Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Skillet Meal
Discover your new favorite weeknight dinner with this incredibly simple and intensely flavorful recipe for Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken. This culinary gem comes together with just 5 core ingredients and demands only 15 minutes of active preparation time, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss. The rich, velvety sauce, crafted without any flour, ensures this dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and wonderfully keto-friendly. Beyond its dietary advantages, its versatility and utterly delicious taste guarantee it will become a regular feature in your weekly meal rotation.
This effortless Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in countless kitchens, cherished for its speed, simplicity, and mouth-watering results. It’s a delightful twist on our popular One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken, sharing the same fantastic qualities of being ready in minutes and requiring minimal ingredients (excluding pantry staples like salt and pepper, of course!). We are huge fans of quick skillet chicken dishes like this because they strike the perfect balance between convenience and gourmet taste, offering endless possibilities for customization.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can effortlessly transform the entire dining experience by simply changing your side dishes. For those committed to a low-carb lifestyle, serving this creamy chicken with cauliflower rice or a medley of steamed vegetables keeps it perfectly aligned with your goals. Alternatively, if you’re looking to indulge, a hearty portion of rice or pasta provides the ideal canvas to soak up every last drop of that delectable red pepper cream sauce. These classic carbohydrate companions are favorites for obvious, delicious reasons!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Creamy Red Pepper Chicken Recipe:
- Unbeatable Speed: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a luxury. This recipe honors that by being ready to serve in just 15 minutes. Imagine coming home after a long day and having a gourmet-quality meal on the table faster than you can order takeout. It’s the ultimate quick, easy, and undeniably delicious solution for even the busiest weeknights!
- Budget-Friendly & Simple Ingredients: You don’t need exotic items or a lengthy grocery list for this dish. Utilizing only 5 primary, readily available ingredients means it’s not only economical but also incredibly straightforward to prepare. Less time shopping and more time savoring!
- Dietary Inclusivity (Naturally Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, & Keto): The cream sauce is thickened naturally through reduction, eliminating the need for flour or other starches. This makes the recipe inherently gluten-free, low-carb, and suitable for a ketogenic diet. This ensures that a wide range of dietary needs can be accommodated without compromising on flavor or texture. Of course, you can always pair it with carb-rich sides if that suits your dietary preferences.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Planning meals in advance can be a game-changer, and this recipe excels in this area. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and enjoy delicious, wholesome meals for days to come, saving you time and effort during busy lunchtimes or subsequent dinners.
- Incredibly Versatile: Beyond its core ingredients, this dish serves as a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, sprinkle in some dried Italian herbs for aromatic depth, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added greens. The robust flavor of the roasted red pepper cream sauce pairs well with many additions.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: The combination of tender chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, rich heavy cream, and aromatic garlic creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a dish that feels special yet is incredibly simple to create, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t require complex steps.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Masterpiece
- Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, you’ll need two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To ensure even and quick cooking, these should be split in half widthwise, creating four thinner chicken cutlets. This technique, often referred to as butterflying and then separating, allows the chicken to cook quickly in a hot skillet without drying out. Aim for approximately 1 pound of chicken in total. If preferred, you can purchase pre-cut chicken cutlets to save time.
- Roasted Red Peppers: The star of our creamy sauce! Opt for jarred roasted red peppers, typically packed in oil or water. These convenient peppers offer a smoky sweetness that forms the backbone of our rich sauce. Before using, remember to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess oil in the sauce, though a little residual oil is perfectly fine and adds to the flavor.
- Butter: Essential for achieving beautifully browned chicken and imparting an unparalleled depth of flavor. Butter contributes a rich, savory note that truly elevates the dish, creating a fantastic base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of our luxurious red pepper cream sauce. Heavy cream is crucial because its high-fat content allows it to thicken beautifully as it simmers, without the need for additional thickeners like flour or cornstarch. Lighter creams or half-and-half will not achieve the desired thickness and creamy texture.
- Garlic: Just two cloves of freshly minced garlic are enough to infuse the dish with a delightful aromatic warmth. Garlic provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the red peppers and enriches the overall flavor profile of this easy skillet meal.
