Name: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter – Butter adds a deep (rich flavor and helps the chicken brown beautifully.); 2 pounds chicken tenders or breasts (cut into strips – Thin strips cook quickly and soak up more sauce.); 1 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the tangy sauce.; 1 teaspoon black pepper – A touch of heat that complements the pepperoncini perfectly.; 1 white onion (diced – Brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.); 2 tablespoons minced garlic – Adds a bold aroma and savory base.; ½ cup chicken broth or bone broth – Helps create the silky sauce and adds rich (meaty flavor.); ½ cup roasted red peppers (sliced – Sweet and smoky, these balance the tanginess.); 1 cup heavy cream – The secret to that velvety (rich texture. Avoid boiling it to keep it smooth.); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts better and adds sharp (salty richness.); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the dish a Mediterranean flair.; ½ cup pepperoncini peppers (drained and sliced – The star of the recipe! They add tang, heat, and brightness.)

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Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe | Tangy Comfort Meal

I recently made this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. From the first sizzle of chicken in butter to the final creamy swirl of sauce, every step had my kitchen smelling incredible. The tangy punch of pepperoncini paired perfectly with the rich creaminess of the sauce.

If you enjoy hearty chicken and rice combinations, you might also love this One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe for a similarly flavorful weeknight meal. It’s that kind of meal that looks fancy but comes together quickly on a busy weeknight. After making it once, I knew it would be a regular in my dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need — plus a few pro tips to make it even better.

2 tablespoons butter – Butter adds a deep, rich flavor and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
2 pounds chicken tenders or breasts (cut into strips) – Thin strips cook quickly and soak up more sauce.
1 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the tangy sauce.
1 teaspoon black pepper – A touch of heat that complements the pepperoncini perfectly.
1 white onion, diced – Brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 tablespoons minced garlic – Adds a bold aroma and savory base.
½ cup chicken broth or bone broth – Helps create the silky sauce and adds rich, meaty flavor.
½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced – Sweet and smoky, these balance the tanginess.
1 cup heavy cream – The secret to that velvety, rich texture. Avoid boiling it to keep it smooth.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts better and adds sharp, salty richness.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the dish a Mediterranean flair.
½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained and sliced – The star of the recipe! They add tang, heat, and brightness.

Note: Makes about 6 servings based on these ingredient quantities.

Variations

Want to adjust it to your taste or dietary needs? Try these easy swaps!

Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. It will be lighter but still deliciously smooth.
Low-carb option: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.
Extra flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for a richer depth of flavor.
Protein swap: Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or try shrimp for a seafood twist.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoncini for more heat.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or sauté pan – For browning chicken and simmering the sauce.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Ideal for stirring without scratching your pan.
Sharp knife and cutting board – For slicing chicken, onion, and peppers.
Measuring cups and spoons – To keep ingredient ratios balanced.
Tongs – To easily turn chicken strips without breaking them.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Brown the chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. You’re looking for a golden sear, not fully cooked through yet.

Set the chicken aside

Transfer the chicken to a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not fully done — it will finish cooking later in the sauce. This resting step helps keep it juicy while you build the flavor base.

Sauté the onions

In the same pan, add the diced onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. The onions absorb those browned bits left from the chicken, which deepens the overall flavor.

Add garlic and roasted red peppers

Toss in the minced garlic and roasted red peppers. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This layer of sweetness and aroma really makes the sauce pop.

Combine with stock and pepperoncini

Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced pepperoncini. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let the flavors meld. Return the chicken to the skillet, and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

For a slightly different twist, some people enjoy pairing creamy chicken with a side like One-Pan Herb Chicken with Wild Rice Recipe for a comforting combination of flavors.

Stir in cream and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly — about 4 minutes. Avoid boiling; gentle heat keeps the sauce silky smooth.

Garnish and serve

Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, extra Parmesan, and some chopped parsley or basil. Serve warm and let that creamy, tangy aroma fill your kitchen.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After a few times making this, here’s what I learned to make it even more irresistible:

I always pat the chicken dry before searing — it helps get that perfect golden crust.
I let the sauce rest for a minute before serving; it thickens slightly as it cools.
I use fresh Parmesan instead of pre-shredded — the texture and flavor difference is huge.
I sometimes add a small splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the creamy sauce.
If you want a little crunch, top it with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

This dish pairs beautifully with almost anything! Spoon the creamy chicken over fluffy white rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color, and add a few extra pepperoncini slices on top for presentation. I love serving it in a shallow bowl — it feels cozy and restaurant-worthy at the same time.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 565 kcal
Protein: 41 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 41 g

(Values may vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients.)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing in the refrigerator

Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally so the sauce stays smooth and creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that creamy sauces can separate slightly after thawing. When reheating, warm it slowly and stir in a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this creamy skillet dish wins everyone over:

Quick and easy: It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish — perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold and creamy flavor: The balance of tangy pepperoncini and smooth cream sauce is simply addictive.
One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice, swap the protein, or make it dairy-free.
Restaurant-quality results: It looks and tastes like something from a café, but it’s simple enough for home cooks.

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can make a big impact. It’s cozy, flavorful, and versatile enough for family dinners or entertaining guests. The creamy sauce with that peppery tang keeps everyone coming back for seconds — and trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked too!

Ash Tyrrell