves—making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, be aware the cream sauce may separate a bit when thawed. If you do freeze it, store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Stir gently when reheating to help bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but go with short bursts and stir often for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious—expect even more juiciness and a little extra richness in your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet.

Is this dish very spicy?

Nope, it’s more tangy and zingy than truly spicy. Pepperoncini are mild, but if you’re heat-sensitive, use fewer peppers or rinse them first. If you love spice, add a few red pepper flakes!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce may be a little less thick, but it’ll still pack plenty of tangy flavor.

What can I use instead of pepperoncini?

If you’re in a pinch, jarred banana peppers or even pickled jalapeños (for more heat) make good substitutes, but the unique flavor of pepperoncini is what makes this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet sing.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Great news: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free as written! Just be sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are safe for your needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying, tangy-creamy magic that happens in a Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. Every bite is full of comfort and excitement, ready in a flash but impressive every time. Give it a try, and it just might become your new weeknight obsession!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a delightful dinner with this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet recipe. Tender chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, tangy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop dish is bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets)

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Sauce:

3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
2 tablespoons brine from pepperoncini jar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Cook Chicken: Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil and butter until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze pan with chicken broth, add pepperoncini and brine. Simmer, then add cream and Parmesan.
Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley before serving.