If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, you’ll adore this Creamy Chicken Skillet. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious sauce filled with tangy pepperoncini and a hint of Parmesan, creating a dish that’s both comforting and just a little bit zesty. This all-in-one skillet recipe is the answer to busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving something hearty but fuss-free—and I promise, after one bite, it’ll become a regular request at your table!

Creamy Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something extra wonderful about a short ingredient list that packs a big punch. Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Skillet brings a unique texture or flavor, making the final dish vibrant and truly unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts turn irresistibly tender and soak up all the savory flavors of the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps create that golden sear on the chicken while adding subtle richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, making sure your dish is perfectly balanced.
Garlic powder: Lends a warm and mellow garlicky note that blends into the sauce beautifully.
Onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and rounds out the sauce with gentle sweet undertones.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce, deglazing all the savory bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Heavy cream: The secret to creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken like a dream.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness that ties the whole sauce together.
Pepperoncini peppers (with some juice): Introduce tang and a gentle, addictive heat—the ingredient that makes this dish sing.
Butter: Adds silkiness to the sauce and a little extra flavor boost.
Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green for a fresh finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—feel that sizzle! Lay in the chicken and cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes, aiming for that gorgeous golden color and for the juices to run clear. Once they’re perfectly juicy and browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside, but don’t wipe out the pan—those toasty bits are flavor gold.

Step 2: Sauté the Pepperoncini and Build the Sauce

Add butter to the same skillet and swirl until melted. Drop in the sliced pepperoncini peppers (along with a little of their tangy juice) and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant and softened. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen all those savory browned bits—the foundation of irresistible flavor! Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan, then gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return your seared chicken to the skillet, nestling each breast so it’s completely surrounded by that dreamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top, then let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors and become even more tender—don’t rush it, this is where the Creamy Chicken Skillet magic happens!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and finish your masterpiece with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Place a chicken breast on each plate, spoon over extra sauce, and get ready to serve—a gorgeous, satisfying meal made in one pan!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the whole plate and adds a dash of color. For extra flair, try a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese. A few extra slices of pepperoncini on top add a fun, tangy crunch and give a hint of what’s inside each bite.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Skillet shines when served over a bed of fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta. Love your veggies? Roasted broccoli, garlicky green beans, or sautéed spinach make excellent companions, soaking up all that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced, fanned across the plate, with sauce artfully drizzled over the top, or tuck the chicken and sauce inside toasted rolls for a creamy, peppery sandwich. For a family-style approach, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Chicken Skillet (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature first. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three days. This makes midweek lunches something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though for best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately (if possible) to preserve the creamy texture. Seal them well in freezer-safe containers or bags, and the dish will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce seems a little too thick, stir in a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to its silky self. Alternatively, you can use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and deliver even juicier results in this Creamy Chicken Skillet. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.

What if I want the sauce spicier?

For extra kick, add more pepperoncini juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. You can even toss in chopped jalapeños if you really want to dial up the heat.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are all delicious additions. Add them to the pan just before you pour in the broth, so they have time to soften and soak up some flavor.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half or even whole milk can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich—still delicious though!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers to keep the chicken tender?

For the juiciest results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with the sauce. A splash of broth or cream will help loosen things up and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t fallen in love with this Creamy Chicken Skillet yet, just wait until you taste that first bite—warm, comforting, and just the right amount of zippy thanks to the pepperoncini. I hope this easy skillet dinner brings plenty of joy (and requests for seconds!) to your table. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’re just one pan away from a new favorite!