A simple yet satisfying dish, Red Pepper Chicken is the perfect comfort food. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce made with roasted red peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. This easy-to-make recipe is a versatile option that can be enjoyed over brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or with a side of vegetables.
Red Pepper Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made with roasted red peppers, flavorful spices, and coconut milk! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The red pepper sauce is bold, incredibly creamy, and tasty. It is the perfect way to dress up chicken!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it over brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or with a side of veggies.
- Comforting: The creamy sauce is perfect for a cozy night in.
- This recipe is allergen friendly! It is gluten free, can be made dairy free, and contains no nuts.
- Check out these Chicken Breast Recipes for more easy, healthy family dinners.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for this red pepper chicken recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
First, we love using boneless skinless chicken breasts. Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer.
Use a white or yellow onion. Sweet onion also works well.
Mince fresh garlic for the best flavor. If needed, use minced garlic or garlic powder.
Roasted red peppers add so much flavor to this dish! If you do not have time to roast them, use fresh peppers and cook until tender.
Use canned coconut milk as the base of the sauce. Alternatively, feel free to use whole milk or half and half.
Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Lastly, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Taste & Texture
The chicken is tender and juicy, while the sauce is rich and creamy.
The sweetness of the roasted red peppers balances the savory flavors of the chicken and the smoky paprika.
The texture of this red pepper chicken is smooth and satisfying, making it the ultimate comfort food.
How to Make
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Add Red Peppers: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 4
Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken and meld the flavors.
Step 6
Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the creamy red pepper chicken over quinoa, brown rice, or a bed of steamed vegetables.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best red pepper chicken.
Roasting Your Own Peppers: For the best flavor, roast your own red peppers over an open flame or under the broiler.
Using Fresh Peppers: If you’re short on time, fresh red peppers work just as well.
Adjusting the Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Consider these flavor variations for your red pepper chicken.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Vegetables: Add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Protein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or another protein of your choice.
How to Serve & Store
Serving Suggestions
Over Grains: Serve the Red Pepper Chicken over quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a satisfying meal.
With Vegetables: Pair it with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Pasta: For a comforting twist, serve the chicken and sauce over your favorite pasta.
Storing Instructions
Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce.
Yes, you can use fresh red peppers, but you may need to cook them longer to soften them.
Yes, you can sauté the chicken and onions in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, and then pressure cook everything for about 8-10 minutes.
Equipment Needed
Large Nonstick Skillet: This large pan is great for cooking this homemade red pepper chicken!
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