There are few things more comforting after a long day than a creamy chicken dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated. Enter: creamy pepperoncini chicken. It’s rich, zesty, and cooks up in just 35 minutes. Whether you need a quick weeknight fix or want to wow the family with something new, this chicken skillet recipe is a winner every time.
I get it—we’re all juggling a million things. Between work, errands, and trying to find five minutes to breathe, dinner can feel like one more chore. That’s why I love meals like this one. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you get maximum flavor with minimal mess.
This creamy pepperoncini chicken is spicy-meets-creamy comfort at its finest. The tangy pop of the pepperoncini cuts through the richness of the cream and parmesan, while roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky depth. Trust me—your tastebuds are going to do a little happy dance.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
- One-skillet wonder: Easy cleanup!
- Bold flavors: Tangy, creamy, savory, and just the right kick.
- Flexible serving options: Low-carb? Pasta lover? This dish has you covered.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 lbs chicken (thin strips)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, diced
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers (rings or whole)
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for about 8 minutes, until browned. (Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet.)
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken stock and add roasted red peppers. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting it reduce by half.
- Turn off the heat. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Turn heat back to medium-high. Stir in Italian seasoning, pepperoncini, and chicken.
- Let the sauce simmer until thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over your favorite base.
Tips for the Creamiest Chicken Dinner Ever
- Don’t skip the browning! It adds flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
- If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of extra chicken stock will loosen it right up.
- Prefer a thinner sauce? Reduce the simmering time just a bit.
- Want a spicier kick? Use whole pepperoncini peppers and slice them yourself for extra zing.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a dry white wine (if you need a little adult reward).
From My Kitchen to Yours
This dish was a happy accident on one of those “there’s nothing in the fridge” nights. I’d had a jar of pepperoncini sitting around for weeks and thought, why not? One quick sauce experiment later, I had a creamy, zesty hit on my hands. My husband asked for seconds, and even my toddler dipped her bread in the sauce like it was going out of style.
Since then, it’s become one of our weeknight MVPs. I love that it feels restaurant-fancy but takes less than 40 minutes and uses pantry staples. Bonus: it makes great leftovers (if you manage to have any).
What to Serve with Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
This creamy chicken skillet is versatile when it comes to sides:
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne catch the sauce beautifully.
- Rice: White, brown, or wild rice all work.
- Mashed potatoes: Talk about comfort food dreams.
- Zoodles or steamed veggies: For a lighter option.
- Crusty bread: Because you’re going to want to mop up every drop.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely first.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or chicken stock if the sauce thickens too much.
This dish also makes a fantastic meal prep option. Portion it out with rice or veggies for easy lunches.
FAQs About This Chicken Skillet Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs add even more richness and stay juicy.
Is this creamy chicken dinner very spicy?
Not too spicy! Pepperoncini peppers are mild and tangy, not hot. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try coconut cream and a dairy-free parm substitute. It changes the flavor, but still works!
What can I use instead of pepperoncini?
Banana peppers or even pickled jalapeños (if you like heat) are decent swaps.
How do I make this an easy chicken meal prep option?
Make a double batch and portion it with grains or greens in containers. Done and done.
Let the Creamy Pepperoncini Magic Begin
When it comes to cozy dinners that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort, this creamy pepperoncini chicken checks all the boxes. It’s an easy chicken meal that feels a little special, a little spicy, and a whole lot satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your crew or treating yourself, this skillet recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Give it a go—your dinner table will thank you!
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Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that delivers bold, zesty flavors with a creamy, comforting sauce. Tender chicken, tangy pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and parmesan come together in just 35 minutes for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp butter
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2 lbs chicken (thin strips)
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1 tsp sea salt
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1 tsp ground pepper
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1 white onion, diced
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2 tbsp garlic, diced
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½ cup chicken stock
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½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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½ cup pepperoncini peppers (rings or whole)
Instructions
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 8 minutes until browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
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Remove chicken and set aside.
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Add onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
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Pour in chicken stock and add roasted red peppers. Simmer for 5 minutes, reducing by half.
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Turn off heat. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and parmesan until smooth.
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Return heat to medium-high. Stir in Italian seasoning, pepperoncini, and chicken.
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Simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve hot over pasta, rice, or your preferred side.
Notes
Browning the chicken first deepens the flavor of the sauce.
Add extra chicken stock if the sauce thickens too much.
For more spice, slice whole pepperoncini peppers.
Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
