Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Pepperoncini Chicken is a creamy, tangy skillet dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken strips are cooked in a rich sauce with Parmesan, roasted red peppers, and tangy pepperoncini for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add diced onions and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken stock and roasted red peppers. Let the mixture reduce by half to deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Return the heat to medium and add Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. Stir well to combine.
7. Step 7: Add the browned chicken back to the pan and simmer until fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result instead of chicken breasts.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peppers instead of roasted red peppers?

Fresh red peppers can be used, but roasting them beforehand enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish’s flavor.

Are pepperoncini peppers very spicy?

Pepperoncini peppers are mildly tangy and slightly spicy, adding a pleasant zing without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

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This Pepperoncini Chicken recipe features tender chicken strips cooked in a creamy, tangy sauce made with pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, and a blend of Italian seasonings. The dish offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, enhanced by Parmesan cheese and served as a comforting stovetop meal.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Seasoning

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)

Liquids & Cheese

• ½ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Seasoning

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips and season evenly with sea salt and ground pepper to ensure balanced flavor throughout the dish.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to maintain their juiciness.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until they become fragrant and golden, which will build the flavor foundation of the sauce.
4. Add Peppers and Stock: Pour in the chicken stock followed by the roasted red peppers. Allow the mixture to reduce by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a rich base for the sauce.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk thoroughly to form a smooth and creamy sauce without lumps.
6. Season the Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and add Italian seasoning along with the drained pepperoncini peppers. Stir well to combine the seasoning into the sauce evenly.
7. Simmer with Chicken: Return the browned chicken strips to the skillet and simmer the mixture. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, melding all flavors together beautifully.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add additional pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red chili flakes.
• Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
• If you prefer, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture instead of chicken breast strips.

Keywords: Pepperoncini Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Italian seasoning chicken, skillet chicken, easy dinner recipe