Description

A one-skillet chicken dinner with a velvety cream sauce brightened by tangy pepperoncini and finished with Parmesan for a truly restaurant-worthy bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup / 110 g)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

1/4 cup (60 ml) pepperoncini brine

1/2 cup (about 75 g) sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus extra for serving)

3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream

4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan

2 cups (60 g) baby spinach (optional)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1) Pat chicken dry. Slice breasts into thinner cutlets if needed. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lightly dredge in flour and shake off excess.

2) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and cooked through to 165°F/74°C. Transfer to a plate.

3) Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4) Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Stir in pepperoncini brine, sliced pepperoncini, and Italian seasoning.

5) Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmesan and stir until the sauce is velvety.

6) Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Simmer 3–5 minutes. Add spinach if using and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra tang, add more pepperoncini brine 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time at the end, tasting as you go.

If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of chicken broth (1–3 tbsp / 15–45 ml).

Reheat gently over medium-low heat to keep the sauce smooth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes