Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Introduction

If you’re craving a comfort food dinner with bold flavor, this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is the answer! Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with tangy pepperoncini peppers for the perfect balance of creamy and zesty.

This recipe comes together in just one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still feeling gourmet. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (plus 2 tbsp juice from the jar)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken: Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts also work well.
Pepperoncini: These add a mild tangy heat — not too spicy!
Heavy cream: Creates the velvety texture, but you can swap with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits for flavor.

Step 3: Add Creamy Base

Stir in heavy cream, pepperoncini slices, juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Return Chicken

Add chicken back to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite side.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken for a nice golden crust.
Thicken sauce naturally by simmering uncovered, rather than adding flour.
For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the cream.
Make ahead: Sauce tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	35g
Carbs	6g
Fat	28g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	620mg

Variations

Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or provolone on top and broil for a melty finish.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

Over buttered egg noodles for a classic comfort meal.
With fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Paired with a crisp side salad for balance.
With garlic bread for ultimate indulgence.

Storage

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is tangy, comforting, and weeknight-friendly. With just one pan and under 40 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels gourmet but couldn’t be easier.

It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, thanks to the bold flavor of pepperoncini and the richness of cream.