Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you are craving a dinner that feels both comforting and special, the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This one-pan wonder brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious roasted red pepper sauce that’s vibrant in color and bursting with flavor. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s naturally gluten free and dairy free friendly, making it a fantastic option no matter your dietary preferences. Whether you serve it over pasta, orzo, or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish will quickly become a favorite thanks to its creamy texture and irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish sing without requiring a long list of components.

• 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinner breasts help the chicken cook evenly and quickly in the skillet.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and deepens the color of the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a mellow garlic flavor that enhances the savory profile.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a gentle sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and spice.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for searing the chicken and melting into the sauce.
• 1 ½ cups roasted red pepper sauce: The heart of the dish, a silky and vibrant sauce made from roasted red peppers that ties everything together.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Before diving into cooking the chicken, it’s ideal to have your roasted red pepper sauce ready. This sauce can be made in a larger batch and stored, perfect for having on hand when you want to whip up this recipe quickly. The rich smokiness and creaminess of the sauce make it the perfect partner for tender chicken breasts.

Step 2: Thin and Season Chicken Breasts

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create your seasoning mix. Pat this mixture thoroughly into both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this point, since it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Pour the roasted red pepper sauce into the skillet over the browned chicken, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. During this time, flip the chicken halfway through so that both sides soak in the sauce’s vibrant flavor. The slower cooking in the sauce ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Before serving, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. This final simmer infuses the meat with the creamy roasted red pepper essence, creating a plate-worthy meal in no time. Serve it hot, and prepare to impress everyone at the table!

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes bring a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of this dish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil not only adds a pop of green color but also gives a fresh, herbal lift that brightens every bite. For an extra touch of texture, a few toasted pine nuts or a light grate of lemon zest work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy roasted red pepper chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Classic al dente pasta or fluffy orzo are perfect to soak up the savory sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add an earthy crunch, balancing the silky texture of the chicken dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up when serving, consider plating the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or cauliflower mash for a comforting and elegant presentation. Alternatively, for a lighter approach, place it atop a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to introduce peppery freshness that contrasts with the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy roasted red pepper chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. This makes for a convenient and delicious next-day meal that’s quick to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this skillet recipe whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can add even more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes to ensure they cook through properly.

Is this recipe dairy free?

The original recipe calls for butter, but you can easily swap it for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine to keep the dish dairy free without compromising on taste.

How spicy is the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe?

This recipe leans toward the mild side with gentle warmth from the paprika and black pepper. If you love a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Can I make the roasted red pepper sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making the roasted red pepper sauce ahead saves you time and makes assembly a breeze. It keeps well refrigerated for several days or frozen for longer storage.

What is the best pan to cook this dish in?

A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it heats evenly and helps form a gorgeous sear on the chicken. However, any heavy-bottomed skillet that retains heat well will work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Its vibrant sauce, juicy chicken, and simple preparation make it the perfect recipe to add to your rotation. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of those cherished dishes you reach for again and again.

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