– **Title**: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (12 oz) pepperoncini peppers, drained and sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Return the chicken to the skillet, and spoon the sauce over the top.
6. Allow the chicken to simmer in the creamy sauce for about 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I prefer chicken breast for its lean protein. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even sliced pork tenderloin if you want a different flavor.
Olive Oil: This is great for cooking! If you’re out, any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, will work. For added flavor, try avocado oil.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives richness to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream can be used, but the texture might change a bit.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These are key for tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, banana peppers or jalapeños can be good substitutes, depending on how much heat you prefer.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to your sauce. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative, or you can use sour cream for a different tangy flavor if you’re in a pinch.
How Do You Make a Creamy Sauce That Stays Smooth?
Making a creamy sauce can be tricky if you don’t pay attention to how you combine your ingredients. Here’s how to create a smooth and creamy sauce:
- After browning the chicken, deglaze the pan with chicken broth. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- When you whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese, do so over medium heat to help the cheese incorporate without clumping.
- Make sure to stir constantly as you add the cream and cheese to keep everything well mixed.
- Let the sauce simmer gently, but don’t let it boil, as this can cause it to separate.
Following these steps will help you achieve that nice, creamy texture you want! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (with some juice)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will add flavor to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a spatula; that’s where a lot of the flavor is! Bring the broth to a simmer.
4. Combine Cream and Cream Cheese:
Next, whisk in the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese to the simmering broth. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined. The cream cheese will add a lovely creaminess to your sauce.
5. Add Peppers:
Now it’s time to add in the sliced pepperoncini and roasted red peppers. Stir these into the sauce and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through, adding extra flavor and a little kick.
6. Return the Chicken:
Take the cooked chicken strips and return them to the skillet, making sure they are well coated in the creamy sauce. Allow everything to heat together for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the chicken absorbs even more flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use thighs instead of breast for a juicier option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed since thighs may take a little longer to cook through. Also, bone-in chicken can work, but you will need to cook it longer and adjust the liquid amounts accordingly.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. For best results, mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of yogurt to mimic the creaminess without the richness.
How Should I Store Leftover Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container; just be aware that the cream may separate slightly when reheating. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the chicken after seasoning, and before adding the broth, to ensure they’re cooked through before combining with the sauce.
