Pin A quick, comforting chicken skillet featuring tangy pepperoncini and a luscious cream sauce—perfect for busy weeknights. This dish balances the savory depth of golden-brown chicken with a bright, vinegary kick from the peppers, all brought together in a velvet-smooth sauce.
Pin Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, the secret lies in the garlic-infused sauce. It’s a comforting meal that feels sophisticated yet uses simple, accessible ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini (fresh or jarred, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Add sliced pepperoncini and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 6
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 7
- Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken until everything is heated through.
- Step 8
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with extra pepperoncini if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra punch of flavor, add a splash of the pepperoncini brine directly into the sauce while it simmers. Always ensure you pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear in the skillet.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream, though note this will alter the flavor profile. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half works as a great alternative to heavy cream.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken is wonderful served over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, pair it with a crisp green salad for a lighter, gluten-free meal.
Pin Enjoy this comforting, tangy skillet dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen in half an hour.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work well, providing tender and juicy results when cooked properly.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream to lighten the sauce?
Yes, using half-and-half will produce a lighter creamy texture while maintaining richness.
- → How do I adjust the sauce's tanginess?
Add a splash of pepperoncini brine for extra tang or reduce the pepperoncini slices to mellow the flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, noting that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- → What sides pair well with this skillet?
Serve with rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days for best freshness.