Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Introduction: Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with tangy pepperoncini peppers and a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
What is Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet?
Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish made with chicken breasts, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic, onions, and a creamy sauce. The pepperoncini peppers add a subtle heat and tanginess to the dish, while the creamy sauce brings everything together for a rich and satisfying meal.
Health Benefits of Pepperoncini Peppers:
Pepperoncini peppers are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. These peppers are low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. They also contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add sliced pepperoncini peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Cooking Success:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best results.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to suit your taste preferences.
- For extra creaminess, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- Serve the dish with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions: Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Serve with a crisp green salad on the side for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information: Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion: Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, tangy peppers, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
FAQs:
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this dish spicy?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add more pepperoncini peppers or even a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- While you can freeze leftovers, the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
- Can I use dried pepperoncini peppers instead of fresh?
- Fresh pepperoncini peppers are recommended for this recipe, as they provide a fresher flavor and texture.
Source: sweetcsdesigns.com
Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
Creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with tangy pepperoncini peppers and a creamy sauce. It's a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
- 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 pepper, however you like them)
- In a large, heavy pan, melt butter on medium high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan.
- Brown chicken on all sides, turning every couple minutes – about 8 minutes total.
- Remove chicken from pan (chicken might not be fully to 165 degrees internal temperature, which is fine)
- Add garlic and onion to pan, let brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add stock and roasted red peppers and let reduce to half, another 5 minutes.
- Turn heat off, and slowly stir in cream and parmesan, whisking vigorously as you add cream.
- Slowly bring heat back to medium high, add Italian seasoning, pepperoncinis, and chicken back to pan.
- Let sauce reduce to half and bring chicken fully to 165 fahrenheit internal temperature. Add more stock if needed to thin sauce as chicken cooks.
- Remove from heat and serve over vegetables, pasta, rice, or on its own!