If you love a dish that balances comfort with a touch of elegance, the Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together tender, golden chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce bursting with smoky roasted red peppers and fragrant Italian herbs. The simplicity of its ingredients belies the rich, layered flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this recipe delivers a gorgeous blend of textures and tastes that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward pantry staples, each playing a key role in creating the delicious final dish. From the savory chicken to the luscious roasted red pepper sauce, every ingredient adds the perfect note in terms of flavor, texture, and color.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy eating, providing a tender base for the sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika: These simple seasonings elevate the chicken with savory depth and a gentle smoky hint.
- Olive oil: Essential for a golden sear and contributing subtle fruity richness.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and soft texture that mellows as it cooks.
- Minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth to the sauce and enhances every bite.
- Roasted red peppers: The star of this recipe, lending a smoky-sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Chicken broth: Helps create a smooth sauce base, balancing the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty twist and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that ties together all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a fresh, bright garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This foundational seasoning builds the flavor profile and ensures the chicken has a beautiful golden crust when cooked. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add your chicken pieces carefully. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until they achieve a golden brown exterior and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping those delicious pan juices in the skillet.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them gently for a couple of minutes until they soften and become translucent—that sweetness will enrich the sauce. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen without burning the garlic. This step is crucial for layering in those deep, comforting flavors that make this recipe sing.
Step 3: Create the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Next, add the chopped roasted red peppers along with the chicken broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for a few minutes, helping merge the flavors and soften the peppers further. Now it’s time to puree. You can transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan for convenience. Blend until silky smooth—that vivid red sauce is pure magic at this stage.
Step 4: Enrich the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Return the smooth sauce to the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This thickening process creates a velvety sauce that clings wonderfully to the chicken. Then, nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning that gorgeous sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the chicken soaks up the creamy, flavorful goodness.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley not only add a pop of green color but also a burst of fresh, herbaceous brightness that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce. Sprinkling these on top just before serving elevates the dish with a lovely aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce, such as fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or perfectly cooked pasta. Crusty bread is another excellent choice if you want to savor every last drop of that succulent red pepper sauce. For a lighter option, roasted or steamed vegetables provide balance and freshness alongside the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider plating this dish over a bed of buttery polenta or creamy risotto for an indulgent twist. Alternatively, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and a drizzle of extra sauce for an elegant, family-style presentation. Either way, your guests will be impressed by both the look and taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it great for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately or together in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and keep it silky. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause the sauce to separate or dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic in this recipe as they stay juicy and tender under the creamy sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly if your thighs are thicker.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well, and for a dairy-free alternative, canned coconut cream provides a lovely richness without compromising flavor.
Are sun-dried tomatoes a good alternative to roasted red peppers?
Yes! While roasted red peppers give a smoky sweetness, sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly chewy texture that can add a different but equally delicious twist to the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting, thanks to the sweet roasted red peppers and subtle paprika, making it perfect for all palates. You can always add a pinch of red chili flakes if you want some heat.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time for guests?
You can cook the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time and finish it off by warming and combining just before serving. It’s a great way to reduce last-minute kitchen stress while ensuring fresh, delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining straightforward techniques with deeply satisfying flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to share with guests. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that’s both comforting and a little bit special.
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Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy, flavorful roasted red pepper sauce. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines savory spices, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and comforting meal that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add peppers and broth: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Blend the sauce: Carefully transfer the pepper mixture to a blender, or use an immersion blender directly in the skillet, and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Finish the sauce: Return the blended sauce to the skillet over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer everything together for an additional 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the skillet chicken hot alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Roasted red peppers provide a smoky depth, but sun-dried tomatoes can be used for a different flavor twist.
