This One-Pan Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet brings together the creamy richness of the sauce with the bold tang of pepperoncini peppers, making for a comforting and flavorful meal. The chicken is perfectly cooked, tender, and full of savory flavor, while the sauce adds just the right amount of creaminess and zest.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup. You can serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re a fan of creamy chicken and tangy flavors, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
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2 lbs chicken tenders
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season the chicken tenders with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the pepperoncini peppers and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the creamy sauce.
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Serve hot and garnish with extra pepperoncini peppers if desired.
Prep Time:Â 10 minutes |Â Cooking Time:Â 15 minutes |Â Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal:Â 325 kcal |Â Servings:Â 4 servings
Introduction to Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner option that comes together in no time, the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is a must-try! This dish combines the savory goodness of chicken tenders with the tangy punch of pepperoncini peppers, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent trying to feed a hungry family, or someone who just enjoys a comforting, easy-to-make dinner, this recipe is for you. The creamy sauce adds a layer of richness, while the pepperoncini brings a zesty kick that will keep your taste buds excited. Plus, it’s all cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is not just delicious; it’s incredibly convenient. Made in a single skillet, it simplifies the cooking process and reduces the amount of time spent cleaning up afterward. The beauty of this dish lies in its combination of easy-to-find ingredients that come together to make a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The chicken tenders cook quickly and are perfectly complemented by the creamy, tangy sauce. What’s more, this dish is incredibly versatile—whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a slice of crusty bread, it’s a meal that can be adapted to your preferences.
Flavor Profile
What makes the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet stand out is its unique flavor profile. The chicken tenders are tender and juicy, seasoned to perfection with ranch seasoning, garlic, and onion powder. But the real star is the pepperoncini peppers. These little peppers pack a punch, adding a bright, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. The heavy cream brings a velvety smoothness, making the sauce indulgent and luxurious. Together, these flavors meld into a dish that’s both comforting and exciting at the same time.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful dinner on the table. The simplicity of the recipe, paired with the fact that it’s cooked in one skillet, makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Even better, you can prep the chicken ahead of time or use pre-sliced chicken tenders to save time. It’s an ideal solution for anyone who loves a home-cooked meal but doesn’t have a lot of time to spare.
Customization Options
While the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize this recipe to suit your personal tastes. If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider tossing in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the skillet for extra color and nutrition. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer pepperoncini peppers. If you prefer a richer sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or even a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.
For those following a specific dietary plan, this recipe can be easily adapted. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free, you can swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative. Additionally, you can serve the chicken over a cauliflower mash for a low-carb option or pair it with gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet can be served in a variety of ways. For a well-rounded meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish, adding another layer of comfort to this already indulgent dish. For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or enjoy it alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
If you’re serving this dish for a larger crowd, consider making it as part of a dinner party spread. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping and can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate more guests. The versatility of this recipe makes it an excellent choice for both intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.
Perfect for Leftovers
Leftovers are always a bonus when you make a delicious meal, and the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is no exception. The flavors only get better the next day as they meld together in the fridge. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep as well—prepare it in advance and have an easy, tasty meal ready to go throughout the week.
Nutritional Information
While the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is rich and indulgent, it’s still a balanced meal. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, making it an excellent option for those looking to stay healthy while enjoying a flavorful dish. The heavy cream adds richness, but if you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can always substitute it with a lighter alternative. The pepperoncini peppers contribute a bit of spice, but they also provide a small amount of fiber, making the dish a bit more nutritious than you might expect.
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Why This Recipe is a Keeper
What makes this Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet a keeper is how effortlessly it combines flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll come back to time and time again because it’s easy to prepare, universally loved, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish can adapt to your needs. Plus, the creamy, tangy flavor is bound to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Conclusion
The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner. It combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the zesty kick of pepperoncini peppers, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With minimal prep time and just one pan to clean, it’s the perfect choice for busy nights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor. Whether served with rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not try it tonight and discover how easy it is to create a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes?