Oh my goodness, have I got a delicious recipe to share with you today! I can almost smell the wonderful aroma wafting through my kitchen just thinking about it. Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite weeknight supper – the **Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet**. It’s one of those dishes that comes together in a flash, but tastes like you spent hours slaving over it. Plus, it has just the right balance of creamy and zesty that makes every bite exciting!
I first stumbled upon this recipe at a family gathering where my cousin brought her version, and let me tell you, it was an absolute showstopper! I couldn’t get enough of the creamy goodness paired with the tanginess of the pepperoncini. Fast forward to today, and I’ve made it my own—and I’m so excited to share it with you! Whether you’re cooking for family or having a little me-time, this dish is sure to impress!
What’s in Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet?
Let’s break down the ingredients, shall we?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! I like to cut mine into strips for quicker cooking. You can also use thighs if you prefer!
Salt and pepper: Basic, but oh so essential. A good seasoning can really elevate your dish.
Olive oil: This lovely oil is perfect for sautéing and adds a wonderful flavor. I typically buy a quality extra virgin olive oil.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a lovely crunch!
Pepperoncini peppers: These tangy little gems are the secret ingredient! They bring a delightful zing and a bit of heat, plus you can use the juices to amp up the flavor.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and dreamy! A rich addition that’s worth every calorie.
Chicken broth: To create a lovely sauce base and add another layer of flavor.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this magical mix brings a beautiful herbal note to the dish.
Green olives: These add a briny richness that complements the creaminess perfectly! I like using pitted green olives for convenience.
Fresh parsley: Not only for garnish but also adds a pop of freshness to the dish right before serving!
Is Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things!
Chicken breast: A fantastic source of lean protein, it helps keep us feeling full and satisfied without excess calories.
Bell pepper: Loaded with vitamins A and C, they’re great for your immune system and skin health.
Pepperoncini peppers: These little guys are low in calories and can help boost your metabolism. Plus, they bring flavor without added fat.
However, there are some considerations. The heavy cream, while delicious, does add saturated fat and calories. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you could try substituting half-and-half or coconut cream instead. And the green olives, while tasty, can be high in sodium, so it’s good to choose low-sodium varieties when possible.
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 4, perfect for a family dinner! Here’s what you need:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (with juices)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet?
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish:
1. First things first, season the chicken strips with salt and pepper on both sides. Get that flavor going!
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, toss in the sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften up a bit and start to brighten in color.
4. Now, it’s time to bring the zing! Add the pepperoncini peppers along with their juices to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the sliced green olives. Stir to coat the chicken in that delicious creamy sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel like it needs a little something extra.
8. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before plate it up for serving!
Serve your creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh side of veggies. Get ready to dig in!
Serving Suggestions & Secret Tips
Let me share a couple of extra nuggets of wisdom!
– If you love a little crunch, consider serving this dish over a bed of crispy salad greens. It’s a refreshing touch!
– Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even veggies for a delightful variation.
– If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be tough because it’s that good), this dish reheats beautifully – just add a splash of broth or cream when warming it up to keep it creamy!
So there you have it! I hope you give this creamy pepperoncini chicken skillet a try. I promise you’ll be in for a treat! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please share your experience and any twists you may add! Happy cooking!
