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Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 77 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken is a luscious, flavorful dish combining tender chicken fillets with crispy pancetta and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and smoked paprika. The sautéed red bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate the dish for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for pairing with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 3.5 ounces pancetta
  • 2 large chicken fillets

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Liquids and Dairy

  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup white wine (preferably Pinot Grigio)
  • ¾ cup cream (20% fat)
  • 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese

Fats

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Seasonings and Spices

  • 2 tsp salt (divided; 1 tsp for seasoning chicken, 1 tsp to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for serving)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions

  1. Brown Pancetta: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the skillet and set aside, leaving as much of the rendered fat in the pan as possible.
  2. Season Chicken: Season the two chicken fillets evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, preparing them for searing.
  3. Sear Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken fillets and cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and beautifully browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, place on a clean plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the white wine, stirring with a wooden spoon to dissolve the browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried oregano, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Add Liquids and Tomato Paste: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to thicken and develop depth of flavor.
  7. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce’s flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley and the reserved crispy pancetta over the dish. Add crushed red pepper flakes on top for a touch of heat if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread and a simple side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken!

Notes

  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness in the dish.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, though this will alter the flavor profile.
  • You can swap pancetta with bacon if pancetta is unavailable.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • White wine can be replaced with additional chicken broth if preferred or to avoid alcohol.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best; reheat gently to prevent splitting.

Keywords: creamy chicken, garlic chicken, red pepper chicken, pancetta recipe, Italian chicken recipe, sautéed chicken, creamy sauce chicken

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/creamy-garlic-red-pepper-chicken-recipe/