Juicy Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a mouthwatering skillet chicken in roasted red pepper sauce can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Peppers bring a smoky depth that dances across your taste buds with remarkable complexity.

Weekend cooking feels effortless when ingredients blend so seamlessly.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this vibrant dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors.

Robust and comforting, this recipe promises a delightful meal that comes together quickly.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this dish a true winner for anyone seeking a delicious dinner solution.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist diving into this incredibly satisfying chicken creation.

Your Skillet Chicken Questions, Covered

• What are roasted red peppers?

Roasted red peppers are sweet, smoky peppers that have been charred over an open flame or in an oven, then peeled. They add rich, deep flavor to sauces and dishes.

• Can I use fresh peppers instead of jarred roasted red peppers?

Fresh peppers work, but you’ll need to roast them first by charring their skin over an open flame or under the broiler, then peeling off the skin before using in the recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit. The roasted red peppers themselves are not spicy, just flavorful and slightly sweet.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Ensure they are similar in thickness for even cooking, and pat them dry before seasoning to achieve a nice golden sear.

Why Skillet Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Pops with Flavor

• This skillet chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
• Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or serve over different bases like rice or zucchini noodles to match your family's preferences.
• Minimize cleanup with a single skillet technique that builds layers of flavor from searing chicken to creating a creamy, vibrant sauce.
• Roasted red peppers deliver a sweet, smoky complexity that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Skillet Chicken in Bold Pepper Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender main protein, best when boneless and skinless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and salty cheese that adds depth to the sauce.

• Paprika: Warm, sweet spice that adds color and mild flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic taste throughout the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds aromatic complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and spiciness.

• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky base for the sauce, rich in flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build depth.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide richness and help with cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and enhances sauce consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for final touch and color.

How to Cook Skillet Chicken with Red Pepper Goodness

Step 1: Prepare and Sear Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to separate plate.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

In same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for additional minute.

Step 3: Build Pepper Foundation

Add roasted red peppers to skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Transform into Smooth Sauce

Transfer skillet contents to blender. Pour in chicken broth. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Return mixture to skillet over medium-low heat.

Step 5: Enrich Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return seared chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce generously over chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat chicken thoroughly.

Step 7: Final Presentation

Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Smart Tips for Juicy Skillet Chicken

• Maximize Chicken Searing: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors and creates a beautiful exterior.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Add cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat intensity – use less for mild flavor or more for a spicier kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding to the sauce, which releases deeper, more complex aromatics and enhances overall taste.
• Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the sauce's creamy texture and richness.

Keeping Skillet Chicken and Sauce Tasty Later

• Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and maintain sauce consistency.
• Freeze the sauce separately from chicken for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Ideas for Skillet Chicken Night

• Smooth white wine complements the rich, velvety red pepper sauce with its buttery notes and balanced acidity.
• Slice rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the luxurious sauce, adding delightful texture and additional flavor complexity.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce and provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.
• Prepare garlic-roasted zucchini or asparagus to add nutritious green elements that harmonize with the chicken's savory profile.

New Ways to Style Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, keeping the roasted red pepper sauce as the star of the dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add extra red pepper flakes, incorporate smoked paprika, and garnish with chopped kalamata olives to enhance the sauce's Mediterranean character.

Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy skillet chicken in roasted red pepper sauce brings Mediterranean warmth to weeknight dinners with bold, silky flavors. Simple ingredients dance together, creating a luxurious meal that transports you straight to Southern European comfort.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and generously coating with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor and create a delectable crust.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfect searing.
3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until a golden-brown exterior develops and internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
4. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juiciness.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter, creating a rich foundation for the sauce.
6. Sauté onions until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
7. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to awaken its aromatic qualities without burning.
8. Incorporate roasted red peppers into the skillet, allowing them to meld with the existing flavors.
9. Transfer entire skillet contents to a blender, introducing chicken broth to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
10. Blend until completely uniform and silky in texture.
11. Return sauce to skillet over medium-low heat, preparing for final seasoning.
12. Introduce cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese to develop a luxurious, complex flavor profile.
13. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing ingredients to integrate and slightly thicken.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced sauce.
15. Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the vibrant red pepper sauce.
16. Allow chicken to reheat thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete temperature integration.
17. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of herbal freshness.
18. Serve immediately over pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or accompanied by crusty artisan bread.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry to ensure a perfect golden sear and crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes for those with different heat tolerances.
• Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or plant-based cream to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Roast your own red peppers for an intensely fresh flavor if store-bought jarred peppers feel too mild or processed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg