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Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Description

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that elevates grilled chicken to a whole new level. The tender chicken is perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, then topped with a rich, savory butter sauce made with zesty pepperoncini peppers, aromatic garlic, and a hint of tangy brine. The combination of the smoky, charred chicken with the bold, buttery sauce creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter:

For the Grilled Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced (for marinating and grilling)

For the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5–6 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (fresh or jarred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • A squeeze of lemon juice (optional for extra freshness)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Chicken breasts are lean and easy to grill, but chicken thighs are a great alternative if you want a juicier result. Both options provide plenty of protein to make this a satisfying meal.
  • Olive Oil: Used to coat the chicken and to sauté the garlic, olive oil adds richness while also helping to achieve a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken.
  • Paprika and Cumin: These spices help create a flavorful, slightly smoky crust on the grilled chicken.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: The tangy, slightly spicy flavor of pepperoncini peppers adds a refreshing zest to the garlic butter sauce.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, smooth texture that helps balance the acidity of the lemon and tang of the pepperoncini.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter:

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a shallow dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken. Add the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices and lemon juice into the chicken to coat it evenly.
  2. Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. For best results, you can marinate the chicken for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor.

Grill the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown with grill marks. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the chicken dry. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.

Make the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Sauce:

  1. Melt the Butter: While the chicken is grilling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Add the Pepperoncini: Stir in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and cook for another minute. The peppers will infuse the garlic and butter with their tangy flavor.
  3. Make the Sauce: Pour in the melted butter and stir well. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt to taste, and let the sauce simmer for a minute or two. If you like, squeeze in a little lemon juice for an added burst of freshness.
  4. Remove from Heat: Once the sauce is heated through and the flavors have melded together, remove the pan from the heat.

Serve the Chicken:

  1. Top the Chicken: Place the grilled chicken on serving plates. Spoon the pepperoncini garlic butter sauce generously over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a good amount of the flavorful sauce.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and added freshness. If desired, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for some acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
  3. Serve: Serve the chicken immediately with your favorite side dishes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400-450 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 35g

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Find it online: https://quickerbites.com/grilled-chicken-with-pepperoncini-garlic-butter/