Description
Italian Banana Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and simple skillet dish featuring tender boneless chicken cutlets cooked to a golden brown and finished with a tangy, buttery banana pepper sauce. This recipe combines savory and slightly spicy notes from the banana peppers, making it a delightful weeknight dinner option that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (or 2 large breasts, butterflied and pounded thin)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup jarred sliced banana peppers with brine
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken cutlets on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping the flavorful fond in the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the sliced banana peppers with their brine to the hot skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to lift all the flavorful browned bits. If the pan looks dry, add up to 1/4 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 4 tablespoons of softened butter until the sauce becomes rich and glossy.
- Baste the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the banana pepper sauce over them, allowing the flavors to meld. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and well-coated with the glossy sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.
Notes
- Butterflied chicken breasts allow for more even and quicker cooking.
- Do not wipe the pan after cooking chicken to retain the fond which adds flavor to the sauce.
- If you prefer less spice, rinse banana peppers briefly before adding to the sauce.
- Using jarred banana peppers with brine adds tang and moisture to the sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be repurposed in sandwiches or salads for quick meals.
