Let me tell you, the *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet* is an absolute game-changer for dinner time! It’s one of those dishes that not only bursts with flavor but also takes hardly any effort to whip up. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma filled the kitchen, and my kids couldn’t wait to dig in. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal together. Just imagine juicy chicken breasts simmered with tangy pepperoncini peppers and a splash of chicken broth—it’s comfort food at its finest! Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the stars of the show! Make sure they’re trimmed and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers – I love using the jarred kind for convenience, but fresh ones can add a delightful twist if you can find them!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This will help get that nice golden brown on the chicken and add a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – This adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skimp on this duo! They’re essential for enhancing all the amazing flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – This is what brings everything together, making the chicken juicy and tender while adding a savory depth.
How to Prepare Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
- First things first, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken, so give it a minute or two.
- While the oil is heating, season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them well—this is where the flavor starts!
- Now, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Let them brown on one side for about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; that golden crust is key to flavor!
- Once they’re nicely browned, flip the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes. You want both sides to be golden and delicious.
- Next, it’s time to add those pepperoncini peppers and the chicken broth to the skillet. Pour it in around the chicken, making sure they’re nestled among the peppers for maximum flavor.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial! It allows the chicken to cook through and soak up all that tangy goodness from the peppers.
- After 20 minutes, check that your chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pan dish means minimal cleanup—yay for less dishes!
- Flavor-packed with the perfect balance of tangy and savory.
- Healthy and satisfying, with lean chicken and delicious peppers.
- Customizable—adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To make your *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet* the absolute best, here are a few handy tips! First off, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You want your chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for that perfect, juicy bite. If you like a little more heat, feel free to adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers based on your spice preference. Just remember, a little can go a long way! Also, don’t skip the resting time after cooking; letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender. Lastly, if you have leftovers, they make a fantastic filling for wraps or salads—so don’t hesitate to double the recipe!
Variations of Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet
If you’re looking to switch things up with your *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet*, I’ve got some fabulous ideas for you! First, consider adding some colorful bell peppers or sliced onions to the skillet for extra veggies and sweetness. You could also toss in some cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
For a different flavor profile, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes can kick things up a notch. Want a creamier sauce? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese right at the end for a rich finish. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet*. You’ll find about 250 calories, 8g of fat, and a fantastic 35g of protein packed in there! Plus, it has 5g of carbohydrates and only 1g of sugar, making it a healthy choice. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet* is super easy! Just let the leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date so you know when you made it!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best flavor and texture. Just place the chicken and peppers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, which should only take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy it just as delicious as the first time!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Cooking the chicken in the *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet* takes about 30 minutes in total—5 minutes to brown each side and another 20 minutes to simmer with the peppers and broth. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken!
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish, you can also use thighs for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What can I serve with this dish?
This *Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet* is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, serve it over rice, pasta, or even with crusty bread to soak up that wonderful sauce. A side salad also pairs beautifully!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating. Just follow the reheating instructions to enjoy it fresh again!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary based on the amount of pepperoncini peppers you use. If you prefer less heat, feel free to use fewer peppers or opt for mild varieties. Tweak it to your taste!
Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet: 5 Secrets to Dinner Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan dish featuring chicken and pepperoncini peppers.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in the skillet and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Add pepperoncini and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with peppers
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, Chicken Recipe, One-Pan Chicken