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; 2 tbsp butter; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 58 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with tangy, creamy, and savory flavors all in one skillet, you’re going to love this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s exactly what I turn to when I want something comforting but quick, and trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new weeknight favorite too. The blend of pepperoncini peppers with creamy parmesan sauce over tender chicken is simply irresistible. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this one just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bright, Balanced Flavor: Pepperoncini peppers add a unique tanginess that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce perfectly.
Simple, One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and flavors meld beautifully.
Versatility: You can pair it with pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies, so it’s great for any meal occasion.
Tender Chicken Every Time: Searing the chicken first locks in juices and layering flavors keeps it moist and flavorful.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, pepperoncini chicken, easy chicken skillet recipe, healthy chicken dinner, quick weeknight chicken dinner - 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

I love how the combination of simple pantry staples with fresh aromatics makes this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe so accessible and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a role that lifts the dish from ordinary to absolutely crave-worthy. Plus, knowing why each one is important helps when you’re shopping or thinking about swaps.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken with a golden crust for better flavor.
Chicken (thin strips): Cooking thin strips ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, perfect for a skillet meal.
Sea salt and ground pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
White onion: Provides sweetness and depth; dicing finely lets it cook down nicely in the sauce.
Garlic: A classic flavor driver that pairs perfectly with creamy and tangy notes.
Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and helps create the sauce base without overpowering the flavors.
Roasted red pepper: Adds a smoky sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy peppers.
Heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, giving the skillet its luscious texture.
Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty complexity and a subtle thickening effect.
Italian seasoning: A blend that adds herbaceous warmth without needing fresh herbs.
Pepperoncini peppers: The star tangy ingredient; their mild heat and acidity brighten every bite.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you like or have on hand. I love playing with the heat level and texture, so don’t be shy about making it your own!

Make it Spicy: I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes or swap half the pepperoncini for jalapeños—adds a fun kick without losing that tangy base.
Swap the Cream: I’ve tried half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version; it’s less rich but still creamy.
Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some fresh basil or parsley at the end for a vibrant freshness that amps up the flavor once the sauce is done.
Make it Dairy-Free: Using coconut cream and nutritional yeast can create a similar texture and cheesy taste if you’re avoiding dairy.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Just Right

Start by melting the butter over medium-high heat in a large, heavy skillet—cast iron if you have it, because it helps get that perfect sear. While it’s melting, toss the thin chicken strips with sea salt and ground pepper. When the butter’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken. Let it brown undisturbed for a couple minutes before turning, so you get that beautiful golden crust. Keep turning every couple minutes until all sides are browned, about 8 minutes total. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet; it’ll finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic to Unlock Flavor

Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. This step is where those browned chicken bits on the bottom start melting into the flavor of the sauce. Sauté them over medium heat until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes, scraping the pan occasionally to lift all that goodness.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base with Stock and Roasted Peppers

Add the chicken stock and roasted red peppers to the skillet. Let it simmer gently until it reduces by half—this concentrates those flavors and sets a savory, slightly sweet foundation. It takes about 5 minutes; keep an eye so it doesn’t evaporate too quickly.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese for the Signature Creaminess

Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. This prevents the cheese from clumping and helps the sauce get ultra smooth and velvety. When it’s all combined, bring the heat gently back up to medium-high.

Step 5: Final Touches with Seasoning, Pepperoncini, and Chicken

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add your pepperoncini peppers—slice or keep them whole depending on how much tang and texture you want. Pop the chicken back into the skillet and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken stock to keep it saucy and delightful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve this beautiful skillet meal over veggies, pasta, or rice—whatever you love most. I promise you’ll get rave reviews!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, patting your chicken strips dry helps them brown better and avoids steaming.
Don’t Overcook Early: Removing chicken before fully cooked keeps it tender; it finishes cooking in the sauce gently.
Stir Gently: When adding cream and cheese, whisk gently off heat to prevent curdling and ensure smoothness.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add chicken stock sparingly if sauce gets too thick—gives you perfect texture every time.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens each bite. Sometimes a little extra parmesan shaved on top just before serving is divine, giving you bursts of cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or simple garlic butter noodles. I often serve it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. If you want something grainy, wild rice or couscous are excellent companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve plated this chicken over polenta and added a drizzle of extra pepperoncini juice on top for an extra zing. Or served in shallow bowls with fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges on the side to brighten it up even more. It’s definitely a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because it’s a saucy dish, the chicken stays moist and reheats beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times, and honestly, it freezes better than I expected. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove in a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Sometimes I add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to keep it even.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken strips for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have chicken breasts, just slice them into thin strips yourself to maintain even, quick cooking. Alternatively, you can use small whole breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers? Can I substitute something else?

If you can’t find pepperoncini peppers, mild banana peppers or even pickled jalapeños can work, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly. The key is maintaining that tangy, slightly spicy element to balance the creaminess.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Try using coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative along with nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into a piece to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe a try soon! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together quickly with ingredients you might already have. Every time I make it, the tang from the pepperoncini adds that perfect twist that keeps me coming back for more. It’s great for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a cozy meal after a long day. Honestly, once you master this skillet, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your recipe rotation.