Name: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 roasted red pepper, drained and sliced; ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole); 2 tbsp butter; ½ cup chicken stock; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 16 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with tangy, creamy goodness and comes together in one pan, you’re going to love this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but fuss-free. The pepperoncini peppers add just the right amount of zing, and that luscious creamy sauce? Absolutely irresistible. Stick with me—I’ll guide you through every step so you nail it perfectly!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and deep, developed flavors.
Tang meets Cream: The pepperoncini’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cream and parmesan perfectly.
Flexible & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, it fits busy schedules while allowing room for easy ingredient swaps.
Balanced Texture: Tender chicken strips with crispy edges and a silky sauce create an irresistible combination.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, pepperoncini chicken, easy weeknight chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, flavorful chicken skillet - The image shows a black frying pan on a white marbled surface filled with a creamy dish containing several light beige chicken pieces layered beneath a sauce. The sauce is thick and pale yellow, mixed with diced translucent onions and slices of red and yellow bell peppers scattered throughout. Green parsley pieces are sprinkled evenly on top, adding contrast. Black pepper dots are visible across the dish, giving texture and seasoning hints. The pan’s handle is gold-colored, with no other items in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a key role—from bringing rich, comforting flavors to adding some kick. Here are the essentials you’ll want to grab during your grocery run, along with my favorite tips for each.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, pepperoncini chicken, easy weeknight chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, flavorful chicken skillet - Flat lay of fresh raw chicken strips, a small pat of butter, a whole white onion diced beside it, a few garlic cloves diced, a small white bowl of pale golden chicken stock, a small white bowl of sliced roasted red peppers, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small pile of shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl filled with bright yellow-green whole pepperoncini peppers, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: It’s the base for browning the chicken and developing flavor—make sure it’s real butter, not margarine.
Chicken: Thin strips cook faster and absorb more sauce, making each bite tender and delightful.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering; fine or coarse works, just measure carefully.
Ground Pepper: Freshly ground is best for that subtle heat and aroma.
White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed; diced small so it melts into the sauce nicely.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic! Fresh and minced to infuse that lovely aromatic punch.
Chicken Stock: Adds savory moisture and helps to deglaze the pan, lifting all those delicious browned bits.
Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky notes bring a perfect contrast to the tangy pepperoncini.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious silky texture that coats every piece of chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty depth that melds beautifully with the cream.
Italian Seasoning: Brings Mediterranean herb flavors to tie all the ingredients together.
Pepperoncini Peppers: The star of the show—choose your favorite style (sliced or whole) for a bright, slightly spicy kick.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe, and you might find that adjusting it to your taste elevates it even more. Whether it’s swapping veggies or amping up the spice, making it your own guarantees you’ll look forward to leftovers!

Variation: I once added fresh spinach towards the end for an extra pop of color and nutrients — it wilted perfectly in the creamy sauce without overpowering the flavors.
Diet-Friendly Swap: If you’re watching carbs, skip the pasta or rice and serve it over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli instead.
Spice Level: Like things spicier? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes alongside the pepperoncinis for an extra kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter & Brown the Chicken

Start by melting the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat—this is where the magic begins. I like a heavy pan because it heats evenly and helps the chicken get those lovely golden-brown edges. Season your chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, brown in batches. Turn the pieces every couple of minutes to get even color all around—it usually takes about 8 minutes. Remember, the chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked through here since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add your diced onion and garlic. The bits stuck to the bottom will add flavor, so don’t rush this step! Let the onion soften and get lightly browned for about 5 minutes. The aroma of garlic and onion sizzling in butter always makes me feel like dinner is going to be a hit.

Step 3: Add Stock & Roasted Red Peppers

Pour in the chicken stock and add the sliced roasted red peppers to the pan. This will deglaze the pan, lifting up all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce by half—usually around 5 minutes—so the flavors concentrate and the liquid thickens slightly. This reduction step really builds depth in the final sauce.

Step 4: Stir in Cream & Parmesan

Turn the heat off and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. I do this gradually while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and help the cheese melt evenly into that creamy base. It turns the sauce silky and smooth, with just enough richness to coat each chicken piece perfectly.

Step 5: Add Seasoning, Pepperoncinis & Finish Cooking

Turn the heat back to medium-high and add the Italian seasoning and your favorite pepperoncini peppers. Toss your browned chicken back into the skillet and let everything simmer together until the sauce reduces to about half again and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce thickens too much before the chicken cooks through, just splash in a bit more stock to loosen it up. Keep an eye on your heat to avoid the cream from breaking—medium to medium-high works best.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Take it off the heat and get ready to dig in! This creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet is fantastic over steamed veggies, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. I even enjoy it on its own when I’m craving something low-carb but decadent.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush Browning: Properly searing the chicken creates flavor and texture, so give it time instead of stirring constantly.
Use a Heavy Skillet: A cast iron or stainless steel pan helps maintain even heat and perfect browning every time.
Taste as You Go: Pepperoncini vary in sourness and spice; adjust the amount to suit your palate.
Whisk Cream Slowly: Adding cream off heat prevents curdling and keeps your sauce smooth and luxurious.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a splash of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the creamy sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit more parmesan on top just before serving for that extra savory punch.

Side Dishes

This skillet goes beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes (they soak up the sauce like a dream), roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. I’ve also served it over creamy polenta for a comforting twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of garlic-herb quinoa and scatter a few extra pepperoncini rings on top for visual appeal and an extra zing. Serving it family-style right in the skillet also works great—everyone gets that rustic, homey feel!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, it thickens when chilled, so I usually loosen it with a splash of chicken stock or a little water when reheating.

Freezing

I don’t often freeze this recipe because cream sauces can separate, but if you want to, freeze the chicken and sauce separately without the cream added. Then, when you’re ready to eat, thaw, gently reheat, and stir in fresh cream and parmesan for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a little extra stock or cream to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from breaking. Microwaving can work too but watch out for uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?

Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into thin strips for quick cooking, or use whole breasts but be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly so they cook through without drying out.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk works as a dairy-free alternative, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor. Or mix whole milk with a bit of cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
How spicy is this dish?

The heat is mild to medium depending on the pepperoncini you use. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of peppers, or remove seeds. For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can brown the chicken and prepare the sauce base in advance, then combine and finish cooking just before mealtime to enjoy the freshest texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-tos when I want dinner that feels special without a ton of effort. There’s something so satisfying about that creamy tangy sauce paired with tender chicken, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. Trust me, once you try it, it’s destined for your regular rotation—so grab those pepperoncinis and let’s get cooking!