Description
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, tangy, and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich and creamy sauce infused with the zing of pepperoncini peppers and brine. This easy stovetop recipe combines garlic, Italian seasoning, and melted cheeses to create a luscious dish perfect for a satisfying dinner served alongside rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce and Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini brine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure flavor throughout.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and pepperoncini brine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Add Pepperoncini: Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers to infuse their tangy flavor into the sauce.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika to complete the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken, cover the skillet again, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with your choice of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to enjoy the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers and brine to control the tanginess and spiciness according to your preference.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider stirring in fresh spinach or mushrooms while simmering the sauce.
- Serve with a starch such as rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce.
