Name: One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced); 10 whole or 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers (sliced or whole); 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pieces, sliced); 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup freshly grated or 1/3 cup store-bought); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1.25 teaspoon kosher salt (divided); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Introduction to One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Cooking at home has become more crucial than ever, and making meals like One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken offers several enticing benefits over opting for fast food. For starters, homemade meals allow you to control the ingredients and the flavor profiles, creating a wholesome dish that meets your nutritional goals. You're not just feeding your hunger; you're nourishing your body. Plus, home-cooked meals typically use fresher ingredients, reducing the consumption of preservatives and unhealthy additives found in many fast food options.

Consider this: according to the USDA, meals prepared at home tend to be lower in calories and saturated fats. Ensuring that you craft your meals can lead to a remarkable improvement in your overall health and well-being.

Cooking can also be a wholesome experience, making it the perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones. Have you ever found joy in preparing a dish alongside friends or family? The laughter and conversations that flow during meal prep can turn a mundane task into a delightful gathering.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll dive into crafting this delicious One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, a recipe perfect for busy weeknights while still being comforting and fulfilling. Let's get started!

Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Creating One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is a delightful culinary experience, and gathering the right ingredients is key! This quick and easy recipe features vibrant flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Here’s what you'll need:

1 medium red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch.
½ medium yellow onion: Brings depth and aroma to the dish.
10 whole or ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers: For that tangy kick!
1 ounce Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup freshly grated or ⅓ cup store-bought): A creamy, savory element.
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3): The protein powerhouse of your meal.
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Essential for seasoning.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Just the right amount of spice.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For cooking and flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the taste.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and rich.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds that luscious, creamy texture.

With these ingredients, you're not just cooking a meal—you're crafting a savory experience. Interested in more scrumptious recipes? Check out The Kitchn’s guide for culinary inspiration!

Step-by-step Preparation of One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you can create something delicious without the hassle of a million pots and pans. The One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is just that! Let’s walk through the steps together, making sure we enjoy the process as much as the final dish.

Gather and prepare your ingredients

First things first—make sure your kitchen is prepped for success! Gather the following key ingredients for your One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken:

1 medium red bell pepper
½ medium yellow onion
10 whole or ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1 ounce Parmesan cheese
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream

Take a moment to wash, peel, and chop your vegetables. You’ll want to thinly slice the red bell pepper, dice the yellow onion, and thinly slice the pepperoncini peppers. This initial prep is vital in making the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Season and slice the chicken

Next, let’s get that chicken ready! Cut the chicken breasts into ½-inch-thick slices, going against the grain to ensure tenderness. In a large bowl, season the chicken with ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt and the black pepper. Toss it well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. The seasoning can transform your dish from bland to flavorful, so don’t skip this step!

Sauté the chicken in a skillet

Time to bring out your trusty skillet! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add half of the seasoned chicken slices in a single layer and let them cook for about 6 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining slices. This step not only cooks the chicken but also builds a wonderful depth of flavor through that lovely browning.

Add vegetables and spices

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and sliced pepperoncini peppers. Sauté them until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning as the vegetables cook to infuse the dish with a warm, herby aroma.

Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream

With the vegetables perfectly sautéed, it's time to finish our One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to simmer and meld all those flavors together for about 5 more minutes. This creamy concoction paired with pepperoncini makes for a deliciously comforting dish.

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you'll find yourself savoring a wonderful meal in no time. Ready to dig in? Enjoy your creation!

Variations on One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Switch up the proteins

While the classic One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken features chicken breasts, why not shake things up? Try using turkey bacon or chicken ham for a different flavor profile without compromising on that creamy goodness. You could also experiment with beef strips for a heartier meal. Each protein offers a unique taste and texture, giving you the freedom to cater the dish to your preferences.

Experiment with different veggies

Another delightful variation lies in the vegetables. Swap in zucchini or spinach for added color and nutrition. You can even toss in some mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability—you can customize it based on your seasonal favorites or whatever you have in your fridge. Get inspired by these ideas and make the dish your own!

For more helpful recipe ideas, check out The Kitchn for inspiration!

Cooking Tips and Notes for One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

When creating your One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, remember that prep is just as important as cooking. Start by having all your ingredients ready—this makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Ensure your chicken is cut evenly to promote uniform cooking.

Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of pepperoncini. And if you love extra creaminess, splash in a bit more heavy cream at the end. For easy cleanup, line your skillet with parchment paper before cooking! For more insights, check out Healthy Cooking Tips. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Transform your One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken into a delightful meal with these serving suggestions. Pair it with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that rich sauce, elevating your dining experience. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of fresh mixed greens, drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Don’t forget some crusty bread or kitchen-sink style rolls — perfect for sopping up every last drop! Lastly, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese can really enhance the dish's presentation. Explore recipes for fresh salads or grain bowls to accompany your chicken for more delicious combinations!

Time Breakdown for One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Preparation time
Getting everything ready for your One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken takes about 10-15 minutes. This is when you'll be slicing those vibrant peppers and prepping the chicken for cooking.

Cooking time
The cooking process will take approximately 20-25 minutes. This step includes searing the chicken to golden perfection and allowing those delicious flavors to meld together.

Total time
In total, you're looking at about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. That’s just the right amount of time to whip up this delectable dish on a weeknight without too much fuss!

For some extra tips on making an even easier meal, consider checking out this article on meal prepping to save time in the kitchen. Balancing work, life, and meal prep can be challenging, but this one-pan dish is a fantastic solution!

Nutritional Facts for One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

When trying out One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, it’s great to know how it contributes to your daily nutrition. Here’s a quick overview:

Calories

This delightful dish clocks in at approximately 480 calories per serving, making it a satisfying option without going overboard.

Protein

Packed with protein, each serving provides about 40 grams, perfect for fueling your busy lifestyle and keeping you feeling full longer.

Sodium

Be mindful of the sodium content, as it contains around 800 mg per serving. Opting for low-sodium chicken broth can help manage this if you’re watching your intake.

For more in-depth nutritional insights, you might want to check out resources from the USDA FoodData Central or NutritionData.

FAQs about One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken in advance by marinating the chicken in your seasoning blend for a few hours or even overnight. Simply cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just sauté the chicken and veggies as instructed for a quick dinner that tastes like it took all day.

What can I serve with One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken?

This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

Rice or quinoa for a hearty base.
Steamed green beans or broccoli to add brightness.
A simple salad with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Pasta also works well if you’re on a carb kick!

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creaminess. For more food storage tips, check out this article on food preservation.

Conclusion on One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken

In summary, One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that are easy to achieve. This dish seamlessly combines tenderness and zest in a creamy sauce, making any weeknight dinner feel special. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side for a complete experience! For more on making meals memorable, check out these cooking tips.