Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and delights every palate, this Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, savory, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this meal transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner at home, this dish strikes the perfect balance between easy preparation and indulgent taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The roasted red pepper sauce blends sweetness and smokiness with a velvety cream base.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
• One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything in a skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily tailored with your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies for personalized flavor.
• Comfort Food Vibes: Warm, satisfying, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but effective, using fresh and pantry staples that enhance every bite. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish both scrumptious and visually appealing.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
• Roasted red peppers: The star of the sauce, providing a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
• Heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that balances the acidity of the peppers.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to elevate the depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Onion: Sautéed until soft to create a sweet and aromatic base.
• Chicken broth: Used to thin the sauce gently while adding umami richness.
• Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and starting the sauce with a fragrant foundation.
• Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky depth to complement the roasted peppers.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish perfectly.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color.

Variations for Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences, making it a versatile go-to for chicken lovers.

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the sauce a pleasant kick.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy alternative without dairy.
• Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more texture and nutrients.
• Herb swap: Use basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Protein swap: Try this sauce with chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even firm white fish like cod for a new twist.

How to Make Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side, and then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building the base flavor for the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Add chopped roasted red peppers and chicken broth to the skillet, letting the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Blend and Enrich

Use an immersion blender directly in the skillet, or transfer the mixture carefully to a blender, to purée the sauce until smooth. Return the sauce to the pan if needed, then stir in heavy cream for that silky, creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Place the cooked chicken back into the sauce, spooning it over to coat thoroughly. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors and heat the chicken through once more.

Pro Tips for Making Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• Choose quality peppers: Opt for jarred roasted red peppers with minimal additives or roast your own for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overcook chicken: Avoid dry meat by cooking just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Use an immersion blender: It’s easier and less messy to blend the sauce right in the skillet.
• Season gradually: Taste as you go to balance the seasoning and creaminess perfectly.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a refreshing pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs brilliantly with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple side of fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of creamy polenta or quinoa, then drizzle extra sauce on top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover skillet chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; just transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating or curdling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well with this sauce, just adjust cooking times accordingly until they’re fully cooked.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative to enjoy a creamy texture without dairy.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce?

Blending the roasted red pepper mixture creates a smooth, silky sauce, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check any seasoning labels.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on low heat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently, or use the microwave in short intervals for even warming.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce that makes every dinner feel a little more celebratory. With its creamy, smoky sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Give it a try tonight, and I promise it will become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos.

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