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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
