Description
Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet delivers a zesty Italian-inspired comfort meal with tender chicken swimming in a luscious, tangy sauce. Peppers and herbs meld together, creating a quick dinner that brings Mediterranean warmth directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken, cut into thin strips
- ½ cup (75 grams) parmesan cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 white onion, diced
- ½ cup (115 grams) roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
- ½ cup (50 grams) pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole pepper)
- 2 tablespoons (20 grams) garlic, diced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sea salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken stock
Instructions
- Heat butter in a robust skillet over medium-high temperature until it transforms into a frothy, golden liquid (about 2-3 minutes).
- Generously season chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then carefully place them into the sizzling pan.
- Brown chicken pieces evenly, rotating every 2-3 minutes until exterior develops a rich, golden-brown crust (approximately 6-8 minutes total).
- Extract chicken from skillet, setting aside while maintaining its partially cooked state.
- Introduce minced garlic and diced onions into the same pan, sautéing until they become translucent and caramelized (around 4-5 minutes).
- Stream chicken stock and sliced roasted red peppers into the skillet, allowing liquid to reduce by approximately 50% (4-5 minutes).
- Deactivate heat momentarily and gradually incorporate heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Reestablish medium-high heat, then reintroduce chicken pieces, Italian seasoning blend, and tangy pepperoncini slices into the creamy mixture.
- Simmer contents, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), adjusting sauce consistency with additional stock if needed.
- Remove skillet from heat and plate alongside your preferred accompaniments like roasted vegetables or al dente pasta.
Notes
- Adjust cream levels based on desired sauce thickness, using stock to thin or additional parmesan to thicken.
- Chicken browning creates deep flavor foundations, ensuring each bite delivers rich, caramelized notes.
- Pepperoncinis provide tangy brightness, cutting through the creamy sauce with vibrant, zesty undertones.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder simplifies cooking while maximizing taste and minimal cleanup.
- Recommended serving with crusty bread or al dente pasta to soak up every delicious drop of the luxurious sauce.
- Temperature control matters critically – medium-high heat prevents burning while developing complex flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1140 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg