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
Scale
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.
