If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with tangy flavor, creamy richness, and absolute ease, then you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender chicken gently simmered with zesty pepperoncini peppers and a luscious cream cheese sauce, all coming together in one comforting dish. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe is pure magic—delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, but each ingredient packs its own punch. These essentials combine to create a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish a true standout.

Chicken breasts or thighs (2 lbs): Use boneless, skinless pieces for the juiciest, most tender results—thighs add extra richness, while breasts stay lean.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sear brings out golden color and seals in juices for the chicken.
Pepperoncini peppers with juice (1 16 oz jar): The star of the show—these deliver tang, zip, and a beautiful pop of color!
Cream cheese, softened (1 8 oz block): This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps create a luscious sauce and infuses extra savory depth.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory warmth that complements the peppers perfectly.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of earthiness that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—taste as you go for perfect balance.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for fresh color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, lay in the chicken and let each side get golden—about 2–3 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in flavor and sets up the chicken for maximum tenderness. If you’re using a slow cooker exclusively, you can skip this step, but I promise it’s worth the extra few minutes for that beautiful color and flavor boost.

Step 2: Layer in the Flavor

Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker, or keep it in the skillet if you’re using the stovetop. Now, pour in the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers—juice and all! Scatter the cream cheese over the top, add the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. These layers will meld together, infusing the chicken with bold, irresistible flavors.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow (or Quick on the Stove)

If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. For stovetop cooking, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes. Either way, your kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma as the Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe works its magic.

Step 4: Shred and Stir

Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. Stir everything together so the chicken is thoroughly coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce. The pepperoncini pieces will dot the mixture with bright bursts of flavor—it’s pure comfort in every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This simple touch adds fresh color and a little lift to the final dish. Now you’re ready to serve your Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe over your favorite base—mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or twirly noodles await!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a classic, but you can get creative with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few extra sliced pepperoncinis on top for even more zing. Lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil can add another layer of brightness if you’re in the mood to experiment. Garnishing just before serving keeps everything vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes are a dreamy choice, but rice, buttered noodles, or even cauliflower mash work beautifully. Add a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a complete, colorful plate that balances the richness of the Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try serving the shredded chicken in toasted sandwich rolls for an out-of-this-world hot sandwich. For a low-carb twist, spoon it over roasted spaghetti squash or pile it onto a bed of sautéed greens. It’s also fantastic as a filling for baked potatoes or even tucked inside wraps for a fresh lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making it even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well, so feel free to portion out any extras into freezer-safe containers. Let everything cool completely before freezing, and make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single servings in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Just be sure not to overcook so the chicken stays tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice in the Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe because they’re extra juicy and flavorful. Feel free to use whichever cut you prefer or have on hand—both work beautifully.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Swap the regular cream cheese for a light or reduced-fat version to lower the calorie count without sacrificing much creaminess. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or kale near the end of cooking for a fresh, nutritious boost.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No problem at all! The Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe can be made entirely on the stovetop. Just follow the searing instructions, then simmer covered over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

If you need a dairy-free version, try substituting a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The flavor will be a bit different, but you’ll still get that creamy texture and the signature pepperoncini tang.

How spicy is this recipe?

Pepperoncini peppers are usually mild, adding more tang than heat. If you’re concerned about spice, you can reduce the amount of pepperoncini or rinse them before adding. For a spicier kick, toss in a few hot peppers or some red pepper flakes!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen. It’s a breeze to make, endlessly adaptable, and packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor. Give it a go this week—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!

Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes or 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts or thighs with the tangy flavor of pepperoncini peppers in a rich and creamy sauce. Cooked either in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, this dish is perfect for a comforting, low-carb, and gluten-free dinner that comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (16 oz) jar pepperoncini peppers with juice
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Lightly sear the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. This step can be skipped if cooking directly in a slow cooker.
Add Ingredients to Cooking Vessel: Place the seared chicken into the slow cooker or keep it in the skillet if cooking on the stovetop. Pour in the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers with their juice, then add softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Chicken: If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender. For stovetop cooking, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce is creamy and the chicken cooks through.
Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the pot with two forks. Stir well to evenly coat the shredded chicken with the creamy pepperoncini sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

Best served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for soaking up the creamy sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute full-fat cream cheese with light cream cheese.
Add fresh spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.
Can be prepared entirely in a slow cooker for convenience or on the stovetop for quicker meals.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
Cuisine: American