If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and lively, Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken nestled in a velvety, tangy sauce, flecked with bright pepperoncini and finished with a cloud of Parmesan. This one-pan wonder brings together bold flavors and creamy textures in just thirty minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or whenever you want to impress without the fuss. The combination of savory chicken and zesty peppers will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet comes from a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one is essential—they all play a part in creating that craveable creaminess, punchy tang, and irresistible golden color.

Chicken breasts: The star of the show, boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a gorgeous golden crust while adding a hint of fruity flavor.
Salt: Draws out the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the tangy sauce.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory flavor before it even hits the skillet.
Paprika: Lends warmth and a beautiful blush of color to the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and melds perfectly with the garlic.
Fresh garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, it’s the aromatic heart of the sauce.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and brings extra savoriness to every bite.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-silky and luscious.
Cream cheese: Adds body and just a touch of tang, ensuring the sauce is extra creamy.
Pepperoncini peppers: Sliced for a pop of bright, tangy heat that elevates the whole dish.
Pepperoncini brine: A secret weapon for extra zing and depth in the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory, nutty richness.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown beautifully in the skillet. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, making sure each piece is well coated. This layer of seasoning gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor and a gorgeous, appetizing color as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden, slightly crisp exterior and juicy, cooked-through centers. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm—you’ll want to keep all those flavorful juices for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with irresistible aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those bits are packed with flavor! Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, sliced pepperoncini, and a splash of that tangy brine. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and just starting to thicken—it should coat the back of your spoon and smell heavenly.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts seamlessly into the sauce, making it even richer. Return the chicken breasts (plus any juices from the plate) to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors meld and the chicken is piping hot. Scatter the fresh parsley over the top right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add extra sliced pepperoncini or a light dusting of Parmesan for an eye-catching and flavor-packed finish. The green flecks and golden cheese make this dish look as lively as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This creamy, tangy chicken begs to be paired with something that can soak up all that sauce. Mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even twirly pasta are all excellent choices. For a lighter touch, try serving it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad—the sauce doubles as a delicious dressing!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, slice the chicken and pile it over toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich, or serve atop crispy polenta rounds for a rustic twist. The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is also stunning served family-style in the skillet, inviting everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this dish store beautifully! Transfer any remaining chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more delicious.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a busy weeknight, let the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just note that creamy sauces may separate a bit upon thawing, but a good stir will bring them back together.

Reheating

Warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything ultra-creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here. They’ll bring even more juiciness and flavor, though you may need to cook them slightly longer to ensure they’re done through.

Is this dish very spicy?

Nope! The pepperoncini peppers add more tang than heat. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoncini, but as written, Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is mild and family-friendly.

Can I lighten up the sauce?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use a little less Parmesan for a lighter but still creamy sauce. The flavor will remain vibrant and satisfying.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use a couple extra tablespoons of heavy cream or even a scoop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. The sauce will still turn out rich and luxurious.

Is Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet gluten-free?

It sure is! The recipe as written contains no gluten, so it’s a great choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides if needed.

Final Thoughts

With its rich, tangy sauce and tender chicken, Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is pure comfort with a zesty twist. It’s so easy and satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again—so don’t wait, grab those pepperoncini and treat yourself to a skillet full of flavor!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a delicious and tangy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious creamy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the savory sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

For Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
2 tablespoons brine from pepperoncini jar
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare and Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse the chicken with flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce for extra flavor.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and 2 tablespoons of the pepperoncini brine. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, enriching its flavor and creaminess.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays moist.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to enjoy the full creamy sauce.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan cheese to cut back on calories and fat.
Adjust the amount of pepperoncini brine to control the tanginess and heat level of the sauce.
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear and crispy exterior.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American