Name: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp ground pepper; 2 tbsp butter; 1 white onion, diced; 2 tbsp garlic, diced; ½ cup chicken stock; ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 38 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s irresistibly cozy yet packed with a zesty kick, you’re in for a real treat with this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe. I stumbled upon this recipe during a weeknight scramble when I needed something quick but flavorful, and oh man, it became a favorite fast. Picture tender strips of chicken bathed in a dreamy, tangy cream sauce with those bright, slightly spicy pepperoncini peppers adding just the right punch—you’ll want to make this again and again. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balance of Creaminess & Tang: The heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious sauce, while the pepperoncini peppers add a perfect bright, tangy contrast.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: Basic staples like garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning amp up the depth without complicating prep.
One-Skillet Convenience: It all comes together in a single pan, making for easy cooking and minimal cleanup.
Customizable & Versatile: You can easily swap out veggies, proteins, or sides to match your mood or pantry!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, spicy chicken skillet recipe, easy creamy chicken dinner, quick weeknight chicken recipe, zesty chicken skillet - The image shows a black frying pan on a white marbled surface filled with a creamy dish containing several light beige chicken pieces layered beneath a sauce. The sauce is thick and pale yellow, mixed with diced translucent onions and slices of red and yellow bell peppers scattered throughout. Green parsley pieces are sprinkled evenly on top, adding contrast. Black pepper dots are visible across the dish, giving texture and seasoning hints. The pan’s handle is gold-colored, with no other items in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a role in balancing the flavors and textures—like the buttery richness, the subtle sweetness from the onions, and the zingy pop from the pepperoncinis. Picking fresh garlic and good-quality chicken stock really elevates the final dish. Let me tell you what to look for when shopping.

Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully, building that foundational flavor.
Chicken (thin strips): Using thin strips ensures quick, even cooking—say goodbye to dry chicken!
Sea salt & ground pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every other ingredient.
White onion: Brings a mild sweetness and depth when caramelized just right.
Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth, but don’t burn it or it will taste bitter.
Chicken stock: Provides a savory base for the sauce and helps deglaze the pan to pick up all the tasty browned bits.
Roasted red pepper: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy pepperoncinis.
Heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, velvety sauce everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty umami punch that rounds out the dish.
Italian seasoning: A quick way to introduce layers of herbaceous flavor with minimal effort.
Pepperoncini peppers: The star ingredient for that signature tang and gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this recipe is a canvas for creativity. Whether you like it a little spicier, want it lighter, or are looking for ways to make it gluten-free, there’s room to tweak and still keep it delicious. Let me share a few ways I’ve personalized this dish over the years.

Variation: I once swapped the heavy cream for half-and-half and added a splash of white wine for a lighter sauce; it was just as comforting but with a fresh twist.
Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works surprisingly well—just omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Seasonal Change: In summer, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for a bright finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Brown the Chicken

Start by warming your heavy skillet on medium-high heat and melting that butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Season your chicken strips well with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here as this really builds flavor. Add the chicken to the pan and let it brown evenly, flipping every couple of minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust; it usually takes about 8 minutes. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet—that will happen later in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the chicken’s out, toss diced onions and garlic into that same skillet. The pan is already loaded with flavor from the chicken, so as the onions soften and the garlic browns (about 5 minutes), you’re building a lush flavor base for the sauce. Just keep an eye so the garlic doesn’t burn—it gets bitter fast!

Step 3: Add Stock, Roasted Red Pepper & Reduce

Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the roasted red pepper slices. Let everything simmer gently until the liquid reduces by about half—this concentrates the flavors. It usually takes around 5 minutes and gives the sauce a nice body before you stir in the cream.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan for Creaminess

Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. This prevents the cream from splitting and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce. The cheese melts into the sauce adding richness and that savory depth I can’t get enough of.

Step 5: Return Chicken & Add Italian Seasoning and Pepperoncinis

Now turn the heat back to medium-high and sprinkle in Italian seasoning and your trusty pepperoncini peppers. Add the chicken back to the pan and let everything simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature. If the sauce gets too thick, sneak in a bit more stock to loosen things up. This step is where all those flavors marry beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Turn off the heat and get ready to dig in! This creamy, tangy skillet meal is gorgeous spooned over sautéed veggies, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. I’ve even enjoyed it solo on hectic nights. Either way, it’s comfort food at its very best.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Pat Chicken Dry Before Seasoning: This helps the chicken brown better, giving you those lovely golden edges packed with flavor.
Don’t Rush the Sauce Reduction: Reducing the stock and peppers concentrates flavor and prevents a watery sauce, trust me on this one.
Add Cream Off Heat: Whisking in cream off the heat avoids curdling and maintains a silky sauce texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the easiest way to make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked but still juicy—165°F is your magic number.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds a lovely fresh color and lifts the richness of the cream sauce. Sometimes I’ll add extra pepperoncini slices on top if I’m feeling bold and want a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include garlic butter noodles, a light quinoa salad, or simple roasted asparagus. If you’re looking for comfort overload, creamy mashed potatoes soak up every bit of that sauce wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve this skillet dish family-style right in the pan, garnished with colorful roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table. It feels warm and inviting—and trust me, everyone digs in faster that way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this dish reheats beautifully. After it cools to room temperature, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Usually, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just give it a gentle stir when reheating because the sauce can thicken up in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this skillet recipe when prepping meals for busy weeks. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave. The sauce might separate a bit after freezing, but a quick whisk brings it back to lovely creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving on high power for long stretches as it can unevenly heat the chicken and sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick, even cooking. Keep an eye on them as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
What can I substitute for pepperoncini peppers if I don’t have any?

You can use mild banana peppers, pickled jalapeños for a spicier kick, or even pickled pepper rings. The key is to maintain that tangy, slightly spicy profile they bring, so something pickled with a similar brightness works best.
Is this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken stock and seasoning blends to be sure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in during the final simmer—just keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cream.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weekly dinner rotation because it strikes that perfect balance of comforting and exciting flavors with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal I feel great serving to friends and family because it looks impressive but really comes together in under 30 minutes—a total winner in my book. I hope you love it as much as I do, and remember: cooking is all about making recipes your own, so feel free to adjust those pepperoncinis and creaminess levels until it’s just right for you. Happy cooking, friend!