Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the smoky taste of perfectly grilled chicken and the zesty tang of pepperoncini-infused garlic butter. This recipe is a symphony of textures and tastes, combining tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy butter sauce enhanced by a hint of spice and citrus.

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or looking to impress guests with a unique dish, this recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad, making it versatile and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavors: The pepperoncini garlic butter elevates the grilled chicken to gourmet status.
2. Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
3. Customizable: Adjust the spice level and flavors to suit your preferences.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Suitable for casual family dinners or fancy gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim and Flatten:
   • Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
   • Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Marinate (Optional):
   • For deeper flavor, let the seasoned chicken rest for 15–30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk Until Smooth:
   • Use a whisk or fork to blend the ingredients until the butter is smooth and the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Chill the Butter:
   • Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a log. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
3. Baste with Butter:
   • During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with some of the pepperoncini garlic butter to lock in moisture and flavor.
4. Rest the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice and Plate:
   • Slice the grilled chicken into strips or serve whole.
   • Place a generous dollop of the chilled pepperoncini garlic butter on top of each chicken breast, allowing it to melt over the hot meat.
2. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

1. Pound for Even Cooking: Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and prevents dryness.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature.
3. Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling ensures the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
4. Keep the Grill Hot: A well-heated grill helps achieve beautiful grill marks and seals in the juices.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make excellent complements.
• Rice Pilaf: A light and flavorful option to soak up the garlic butter.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for pairing.

Beverages

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully with the zesty butter.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra layer of heat.
2. Herb Substitutes: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or chives for a different herbaceous note.
3. Protein Options: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or pork chops for a delightful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use jarred pepperoncini for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Jarred pepperoncini are convenient and add consistent flavor.

Q: Can I prepare this dish on a stovetop?
A: Yes, use a grill pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve similar results.

Q: How do I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan margarine or olive oil.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is a delightful combination of smoky, zesty, and buttery flavors that transforms a simple chicken dinner into an extraordinary feast. This versatile dish is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress your family and guests.

With its customizable options and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Fire up the grill and savor the incredible flavors of this delectable dish!

Yield: 4

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe

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Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the smoky taste of perfectly grilled chicken and the zesty tang of pepperoncini-infused garlic butter. This recipe is a symphony of textures and tastes, combining tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy butter sauce enhanced by a hint of spice and citrus.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4-5 pepperoncini peppers, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the mixture.
2. Rest: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.

2. Make the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter:

1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped pepperoncini, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Spoon the mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll into a log shape. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until firm.

3. Grill the Chicken:

1. Preheat grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.

4. Serve with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter:

1. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a serving plate.
2. Slice the chilled pepperoncini garlic butter into rounds and place a slice on each chicken breast. Allow it to melt slightly before serving.

5.Serving Suggestions

1. Pair this chicken with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
2. Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty, balanced meal.
3. Slice and use in wraps, sandwiches, or salads.

Notes

• For extra heat, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Substitute pepperoncini with banana peppers if desired for a milder flavor.
• This recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs or drumsticks as well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.