If you’re craving a rich, lively, and utterly comforting dinner, this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Succulent chicken simmers in a silky, tangy sauce speckled with bright pepperoncinis, making every bite an exciting blend of flavor and texture. This dish somehow manages to be both simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough to wow a table full of guests. Prepare to fall in love with this little taste of vibrant, creamy perfection!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe lies in its short but thoughtfully chosen list of ingredients. Each one is essential, working together to create layers of flavor, from the subtle heat of the pepperoncinis to the irresistible richness of creamy cheese.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): The chicken is the star here; choose your favorite cut for your preferred level of juiciness and flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps get that gorgeous golden sear on the chicken, adding depth to the final dish.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds sweet, nutty notes that infuse the chicken and sauce.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the aromatics for full-bodied flavor in every bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory depth while creating the base for that amazing sauce.
Sliced pepperoncini peppers (1/2 cup) plus juice (2 tablespoons): The heart of the recipe, these bring lively tang and mild heat that keep you coming back for more.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Melts into the sauce for that signature creamy texture.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Adds lush silkiness and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): For a hit of salty, nutty flavor — highly recommended!
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a splash of color and fresh, herby lift to the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken dry, which helps it sear beautifully. Sprinkle both sides of each piece generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This quick seasoning step ensures that flavor goes all the way from the inside out, so every bite of the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe is truly memorable.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your olive oil. Once shimmering, nestle the chicken into the pan in a single layer. Sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side, just until the chicken develops a lovely golden crust. Don’t worry if it isn’t fully cooked yet — the magic happens in the simmering step.

Step 3: Create the Tangy Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, then scatter the sliced pepperoncinis and their juice over the chicken. This is where the fragrance of the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe starts to really fill the kitchen! Drop the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. The chicken will soak up the tangy, spicy goodness while cooking through.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Transfer the chicken to a plate for just a moment. It’s time to transform your tangy juices into the luscious, creamy sauce! Stir the softened cream cheese directly into the skillet, whisking until it melts smoothly into the pepperoncini broth. Next, add the heavy cream and, if you’re feeling extra decadent, the Parmesan. Let the sauce bubble for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Snuggle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece so it’s swaddled in creamy perfection. Keep it on the heat for another minute or two, so the chicken is warmed through and coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving, letting the green pop against that luscious, golden sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

This dish loves a little fresh flair! Many people like to keep it simple with a shower of chopped fresh parsley for herbaceous brightness and a few extra pepperoncini slices for a burst of color and heat. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving makes it even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with nearly anything that catches the sauce — think fluffy mashed cauliflower, steamy white rice, or even a bowl of tender pasta. If you want to keep things lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables soak up the sauce like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, try shredding the chicken and stirring it right into the sauce, then piling it onto toasted buns or over baked potatoes for a comfort food twist. You can also slice and fan out the chicken breast over a bed of greens, then drizzle with plenty of sauce for an uptown bistro vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some leftovers? Let the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and may even taste better the next day as the flavors mingle!

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container with the sauce spooned over the pieces. The rich, creamy ingredients may separate slightly after thawing, but a quick stir while reheating will bring everything together. For best results, enjoy within 2 months.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat in a skillet or saucepan, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed. Take care not to boil, as this keeps the sauce smooth and prevents the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, making them a popular choice for the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

How spicy is this dish?

The pepperoncinis add a pleasant, tangy heat that isn’t overwhelming. For more kick, toss in an extra handful of pepperoncinis or a pinch of red pepper flakes. To keep it milder, use a lighter hand with the peppers and juice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check that your chicken broth and all dairy products are certified gluten-free, as brands can vary.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or cream?

You can, but the sauce might not be quite as rich and silky. If you’re looking to lighten things up, Neufchâtel cheese (a lighter cream cheese) works well, or try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie option.

What can I substitute for pepperoncinis?

If you can’t find pepperoncinis, jarred banana peppers are a great stand-in. You could also use mild pickled jalapeños but stick with pepperoncinis for the classic tang and mild heat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe enough — it’s bright, bold, and so simple to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this one is guaranteed to bring a little zing to the table. Give it a try, and your dinner rotation might just have a new superstar!

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tangy pepperoncini peppers, savory chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus 2 tablespoons juice)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Add broth and peppers: Add chicken broth and sliced pepperoncinis with juice to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Melt cream cheese: Remove chicken, stir cream cheese into the skillet until melted and smooth.
Finish the sauce: Whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.