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Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a smoky, slightly sweet homemade roasted red pepper sauce finished with creamy richness and fresh herbs. This one-pan recipe is both elegant and simple, ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (evenly sized)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free)
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Additional smoked paprika (optional, to taste)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Create the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Add jarred roasted red peppers and chicken broth to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet.
  4. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and gently warm over low heat. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional smoked paprika if desired. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juicier results.
  • Use high-quality, preferably fire-roasted, jarred roasted red peppers for optimal flavor.
  • Don’t rush the searing step; proper browning builds flavor and texture contrast.
  • Blending the sauce creates a smooth, luxurious texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
  • Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: skillet chicken, roasted red pepper sauce, quick dinner, one-pan meal, gluten-free, creamy sauce, easy chicken recipe