Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

ByVerj Recipes

If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge looking for something to make dinner feel exciting again, this is the recipe. Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is cozy and comforting, but with a bright little kick that wakes everything up — thanks to those tangy, briny pepperoncini peppers.

Picture this: chicken with a lightly crisp, golden coating, simmering in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that smells like pure comfort… and then you get that zingy pepperoncini bite that cuts through the richness in the best way. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little “restaurant-y,” but you’re making it in one skillet, on a regular weeknight, in about 40 minutes.

It’s rich. It’s tangy. It’s ridiculously spoonable. And yes — you’ll want something on the side to soak up every drop.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Creamy Pepperoncini Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 4–6 whole pepperoncini peppers

  • 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini (optional, for extra tang)

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

1. Dredge the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry — this helps everything stick and sear nicely. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then shake off the excess. You want a light coat, not a thick blanket.

2. Sear until golden

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chicken.

Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and lightly crisp. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet — it’ll finish in the sauce. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

(And take a second to admire that golden crust. It’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to.)

3. Build the flavor base

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Keep it moving — garlic goes from perfect to bitter fast.

4. Deglaze and start the sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s the good stuff. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so it reduces slightly.

5. Make it creamy

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens and looks silky.

It should feel rich and smooth, like it’s ready to cling to a spoon.

6. Add the pepperoncini and finish the chicken

Stir in the whole pepperoncini (and sliced pepperoncini if you want extra tang). Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 6–8 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

7. Finish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot — with extra sauce spooned right over the top. Don’t be shy with it.

Presentation

This dish looks especially pretty served in a shallow bowl or on a plate with a soft, creamy base underneath — think mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles. Spoon the sauce over the chicken so it drips down the sides, then add a few pepperoncini on top so everyone knows what’s bringing that tangy magic.

Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling it. And if you like a bright finishing touch, a small squeeze of lemon works beautifully here too.

Side ideas that shine:

  • mashed potatoes (the sauce was made for this)

  • fluffy rice or orzo

  • roasted broccoli or green beans

  • a simple salad with a crisp vinaigrette

Conclusion

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is comfort food with a twist — rich, garlicky, and cheesy, but balanced by that tangy little pepperoncini punch. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and honestly… it might become one of those recipes you crave out of nowhere.

If you’ve got a jar of pepperoncini hiding in your fridge, this is your sign to grab it and make dinner feel a little more exciting tonight.

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