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Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 81 reviews

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenderloins cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious creamy sauce infused with roasted red peppers, tangy pepperoncini, and Parmesan cheese. The dish balances rich creaminess with a subtle heat from red pepper flakes, making it a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers, drained well
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, drained well

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat fats and season chicken: In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Meanwhile, season the chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Sear chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze and start sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer until it reduces by half, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and dried Italian seasoning, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the cream has thickened somewhat.
  5. Add cheeses and peppers: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, roasted red peppers, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and incorporates into the creamy sauce.
  6. Season to taste: Taste the sauce and add additional salt and pepper as needed for balanced seasoning. Serve hot for a rich, tangy, and delicious chicken entrée.

Notes

  • Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
  • Drain the roasted red peppers and pepperoncini well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
  • The pepperoncini add tang and mild heat; adjust the amount to your preference.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer on low heat to reduce further before adding the cheese.
  • Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.