- Salt and Pepper: The only seasonings needed! A generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste will enhance all the natural flavors of the chicken and the creamy sauce, bringing everything into perfect harmony.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a touch of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors of the dish.
Crafting Your Creamy Red Pepper Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embark on your culinary journey by preparing the chicken. Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully slicing them in half widthwise. This technique transforms each thick breast into two thinner cutlets, which not only accelerates the cooking process in the hot skillet but also ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and remains wonderfully tender. Think of it as butterflying your chicken, but instead of keeping the halves connected, you separate them completely to create manageable, quick-cooking pieces.
Once your chicken cutlets are ready, season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preference. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare your cooking vessel. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat and allow it to get sufficiently hot. A heavy-bottomed pan is crucial here, as it distributes heat more evenly, preventing the chicken from burning and ensuring a consistent sear.
Perfectly Cooking the Chicken Breasts
Once your skillet is hot and shimmering, add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling it around the pan to coat the bottom evenly. The butter will turn a beautiful golden-brown, signaling it’s ready for the chicken.
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the pan’s temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure each piece gets a good sear.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side, allowing a lovely golden crust to form. Then, flip each chicken breast and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Using an instant-read meat thermometer (like this magnetic one I use, always handy on the fridge!) is the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, moist, and safe to eat.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a clean plate. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute while you prepare the vibrant red pepper cream sauce.
Whipping Up the Dreamy Red Pepper Cream Sauce
With the chicken resting, it’s time to build the heart of our dish: the rich and creamy red pepper sauce. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor!). Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
As soon as the garlic releases its enticing aroma, immediately pour in the heavy cream. Use the edge of a wooden spoon or spatula to vigorously scrape up all the delicious browned bits, known as “fond,” from the bottom of the pan. This process, called “deglazing,” infuses the cream with an incredible depth of flavor from the caramelized juices left behind by the chicken.
Next, add the thoroughly drained and chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together until the peppers are well combined with the cream and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 1-3 minutes. During this time, the heavy cream will naturally begin to thicken, creating a luxurious, spoonable consistency perfect for coating the chicken or pairing with your chosen side.
Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the warm, luscious sauce. Spoon the vibrant red pepper sauce generously over each chicken breast, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. Alternatively, you can gently toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly sauced. If desired, a final flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds a wonderful pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and prepare for a truly satisfying meal!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Creamy Red Pepper Chicken Success
- Invest in a Quality Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a game-changer. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan or a Dutch oven is absolutely critical for this recipe. Thin skillets are prone to uneven heating and direct, intense heat spots, which can easily cause your delicate chicken breasts to burn or cook inconsistently. A pan with a thick, substantial bottom ensures heat is distributed uniformly, allowing the chicken to cook perfectly and preventing scorching. This type of skillet is similar to what I use, and this is my preferred Dutch oven.
- The Art of Thickening the Sauce: The beauty of this creamy sauce lies in its natural thickening through reduction. While it doesn’t require a prolonged simmer, allowing the heavy cream to gently bubble for 1-3 minutes is essential. This brief reduction period allows the excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and achieving that perfect velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken and is ideal for soaking up with rice or pasta. Don’t rush this step for the best results!
- Mastering the Deglazing Technique: Deglazing is a chef’s secret weapon for building flavor, typically done with liquids like broth or wine. However, for our keto-friendly and gluten-free approach, we strategically use heavy cream to deglaze the pan. As you pour in the cream and scrape up the browned bits, you’re not only incorporating those deeply caramelized flavors into the sauce but also contributing to its richness and thickening without needing any flour or cornstarch. This clever substitution keeps our recipe within the 5-ingredient limit while maintaining its low-carb integrity.
