Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, savory roasted red pepper sauce. The sauce is made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and fresh basil, creating a vibrant and aromatic base that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. The addition of heavy cream and feta cheese makes the sauce velvety and indulgent. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its bold flavors and beautiful presentation, this dish will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder

This recipe is a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. The chicken, sauce, and toppings all come together in a single skillet, saving time and effort.

2. Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The roasted red pepper sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with depth. The garlic, fresh basil, and feta bring the sauce to life, creating a perfect complement to the chicken.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

In less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and restaurant-quality meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something flavorful and satisfying.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the level of spice by adding or omitting chili flakes, and you can swap out the feta for goat cheese or Parmesan to suit your taste.

5. Healthy and Nutritious

This dish is high in protein from the chicken, and the roasted red pepper sauce adds plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, rough chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (half-and-half works in a pinch, but beware it can curdle if heated too quickly)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta (1/4 cup for sauce, 1/4 cup for topping)
• Additional fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies in the sauce. They’ll soak up the flavors and add texture.
• Spicy Twist: For an extra kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh basil, feel free to substitute with fresh thyme or oregano for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cheese Substitutes: If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or even Parmesan would make great substitutions for the topping.
• Make it Low-Carb: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the roasted red peppers, chicken stock, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend it in batches. Return the sauce to the skillet.

Step 4: Add the Feta and Basil

Stir in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta and fresh basil (or dried basil) to the sauce. Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining crumbled feta over the chicken, and add fresh basil for garnish. Serve with your favorite side dish, such as rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can be used for added flavor and juiciness. Just ensure to cook them longer.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center to prevent it from becoming dry.
• Adjust the Cream: If you prefer a richer sauce, add a little more cream, or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Don’t Skip the Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that really elevates the flavor of the sauce.
• Blend the Sauce Well: Make sure to blend the sauce thoroughly for a smooth texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works just as well.

How to Serve

This dish is versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. For a lighter option, try serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. The rich, creamy sauce pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay tender and flavorful, and the sauce will continue to develop in taste.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the cream-based sauce may slightly change texture when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, which will be more tender and juicy. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried basil, but fresh basil will provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor. Use 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every 1/4 cup of fresh basil.

3. Can I add more spice to the dish?

If you like more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauce.

4. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free feta or omit the cheese.

5. Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?

Yes, jarred roasted red peppers are a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain them before adding them to the sauce.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it with the chicken when ready to serve.

7. Can I substitute the feta?

Yes, you can use goat cheese or Parmesan if you prefer, although the flavor will change slightly.

8. How can I thicken the sauce?

If you find the sauce too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce it, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.

9. What should I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

10. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add extra chili flakes, sriracha, or even hot sauce to increase the heat to your liking.

Conclusion

Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a vibrant, flavorful sauce. This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any weeknight or special dinner. The richness of the sauce, combined with the feta and basil, will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you enjoy it with rice, pasta, or vegetables, this dish is sure to impress.

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