This Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a quick and easy dish that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. The chicken is cooked in a rich, buttery, parmesan roasted red pepper sauce, which adds a burst of flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups roasted red pepper sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter (cut into 4 pieces)

• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated

• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes per side.

2. Add the roasted red pepper sauce to the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add the butter and parmesan cheese. Cook until the butter melts and everything is well combined.

4. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve!

Nutrients

• Calories: 266

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Trans Fat: 0g

• Cholesterol: 104mg

• Sodium: 3161mg

• Carbohydrates: 2g

  • Fiber: 0.3g

  • Sugars: 1g

• Protein: 29g

The Appeal of Skillet Cooking

One of the key aspects of this dish is its skillet cooking method. Cooking in a skillet offers a few advantages that make this recipe not only fast but also flavorful. The heat of the skillet ensures that the chicken develops a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior, which locks in juices and flavor. Once the chicken is seared, adding the roasted red pepper sauce and simmering it in the skillet allows the sauce to reduce slightly, infusing the chicken with its rich, tangy flavor. This method also creates a one-pan meal, which simplifies cleanup and enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.

The Rich Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

The sauce for this dish is what sets it apart from a typical chicken recipe. Roasted red peppers, when blended into a sauce, bring a sweet, smoky, and mildly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. The richness of butter and the savory taste of Parmigiano Reggiano add layers of depth and creaminess to the sauce, while a hint of parmesan cheese gives it a delightful umami finish. The butter not only enriches the flavor but also creates a smooth texture that coats the chicken and brings everything together in a comforting way.

The combination of roasted red pepper sauce with butter and parmesan cheese makes this dish feel indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly light on calories and carbohydrates. With only 2 grams of carbs per serving, it’s a suitable choice for those looking for a flavorful meal without overloading on calories or sugars.

The Perfect Balance of Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in the balance of its ingredients. The chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, act as a canvas for the bold flavors of the sauce. The roasted red pepper sauce is rich and vibrant, but it doesn’t overpower the dish. Instead, it complements the natural flavor of the chicken while adding depth and complexity. The addition of butter creates a velvety smooth texture in the sauce, while the parmesan cheese adds that irresistible savory, slightly nutty finish that ties everything together.

The chopped parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous element that balances out the richness of the sauce, offering a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This simple garnish is all that’s needed to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making it look as good as it tastes.

A Quick and Easy Meal for Any Night of the Week

What makes this skillet chicken dish truly remarkable is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to enjoy. The chicken only needs about 3-5 minutes per side to brown, and then it simmers in the flavorful roasted red pepper sauce for just 5 more minutes. This short cooking time makes it an ideal option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Since everything cooks in a single skillet, cleanup is also a breeze. There’s no need to dirty multiple pots or pans, and the one-pan method means that all the flavors meld together, creating a cohesive and well-seasoned dish.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to round out the meal depending on your preferences. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower. These vegetables are simple to prepare and complement the flavors of the chicken and sauce without overpowering them.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, consider serving the chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the chicken.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce to give it an extra kick. The versatility of this dish makes it easy to adjust based on your flavor preferences and dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Not only is this dish quick and tasty, but it also offers some great nutritional benefits. Each serving of Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce provides 29 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The chicken breasts (or thighs) are lean sources of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied without the added calories and fat found in many other meat cuts.

The sauce, while rich and indulgent in flavor, is actually quite light, with only 14 grams of total fat per serving. The fat in this dish comes from healthy sources such as olive oil and butter, which provide essential fatty acids that support heart health and brain function. Additionally, the dish contains just 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it a great option for those following low-carb or keto diets.

The inclusion of parmesan cheese adds a dose of calcium and other essential minerals, while the parsley provides a small boost of vitamins A and C. These elements contribute to the overall health benefits of the dish, ensuring that it’s not only delicious but also a well-rounded option for any meal.

Customizing the Dish

While this recipe is already full of flavor, it’s also quite flexible. If you’re not a fan of parmesan, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a softer cheese like mozzarella for a different texture. You could also experiment with adding a few extra ingredients to the sauce, such as a touch of garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

For those who prefer a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the roasted red pepper sauce. If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a small amount of heavy cream or coconut cream for an even richer texture.

Conclusion

Skillet Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery sauce, tender chicken, and savory parmesan, this dish is the ideal solution for a busy weeknight meal or when you’re craving something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simple ingredients and cooking method make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while its bold flavors ensure that it never feels like a boring, run-of-the-mill dinner. Whether served with vegetables, rice, or pasta, this dish is a satisfying and versatile meal that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.