Description
Pepperoncini chicken skillet delivers tangy comfort on one irresistible plate, blending zesty peppers with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors invite you to savor each comforting bite of this simple yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Cooking Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini (plus 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly pat chicken breasts until completely dry, then generously coat both surfaces with a harmonious blend of salt, cracked black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and sweet paprika.
- Warm a substantial skillet with a marriage of olive oil and rich butter over medium-high flame, creating a golden searing environment for the seasoned chicken.
- Carefully position chicken breasts into the heated pan, allowing each side to develop a gorgeous caramelized crust, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until achieving a perfect internal temperature of 165F/75C.
- Once chicken reaches optimal doneness, delicately transfer pieces to a waiting plate, gently tenting with aluminum foil to preserve warmth and moisture.
- Within the same skillet, retain the flavorful remnant drippings to build a luxurious sauce foundation, preparing for the next culinary transformation.
- Introduce minced garlic and sliced pepperoncini peppers into the pan, stirring briefly to awaken their vibrant aromatics and release their tangy essence.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that integrates the pan’s caramelized bits.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, gradually thickening while developing deep, complex flavor profiles.
- Reintroduce chicken breasts into the creamy pepperoncini sauce, gently coating and warming them through.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and optional grated parmesan, serving immediately for maximum gustatory pleasure.
Notes
- Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and quicker preparation.
- Adjust seasoning blend by adding dried oregano or Italian herbs for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches proper internal temperature using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and juicy texture.
- Drain pepperoncini peppers partially to control sauce consistency and prevent excessive liquid in the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg