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!

Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

Name: Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, 1-inch diced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 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

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

Units Scale

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

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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