Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a vibrant, creamy dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious sauce made from roasted red peppers, garlic, cream, and Parmesan—a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and rich flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a total weeknight winner. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and feels like a gourmet meal without the fuss. The roasted red pepper sauce is packed with flavor and pairs beautifully with the tender chicken. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner ready in under an hour.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Onion
- Roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
- Season and sear chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add roasted red peppers and chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Finish the sauce: Return the sauce to the skillet. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add the chicken back to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
Serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Yes, they’re convenient and work perfectly in the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
What’s the best side dish for this?
It’s great with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread.
Can I freeze this dish?
It freezes well, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Reheat gently.
Do I need to blend the sauce?
Blending gives it a smooth, creamy texture, but you can leave it chunky if preferred.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just slice and add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.
Is it spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—spinach, kale, or zucchini make great additions.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce may be less rich.
Conclusion
Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish that feels fancy but comes together fast. With its bold sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for company—this recipe is a keeper.
PrintSkillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and a splash of cream. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or date-night dinners!
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
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1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
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3 cloves garlic
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Prep the chicken: Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
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Make the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
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Simmer the sauce: Pour the pepper mixture into the same skillet. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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Bring it all together: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm through.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
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For a dairy-free version, swap cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.
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This sauce also pairs beautifully with shrimp or grilled veggies.
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Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
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