This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is a weeknight dinner game-changer! Tender chunks of chicken breast swimming in a rich, tangy sauce with just the right kick from Italian pepperoncinis. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce has the perfect balance of richness and tanginess that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: From cutting board to dinner table in just 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy required – just staples you likely already have in your kitchen plus pepperoncinis for that special zing.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This dish plays well with so many different sides!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy pepperoncinis, creamy sauce, and savory chicken creates a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter: Creates the foundation of flavor for the dish and helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden sear.
- Chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Cutting it into 1-inch pieces ensures quick and even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. The small dice helps it melt into the background of the sauce.
- Garlic: Brings that wonderful aromatic quality that makes everything taste better. Don’t skimp here!
- Chicken broth: Creates the base for our sauce and adds savory depth.
- Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into something luxurious and silky. This is what makes it “creamy” pepperoncini chicken, after all!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds richness, saltiness, and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Italian seasoned pepperoncinis: The star flavor component! These tangy, slightly spicy peppers cut through the richness of the cream and add incredible depth.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists on the classic recipe:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herby Upgrade: Stir in fresh basil, parsley, or dill at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to incorporate more vegetables.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more richness, or try it with pork tenderloin for something different.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan if you’re avoiding dairy.
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onions start to become translucent.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to incorporate.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Add the sliced pepperoncinis and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together, coating the chicken pieces in the creamy sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately over your favorite base.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Proper Chicken Cutting: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Let the chicken develop a good sear without moving it too much in the pan – this builds flavor.
- Cream Temperature: Bring the heavy cream to room temperature before adding to prevent it from splitting when it hits the hot pan.
- Pepperoncini Juice: Add a splash of the pepperoncini brine to the sauce for an extra tangy kick.
- Perfect Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve
This versatile chicken dish pairs beautifully with so many sides:
Carb Options:
Serve over buttered egg noodles, fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce.
Lighter Sides:
For a lighter meal, try it with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or zucchini noodles.
Complementary Flavors:
The tanginess of this dish works wonderfully with sides like garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or a simple Caesar salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the pepperoncinis infuse into the sauce even more.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces aren’t ideal for freezing (they can separate when thawed), you can freeze this dish if necessary. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring frequently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sauce separate.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and actually add more flavor and moisture. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through completely.
-
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. If using milk, you might want to add a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Even cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk makes a great substitute.
-
Are pepperoncinis very spicy?
Not at all! Pepperoncinis are actually quite mild on the spice scale. They offer more of a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with just a hint of heat. They’re perfect for those who enjoy flavor but don’t want overwhelming spiciness.
-
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative in place of the cheese. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is truly one of those magical recipes that delivers amazing flavor with minimal time and effort. The tangy pop from the pepperoncinis balanced against the rich, creamy sauce creates something that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night. I hope this becomes a go-to recipe in your home like it has in mine – it’s the perfect solution for those “what’s for dinner” moments when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Print
Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is a rich, tangy, and savory dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breast pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce and zesty pepperoncinis, offering a delicious balance of flavors. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, 1-inch diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 onion, small diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned sliced pepperoncinis
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
In a medium or large pan over medium-high heat, add the butter and let it melt. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan in a single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté Aromatics:
Reduce the heat slightly and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. - Deglaze with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This adds a depth of flavor to the dish. - Make the Cream Sauce:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to ensure it blends smoothly with the broth. - Incorporate the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir thoroughly until it has melted into the sauce, creating a silky consistency. - Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken and add the sliced pepperoncinis to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately over your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure an even golden-brown sear.
- Adjust Cream Temperature: When adding the heavy cream, keep the heat at medium-low to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Balance Flavors: Pepperoncinis can add a tangy punch. If needed, balance it with a pinch of sugar or an extra splash of chicken broth.
- Mind the Salt: The brine from the pepperoncinis is naturally salty. Taste first before adding more salt to the dish.
- Quick Tip: Use an Instant Pot for a speedy preparation. Cook the chicken on high pressure, then stir in the cream at the end on the sauté setting.
- Pairing Ideas: This dish shines when served with pasta, cauliflower rice, or sautéed vegetables like green beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
