I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single time, I’m amazed at how much everyone loves it. Chicken and Peppers in White Sauce might sound fancy, but it’s such a straightforward dish to make.

The creamy sauce hugging tender chicken and sweet peppers is pure comfort food. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe the sauce was made with such simple ingredients! Trust me, you don’t need to be a professional to whip up this family favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful dish. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor, so choose wisely!

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks: Opt for fresh chicken for best texture. Avoid pre-cut pieces, which can dry out easily.
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips: Sweet and vibrant, red peppers provide a pop of color and flavor.
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips: For that slightly bitter, earthy balance to the sweetness of the red pepper.
1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Yellow onions caramelize beautifully, adding subtle sweetness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and vegetables evenly.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps brown the chicken nicely.
3/4 cup chicken broth: Gives the sauce depth. Use low-sodium if you want to control the saltiness.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This is the secret ingredient for the creamy, luscious sauce! Don’t worry, it won’t taste like mayo.
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Freshly minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic kick to the dish.
1/2 box penne or spaghetti pasta (about 8 ounces): Cooked al dente, this makes the dish a hearty one-pot meal.
Salt and pepper: Add to taste to season every layer of the recipe.

Note: This recipe serves 4 generous portions.

Variations

Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free version.
Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or serve it over riced cauliflower.
Add-Ons: Feel free to toss in some steamed broccoli or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

For another creamy and flavorful dish, you might want to try this Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe, which is equally delightful.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet: For cooking chicken and vegetables evenly in one pan.
Medium saucepan: To cook your pasta to perfect firmness.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
Cutting board and knife: To prep the vegetables and chicken safely and efficiently.
Mixing bowl: For whisking broth and mayo to create the sauce.

How to Make Chicken and Peppers in White Sauce?

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make delicious Chicken and Peppers in White Sauce:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken chunks generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add your onions, red and green peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the veggies are tender and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The caramelized bits from the chicken will enhance the flavor of the veggies! Once done, set the sautéed veggies aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the veggies cook, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Wipe the skillet clean and whisk together mayonnaise and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet and heat over medium, stirring constantly. The sauce will seem thin at first but will thicken as it cooks. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, return the chicken, vegetables, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Cook for a final 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through. Plate up and serve immediately while hot!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these small tweaks can make a big difference!

Use freshly minced garlic instead of jarred for a brighter, more intense flavor.
Be patient with the sauce – it thickens best when stirred slowly over medium heat.
Avoid overcooking the peppers if you prefer them slightly crunchy.
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving!

For a different flavor profile, you might enjoy this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Recipe.

How to Serve Chicken and Peppers in White Sauce?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. To impress guests, try serving it in a rustic skillet or white dish to make the colors pop!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving for this recipe:

Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 25g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These are just a few reasons why this dish will become a household favorite!

Easy to make: No complicated steps or fancy techniques required.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Affordable: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Perfect for guests: Looks and tastes like a gourmet meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

When I first started making this dish, I learned these lessons the hard way. Save yourself a headache by steering clear of these pitfalls!

Overcrowding the pan: Cook the chicken in small batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding results in steaming instead of searing.
Skipping the seasoning: Each layer of ingredients (chicken, veggies, sauce) needs its own seasoning to build depth of flavor.
Rushing the sauce: If cooked too quickly, the sauce may separate instead of becoming silky and smooth.

Chicken and Peppers in White Sauce offers the perfect combination of simplicity, versatility, and bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will delight every diner at your table! Enjoy!

If you enjoy hearty meals like this, you can also explore other chicken recipes for more inspiration.

Ash Tyrrell