Flavorful Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

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Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious, tangy pepperoncini cream sauce—this skillet dinner is a weeknight win. With just the right amount of heat and acidity from the pepperoncini, balanced by a rich, velvety cream base, every bite is crave-worthy.

Perfectly suited for both family dinners and impressing guests, this creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet comes together in under 45 minutes with straightforward ingredients. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the decadent sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

This dish hits all the right notes—creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory. It’s a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. The combination of pepperoncini and cream brings a bright, zesty punch without overpowering heat, making it suitable for spice-lovers and skeptics alike.

What Kind of Pepperoncini Should I Use?

Look for mild, pickled pepperoncini in a jar—either whole or sliced. The pickling brine adds both heat and acid, which balances the richness of the creamy sauce. Whole pepperoncini can be sliced to control heat levels, while pre-sliced ones offer convenience.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – For lean protein and quick cooking.
• Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance flavor.
• Garlic – Adds robust depth to the cream sauce.
• Chicken broth – De-glazes the pan and forms a flavorful sauce base.
• Heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety texture.
• Cream cheese – Thickens the sauce and adds tang.
• Parmesan cheese – Boosts umami and adds saltiness.
• Pepperoncini peppers – Brings tangy heat and brightness.
• Pepperoncini juice – Enhances the tangy flavor profile.
• Italian seasoning – Adds aromatic herbs.
• Fresh parsley – For a vibrant, fresh finish.

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How To Make the Flavorful Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and De-glaze

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Add heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, pepperoncini juice, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Add Pepperoncini and Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and add the sliced pepperoncini. Simmer everything together for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

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How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

This recipe yields 4 chicken breasts, making it ideal for feeding 4 adults generously. Serve it family-style with sides like mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or over egg noodles to soak up the creamy, peppery sauce.

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How to Store This Dish

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and offer a juicier bite. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is this dish very spicy?
Not at all. Pepperoncini are mild, tangy peppers. You can increase the spice by adding red pepper flakes or using hot pepperoncini if you prefer.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Avoid milk as it may curdle.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook everything and reheat gently later. Just be sure not to boil the sauce to prevent separation.

What sides go best with this dish?
Try mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is also fantastic for mopping up the sauce.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy skillet dinner, try these next:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake
• Chicken and Mushroom Skillet in a Creamy Asiago and Mustard Sauce
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
• Juicy Chicken and Zucchini
• Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra pepperoncini juice? Try it with chicken thighs? Add mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better!

For more delicious recipes, check out my Pinterest at Life With Livia.

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