Get ready to fall head over heels for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight—a dish that perfectly balances richness, tang, and just the right hint of heat in every silky bite. This restaurant-worthy skillet chicken comes together in under 30 minutes and is guaranteed to earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dreamy Cream Sauce: The creamy Parmesan-pepperoncini sauce clings to every bite of chicken, lavishing it with flavor and velvet texture.
- Bold, Bright Flavors: Tangy pepperoncini and sweet roasted red peppers create a lively pop that wakes up your palate.
- Weeknight Friendly: This entire Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight comes together in just one skillet in 25 minutes flat—no hassle, no fuss!
- Customizable Heat & Tang: Easily dial the level of spice and zip up or down to suit your mood and your crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the heart of this recipe—and you probably have nearly everything on hand! Each one brings something special: silky cream, fiery peppers, and umami-packed Parmesan make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight irresistible from first bite to last.
- Butter: Searing the chicken in butter gives the entire dish a luxurious richness and golden flavor.
- Olive Oil: Combines with the butter for a higher smoke point and a touch of Mediterranean character.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Perfectly tender and cook up in minutes; you can also substitute boneless breasts or thighs if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: The essential foundation for seasoning throughout the recipe—you’ll taste the difference!
- Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Three cloves may seem generous, but that mellow savor is what ties the sauce together.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and deliver a layered, savory backbone.
- Heavy Cream: The key to that lusciously thick, dreamy sauce.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Infuses the entire dish with classic herby notes and a whisper of summer.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly shredded or grated for the best melt and bold, nutty flavor.
- Roasted Red Peppers: They add color, sweetness, and a little smoky allure.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: The star of the show! Their tanginess perfectly balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a customizable tingle of heat that won’t overpower.
Variations
This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight is delightfully adaptable, so you can put your own spin on it each time you make it. Don’t be afraid to get creative with swaps, add-ins, or tweaks to fit your pantry and your tastes!
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and use light Parmesan for a still-creamy result with fewer calories.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for coconut cream in place of heavy cream and your favorite dairy-free Parmesan to make the sauce completely dairy-free.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, chopped kale, or sliced mushrooms along with the peppers to sneak in extra color and nutrition.
- Extra-Spicy: Slice a few extra pepperoncini or increase the red pepper flakes to turn up the heat for spice-lovers!
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken tenderloins dry, season generously with salt and pepper, and add them to the sizzling pan. Sear until both sides are golden brown—don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through; they’ll finish in the creamy sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and toss in the diced onion. Let it soften for about three minutes, soaking up all those lovely pan flavors. Add the garlic next, and cook for another two minutes, just until fragrant and mellow.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pan. Let the broth bubble and reduce by half—this concentrates all the goodness! Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then slide the chicken back into the skillet. Let it simmer gently until the sauce slightly thickens and the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
Step 4: Finish with Bold Flavor
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Parmesan, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a gorgeous, glossy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes just a pinch more salt and pepper does the trick!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For the best golden sear and even cooking, reach for your trusty cast iron—it creates delicious browned bits that enrich your sauce.
- Drain Peppers Well: To keep your sauce thick and creamy, always drain both the roasted red peppers and pepperoncini thoroughly before adding them in.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts far better than pre-shredded, ensuring your sauce is luxuriously smooth and never gritty.
- Finish Low and Slow: Drop the heat to let the cheese and peppers gently meld into the sauce—this keeps everything tender and prevents curdling.
How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds gorgeous color and a garden-fresh finish to every serving of Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight. For even more pep, top with extra pepperoncini rings or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish just before eating.
Side Dishes
This saucy chicken is absolutely made for sopping up with crusty bread or serving over a bed of fluffy rice—or even creamy mashed potatoes. Try it with buttered noodles, roasted veggies, or a simple leafy salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For date night, serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight in individual shallow bowls with plenty of sauce and a swirl of olive oil on top. Or pile the chicken onto a platter, spoon over the vibrant sauce, and let everyone help themselves at the table—family-style perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making those next-day lunches even more craveable!
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe, but keep in mind cream sauces may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze cooled chicken and sauce together for up to two months, then whisk gently while reheating to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at 50% power, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Stir often for the creamiest, freshest-tasting results—just like the night you cooked it!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly—just slice them into strips or cutlets to ensure even cooking and quick searing. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you love even more juiciness.
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Is Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight very spicy?
The dish has a gentle kick from the pepperoncini and red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to control the heat. Simply use fewer pepperoncini or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder, kid-friendly version.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully prepare and refrigerate Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making this a winner for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
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What can I substitute for roasted red peppers?
If you don’t have roasted red peppers, try sliced sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of sautéed fresh bell peppers. Both add gorgeous color and complement the tangy pepperoncini beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a meal that’s this easy, vibrant, and soul-satisfying. I hope your family loves Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight as much as mine does—don’t be surprised if this flavor-packed favorite becomes a regular request at your table! Enjoy every saucy, tangy, creamy bite.
Print
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish with tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with a hint of tanginess from the pepperoncini and roasted red peppers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- Salt and pepper
Sauce:
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers, drained well
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, drained well
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet.
- Add onion to skillet and cook for 3 minutes to soften. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and cook until reduced by half. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Return chicken to skillet.
- Simmer until heavy cream is reduced and chicken is cooked through. Turn heat to medium-low and add Parmesan cheese, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until cheese is melted. Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Note: Chicken does not have to be cooked through at this point.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
