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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (jarred) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. The chicken breasts form the base of this dish, while the pepperoncini peppers add a nice zing. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. The chicken broth helps to build flavor and keep things moist. Italian seasoning adds a touch of herbiness that ties all the flavors together. Olive oil is key for cooking the chicken, giving it a lovely sear. For the finishing touch, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. Garlic adds depth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, chopped parsley gives a fresh pop of color and flavor. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides. This helps the chicken to have great flavor. Even cooking is very important. It ensures that the chicken is juicy and tender. Thicker parts will take longer to cook, so try to choose even-sized pieces. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden brown crust. This step locks in moisture and flavor. Always make sure the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the skillet. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. This step brings out the garlic's full flavor. Next, add the sliced pepperoncini peppers. Sauté these for another minute. They add a nice tang to the sauce. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. It’s essential to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth to your sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly for the best texture. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on the chicken. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The cheese should melt perfectly into the sauce. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this creamy chicken in the skillet for a rustic look. You can also plate it with a bed of rice or pasta. Drizzle some extra sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish. This adds color and flavor to your dish. To keep your cream smooth, heat it gently. Avoid boiling the cream. If it curdles, it can spoil the dish. For a thicker sauce, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water before adding it to the sauce. This will help it thicken up nicely without lumps. If you're out of boneless, skinless chicken, use thighs instead. They stay juicy and full of flavor. To keep the chicken moist, don't overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F. Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking helps, too. Want to boost the flavor? Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They pair well with the creamy sauce. You can also use garlic powder or onion powder for a different taste. For cheese, try mozzarella or goat cheese. Each brings a unique twist to your dish. {{image_2}} To add more heat to your dish, consider these options: - Add more pepperoncini: Increase the amount of sliced pepperoncini to suit your taste. - Use crushed red pepper: A pinch of crushed red pepper adds a nice kick. - Choose spicy chicken varieties: Using peppered chicken can enhance the overall flavor. These changes will make your creamy pepperoncini chicken even more exciting! If you want to make a healthier version, here are some ideas: - Lower-fat cream substitutes: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream. This keeps the creaminess but cuts the calories. - Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and pack more flavor than breasts. They can also make your dish more tender. These swaps can help you enjoy the dish while being mindful of health. You can easily adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet: - Use tofu or tempeh: Both can replace chicken well. Just cut them into cubes. - Adjust cooking times: Cook tofu or tempeh for a shorter time. You want them golden but not dry. This adaptation keeps the essence of the dish while offering a veggie-friendly option. To store leftovers, place them in airtight containers. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To keep the sauce creamy, reheat slowly. If using the microwave, do it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. For stovetop reheating, use low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking and help the sauce stay smooth. Yes, you can use fresh pepperoncini peppers. Fresh peppers have a brighter taste. They may need more prep time. Slice them thinly and remove seeds if you want less heat. The jarred variety has a tangy flavor from brine. This adds a unique kick to the dish. This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it over rice or pasta. Both options soak up the creamy sauce well. You might also enjoy it with garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a healthy twist, try steamed veggies or roasted potatoes. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Season and sear the chicken first for flavor. Then add it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender. This method makes it easy to prepare ahead of time. This blog post covered the essentials for making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken. We explored the main ingredients, like chicken, pepperoncini, and cream. I shared step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations to customize your dish. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. Cooking should be fun and rewarding. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal everyone will enjoy. Experiment and find what works best for you. Happy cooking!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Savor the flavors of this creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet, a dish that combines tender chicken with zesty pepperoncini and a rich, creamy sauce! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll impress your family and friends in no time. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (jarred)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

    Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers and sauté for an additional minute.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

          Return the Chicken: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted.

            Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy chicken in the skillet or plate it with a bed of rice or pasta. Drizzle some extra sauce over the top and garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.