- Handling Roasted Red Peppers with Care: Jarred roasted red peppers are often marinated in oil, which adds flavor but can also introduce too much grease to your sauce. To prepare them, lay the drained peppers on a cutting board and gently pat them with a paper towel to remove any excessive surface oil. You don’t need to get them completely dry; a little oil is fine. Be mindful that the oil can make the peppers a bit slippery, so exercise caution and use a sharp knife when chopping them into your desired size.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the chicken, ensure each cutlet has enough space in the pan. Overcrowding cools the pan down, leading to steaming instead of searing, which means you won’t get that delicious golden crust. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing enough space for proper browning.
- Rest Your Chicken: After cooking, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before adding it back to the sauce is crucial. This step permits the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before the final step. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. A small addition of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Delightful Ways to Serve Your Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to tailor your meal to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Over fluffy white or brown rice
- Tossed with your favorite pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work beautifully)
- Alongside simple steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus
- With hearty roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or root vegetables
- As the star of a meal with a crisp, refreshing side salad
- Paired with a savory rice pilaf for added texture and flavor
- Served with classic baked potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Serving Options:
- As a hearty topping for cauliflower rice
- Paired with a low-carb pasta substitute (e.g., zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or konjac pasta)
- Served with creamy mashed cauliflower for a comforting, carb-conscious alternative
- Alongside an array of perfectly steamed low-carb vegetables
- Accompanied by vibrant roasted low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant
- With a fresh, green side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken
For this recipe, the red pepper sauce thickens naturally through reduction. By allowing the heavy cream to simmer gently for a few minutes, excess moisture evaporates, leaving behind a rich, concentrated, and beautifully thick sauce. If you’re working with a different red pepper sauce that requires more thickening, you could create a slurry by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with an equal part of cold water, then whisking it into the simmering sauce. Bring it to a boil for 1-2 minutes to activate the cornstarch before removing it from the heat.
Chicken, particularly boneless and skinless breasts or thighs, is an exceptionally versatile and popular choice for pairing with red pepper sauce, as demonstrated by this recipe. However, the robust and slightly sweet flavor of red pepper sauce also complements a variety of other meats. It pairs wonderfully with pan-seared or grilled pork tenderloin, oven-roasted white fish like cod or halibut, and even offers an interesting twist with lamb or beef, especially in stewed or braised preparations.
Roasted red peppers are incredibly versatile! Beyond this delicious chicken dish, you can chop them and incorporate them into a myriad of meals: stir them into scrambled eggs or omelets, add them to pasta salads or grain bowls, or use them as a vibrant pizza topping. They also make a fantastic appetizer when served with soft cheeses (like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella) and crackers, or blended into a creamy dip like romesco sauce or a simple roasted red pepper hummus.
Yes, absolutely! Roasted red peppers are indeed keto-friendly, low in carbohydrates, and naturally sugar-free. They are very similar to fresh bell peppers in their nutritional profile, offering a low net carb count. This makes them an excellent ingredient for adding vibrant flavor, color, and a touch of sweetness to a wide variety of keto and low-carb dishes, including chicken meals, creamy dips, and antipasto platters, without derailing your dietary goals.
More Easy and Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes to Explore:
- One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken: Another quick, creamy, and flavorful skillet dish perfect for keto diets.
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup: A comforting and hearty soup, made easy in your pressure cooker.
- Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken: An unexpectedly delicious and super simple slow cooker recipe with a tangy twist.
- Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos: Tender, cheesy chicken perfect for flavorful taco nights.
- Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce – by Cooking Classy: A classic skillet chicken dish elevated with a fragrant garlic-herb butter sauce.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken
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Equipment
- Heavy-Bottomed Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut in half widthwise (approximately 1 pound)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers in oil drained
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut your chicken breasts in half widthwise, making two thinner pieces with each breast. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Heat a heavy bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until the pan is hot.
- Add the butter, and swirl with a wooden spoon or a pair of tongs until completely melted.
- Add the chicken breasts in a single layer, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Flip the chicken breasts, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until each chicken breast reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165F. - Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a plate. Set aside.
- Add in the garlic cloves, and sauté just until fragrant; 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and use the bottom of the wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Add in the chopped roasted red peppers, and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 1-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet and stirring the sauce, until it has thickened.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and add the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them, or toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley (if desired) and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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