Description
This creamy pepperoncini chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made with butter, garlic, roasted red peppers, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Cooked on the stovetop, it delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness and a hint of heat, making it a comforting and flavorful meal suitable for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Aromatics
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers (sliced, rings, or whole, as desired)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large, heavy pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenders with sea salt and ground pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and brown on all sides, turning every couple of minutes for about 8 minutes. Note that the chicken may not be fully cooked through yet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Add the diced white onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and add the chopped roasted red peppers to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce by half over about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Turn the heat back to medium-high. Add the Italian seasoning and pepperoncini peppers to the sauce, then return the chicken to the pan. Let the sauce continue to reduce by half, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to thin it out as needed.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the creamy pepperoncini chicken over your choice of vegetables, pasta, or rice, or enjoy it on its own for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to control the dish’s heat level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream substitute.
