Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken is a weeknight dinner dream. It’s creamy, garlicky, rich in texture and full of delicious flavor. This chicken is smothered in a silky roasted red pepper and Parmesan sauce, boosted with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the crispy bite of pancetta. It’s an easy one-skillet meal that’s cozy, hearty, and super satisfying.
Don’t miss our Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken if you’re into bold and creamy flavors.
Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe you’ll definitely want on repeat.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken
- 3.5 ounces pancetta
- 2 large chicken fillets
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 2 oz sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
- ¾ cup cream (20% fat)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Crisp the Pancetta
Heat olive oil over medium-low in a large skillet. Add the pancetta and cook until golden and crispy (about 3 minutes). Remove it, keeping the fat in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add butter to the skillet and cook chicken for 8–10 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside and cover with foil.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Lower the heat. Add garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Deglaze with white wine, scraping the pan’s bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Broth
Add sliced bell pepper and sauté for 5 minutes. Then toss in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add broth and tomato paste. Stir and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Finish with Cream & Cheese
Pour in the cream and sprinkle in Parmesan. Stir until smooth. Add chicken back in and simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and pancetta over the top. Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken?
This dish is versatile. Here are some top pairings:
| Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Crusty Bread | Perfect for sopping up sauce |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy meets creamy |
| Pasta | Fettuccine or penne work great |
| Polenta | Adds texture and warmth |
| Cucumber Salad | Refreshing contrast |
| Roasted Broccoli | Earthy balance |
Looking for inspiration? Try our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes — another dreamy one-skillet dinner.
Tips & Substitutions
- Swap chicken with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even steak.
- Go vegetarian: Use cauliflower or baby potatoes instead of meat.
- Cream options: Use heavy cream, half-and-half, or cooking cream.
- Shorten cook time: Use thin-sliced chicken cutlets.
- Flavor boosters: Replace parsley with fresh oregano or basil.
Discover great ideas like Creamy Cajun Chicken Recipe if you’re into bold spicy flavors.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 392 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1107 mg |
| Potassium | 904 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1639 IU |
| Vitamin C | 49 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 116 mg |
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Chicken is a decadent, flavorful, and comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to make. Its versatility makes it ideal for weekday dinners or weekend indulgence. Whether served with bread, pasta, or potatoes, it’s bound to be a family favorite.
Check out One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for another quick dinner that never disappoints.