Looking for an exciting way to upgrade your weeknight dinners? This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is rich, tangy, and irresistibly creamy. Quick enough for busy nights yet impressive enough for guests, this dish will become a new favorite among your main dishes for dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
This one-skillet wonder combines juicy seared chicken breasts with the zesty bite of pepperoncini and a velvety garlic cream sauce. The flavor balance is exceptional: bold yet comforting, spicy yet mellowed by the creamy base. If you’re tired of plain chicken dinners, this recipe is your ticket to something extraordinary—without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavor-packed skillet to life:
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
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½ cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
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¾ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (mild or hot, per preference)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra Parmesan for serving
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, you’ll need the following tools:
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Large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan
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Tongs or spatula
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Cutting board and sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk (for sauce)
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Small bowl (for optional cornstarch slurry)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant—avoid burning.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and pepperoncini juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Flavor
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Whisk gently to combine and let simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Pepperoncini Slices
Stir in the sliced pepperoncini. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Helpful Tips for Success
1. Adjust Heat Levels
Pepperoncini can vary in spiciness. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with mild varieties and skip the red pepper flakes.
2. Add Vegetables
This creamy dish pairs well with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and nutrients.
3. Use Chicken Thighs
Prefer dark meat? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
4. Make It Low-Carb
Serve this over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a satisfying keto-friendly dinner.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly
The sauce and chicken can be made ahead and reheated gently over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce before serving.
What to Serve with Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
This dish shines as the centerpiece of any dinner plate. Here are a few pairing ideas:
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Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
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Rice pilaf or buttered noodles
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Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach
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Crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce
Nutritional Information main dish for dinner (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
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Calories: ~480 kcal
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Protein: 38g
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Fat: 34g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
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Net Carbs: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Why This Recipe Is a Top Pick for Main Dishes for Dinner
When brainstorming main dishes for dinner, versatility, ease, and big flavor are musts. This creamy pepperoncini chicken ticks all those boxes:
Quick, one-pan meal (under 40 minutes)
Bold flavor from simple ingredients
Family-friendly and dinner-party-worthy
Easy to pair with common sides
Flexible for low-carb or gluten-free diets
It’s the kind of main course that satisfies without needing complicated techniques or obscure ingredients.
Make It Tonight!
Tired of the same bland chicken? Let your next main dish for dinner be something memorable. This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet delivers a bold twist on traditional comfort food with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.