Get ready to wow your taste buds with Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter—a recipe that transforms simple chicken breasts into a vibrant, craveable main course. Tender, juicy chicken straight from the grill is finished with a decadent swirl of pepperoncini garlic butter, infusing each bite with a zesty kick, mellow garlic warmth, and ultra-rich flavor. It’s the kind of dish that begs to be shared on sunny patios or at weeknight dinners, promising to brighten up your summer grilling routine in the most delicious way.

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of pantry staples and a few bold accents to bring Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter to life. Each of these thoughtfully chosen ingredients plays a unique role—whether it’s seasoning the chicken, adding a burst of freshness, or lending a tangy twist to the buttery topping.

Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts for lean, protein-packed portions that cook evenly and stay juicy on the grill.
Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and ensures the seasonings cling beautifully to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: Infuses mellow, satisfying garlic flavor into every bite—without any chance of burning on the grill.
Dried Oregano: Adds a Mediterranean-style earthiness that complements the pepperoncini and lemon zest.
Salt: Enhances every other ingredient and ensures the chicken is deeply seasoned and satisfying.
Black Pepper: Lends a subtle heat and rounds out the flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: The creamy base for your pepperoncini garlic butter, ready to melt luxuriously over hot chicken.
Pepperoncini Peppers: Chopped finely, they bring a mild, tangy heat and irresistible acidity that keeps the dish lively.
Garlic (Fresh): Minced garlic blooms in the butter for added depth and aromatic punch.
Fresh Parsley: For herby brightness and a pop of color that makes each plate look and taste fresh.
Lemon Zest: Brightens up the butter with subtle citrus notes—don’t skip this as it brings the topping to life.
Pinch of Salt: Heightens all the butter flavors, so they really shine when melted over the chicken.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. Getting the grill hot before the chicken hits the grates is key for those gorgeous sear marks and ensures the chicken cooks evenly throughout. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, give it plenty of time to heat up—you want to hear that satisfying sizzle when the chicken lands!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this savory blend over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so the flavors really adhere. This quick marinade gives the chicken a flavorful crust and keeps it moist as it grills.

Step 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear). Avoid flipping too often—one good flip is all you need for even char marks and maximum juiciness. If you’re grilling thicker chicken breasts, a minute or two more might be necessary.

Step 4: Make the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

While your chicken grills, mix up that magical butter. In a small bowl, mash together softened butter, chopped pepperoncini peppers, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. The result is a zippy, fragrant compound butter that’s ready to melt into every nook and cranny of the hot chicken.

Step 5: Finish with Flavor

Once your chicken is cooked through, quickly top each piece with a generous dollop of the pepperoncini garlic butter. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the butter can melt luxuriously over the surface, mingling with the chicken’s juices for an ultra-flavorful finish. Don’t skip this step—this is where Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter becomes truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Garnishes

Top your Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little more lemon zest, if you’re feeling fancy. The green pops against the golden butter, and a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens up every bite. For a casual dinner, a few extra chopped pepperoncinis scattered over the plate always look gorgeous and play up the signature flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish loves crisp salads, charred veggies, or a scoop of rice on the side. Try serving it with roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a bright Greek salad—the pepperoncini and lemon in the butter will tie everything together. If you’re thinking summer cookout, fresh corn or a quinoa tabbouleh make this meal sing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, slice the grilled chicken and arrange it in fan shapes over a bed of greens, then drizzle with extra pepperoncini garlic butter. Or, make sliders: layer thin slices of the chicken and a swipe of the butter on toasted buns for party-ready mini sandwiches. Feeling bold? Turn the leftovers into a summery grain bowl with grilled veggies, rice, and a few bright spoonfuls of leftover butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any remaining Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or an airtight container, and keep any leftover butter separately—this will make reheating and reusing both super easy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Just let it cool completely before wrapping each breast in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. The pepperoncini garlic butter also freezes well; just scoop it into a small container or wrap it in waxed paper and freeze until you need a flavor boost.

Reheating

To reheat, let the chicken thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add a fresh spoonful of pepperoncini garlic butter on top just before serving—the flavors will come alive again as it melts!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs may need a few extra minutes to reach a safe internal temperature, but the results are every bit as delicious with Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter.

Is the pepperoncini butter very spicy?

Pepperoncini peppers are usually on the mild side, adding more tang than heat. If you love extra spice, throw in a pinch of chili flakes or try hot pepperoncini—but this butter is mostly zippy, tangy, and flavorful rather than hot.

Can I make the butter in advance?

Yes! The pepperoncini garlic butter can be made several days before serving. Keep it refrigerated, then let it soften a bit before dolloping onto your hot chicken. It actually gets even tastier as the flavors mingle.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out on the grill?

The key is not to overcook it—use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F. The olive oil rub also helps lock in moisture, and resting the chicken with the butter on top guarantees juicy, flavorful bites every time.

What other dishes can I use pepperoncini garlic butter on?

Try melting it over grilled veggies, steak, corn on the cob, or even tossing hot pasta or roasted potatoes in the butter. Once you taste Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter, you’ll want to try the butter on everything in sight!

Final Thoughts

Give Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter a spot in your dinner rotation, and get ready for compliments all around. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight meal, but special enough for guests—every bite bursts with sunshine, bold flavor, and just the right amount of zing. Fire up that grill and make some memories!

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is a delectable dish featuring juicy chicken breasts infused with the tangy, garlicky goodness of pepperoncini butter. Perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pepperoncini Garlic Butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
2 tablespoons finely chopped pepperoncini peppers
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Season Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill Chicken: Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Prepare Butter: Mix softened butter with pepperoncini, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
Top and Rest: Top grilled chicken with pepperoncini butter. Let rest to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm.