Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Chicken

Pepperoncini Chicken is a wholesome, simple, and flavorful dish. As you may know, my Pepperoncini Beef (Drip Beef) dish is one of my favorite slow cooker dishes for fall. I make it all the time, as it’s perfect for game day sandwiches, barbecues, and school lunches.

Recently I was craving it, but didn’t have any beef on hand. Sure, I could have run to the grocery store. But instead, I decided to get creative. I had some chicken breasts in the freezer that caught my eye, so I quickly came up with the idea for this Pepperoncini Chicken.

So, what was the result of this spirit-of-the-moment concoction? Well, the dish came out absolutely delicious… maybe even better than its beef predecessor. The tender juiciness of the chicken pairs beautifully with the subtle spiciness of the pepperoncini, making for a truly mouthwatering dish.

This delicious Pepperoncini Chicken was a hit with the whole family and I can safely say that we will be loading it into sandwiches for the next month or so. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a family dinner, this healthy slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to please.

Key Ingredients

To make this slow cooker pepperoncini chicken, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: Ideally, you’re going to want boneless and skinless breasts, as these are the easiest to shred and/or slice. But, if you don’t have any chicken breasts on hand, you could substitute for chicken tenderloins or thighs.
• Pepperoncinis: These peppers are sweet, mild in flavor, and only slightly spicy. They usually come pickled and you’re going to want to mix the pepperoncini liquid in with the chicken broth to form the delicious liquid base.
• Chicken broth: I recommend pairing chicken with chicken broth, but you could use vegetable or beef broth if needed. If you’re really in a pinch, you could even use water—just make sure to add some extra seasoning!
• Italian seasoning: Italian is my seasoning of choice here, but don’t fret if you don’t have any. Italian seasoning can be made from scratch with basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Pepperoncini Chicken Tips and Tricks

There are countless ways you can customize and modify this recipe. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• Switch up the protein. You could really substitute any type of chicken. You could also try this dish with pork or with beef, as I did in this Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Beef dish.
• Add garlic. If you love garlic (who doesn’t?), you could mince a clove or two and toss that into the pot. Garlic powder will also do the trick. The flavor blends wonderfully with the Italian seasoning, and your chicken will come out extra delicious, guaranteed.
• Add some spice. My husband is always begging for something spicy, so sometimes I’ll replace half of the pepperoncini with pickled jalapenos for more of a kick. It definitely gets the job done, just be sure to warn your guests!
• Switch up the spices: Instead of Italian seasoning, swap in this homemade ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile. You can even add some cream cheese in the last 20 minutes for a creamy chicken dish.
• Make it spicier: Swap in some pickled jalapenos for the pepperoncini, similar to these Crockpot Jalapeno Chicken Tacos.

Serving Ideas

One of the greatest things about this dish is how versatile it is. I’ve served my slow cooker pepperoncini chicken all sorts of ways, which is part of the reason I love it so much. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve the dish:

• As I mentioned, this chicken is perfect for stuffing into sandwiches. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, so I normally make it for occasions when I have to feed a village. Pro tip: This dish is great for game days and summer barbecues.
• To create a more satisfying meal, try serving the chicken over rice or a bed of greens. It only requires a tiny bit of extra effort and it makes an entire meal. Another great choice is pairing it with some cauliflower mashed potatoes.
• Try topping with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for some added fresh flavor.
• We also love serving this chicken in grain bowls or easy taco bowls.

Storing Pepperoncini Chicken

This dish is great for meal prep, as it stores really well both in the fridge and in the freezer. Before storing your leftovers, it’s always important to let the dish cool down to room temperature. Once the dish has cooled, make sure to transfer it to an airtight storage container. You can store this dish in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 1 week.
• In the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:

Is it safe to put raw chicken into a slow cooker?

Yes! That’s actually exactly what you should do. Cover the bottom of the cooker with your raw chicken, then pile the fixings on top. I always prefer skinless, boneless chicken breasts because they’re easier to shred later, but you could really use any type of chicken.

How long should you cook chicken in a slow cooker?

For the average chicken breast, cook them on low for about six hours in your slow cooker. If the pieces are smaller, they should only need about four hours. Whenever you think you’re finished, cut one open and make sure there isn’t any pink in the middle. If not, then you are all set!

How much chicken can you cook in a slow cooker?

You can cook as much chicken in your slow cooker as you can fit in a single layer. It’s important to make sure you don’t layer your chicken pieces on top of one another, as this can cause the meat to cook unevenly. The last thing you want after hours of excitedly awaiting your dinner is to be met with raw chicken.

Can you make Pepperoncini Chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes! I’ve made this dish both ways, and both taste delicious. If using an instant pot, cook the chicken using the Saute function for 2 minutes on each side. Add the pepperoncini and broth mixture, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken and voila!

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

If you liked this pepperoncini chicken dish, try these slow cooker dinners next:

• Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
• Slow Cooker Italian Red Pepper Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
• Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken