Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter. This dish brings together marinated chicken breasts topped with a zesty pepperoncini garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to summer cookouts. The vibrant cucumber salad adds freshness, while optional extras like feta and hummus elevate the meal further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of pepperoncini and garlic in the butter sauce creates a unique and delicious taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, or use it in salads or wraps for a tasty lunch option.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fresh vegetables, this meal is both filling and nutritious.
• Customizable Extras: Add your favorite toppings like feta or hummus to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools for an easier experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Large bowl or plastic bag
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection without drying out, keeping it juicy.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 lb. chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pepperoncini Butter Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini brine
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup pepperoncinis, chopped

For the Cucumber Salad:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• half a cucumber, chopped
• a quarter of a red onion, minced or thinly sliced
• salt and pepper, olive oil, vinegar

Extras:

• Chives
• Feta
• Hummus
• Pita Bread

Pin

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or plastic bag. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, coarse kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix until well-coated. Set aside in the fridge while you prep other ingredients (30 minutes up to several hours).

Step 2: Make the Cucumber Salad

In a separate bowl, toss together cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, minced red onion, salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar. Be careful not to add too much liquid; use a light hand to avoid watery salad.

Step 3: Make the Pepperoncini Butter Sauce

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in minced garlic, pepperoncini brine, and chopped pepperoncinis. Set aside once fully combined.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—look for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Let rest before slicing.

Step 5: Assemble

For a family-style serving: spread hummus on a large platter. Arrange cucumber salad around the edges. Place grilled chicken in the center and drizzle generously with pepperoncini butter sauce. Top with chives and feta if desired. Serve with pita bread for dipping! Enjoy this delicious meal!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Serving grilled chicken with pepperoncini garlic butter is an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summer cookout, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal.

Family-Style Platter

• Layered Presentation: Serve the grilled chicken on a large platter, drizzled with the pepperoncini garlic butter sauce for a visually appealing centerpiece.
• Cucumber Salad Mounds: Create small mounds of cucumber salad around the chicken to add color and freshness.

With Pita Bread

• Dipping Delight: Offer warm pita bread on the side for dipping into the pepperoncini garlic butter or alongside the hummus.
• Wrap It Up: Encourage guests to wrap slices of chicken and cucumber salad in pita for a hand-held treat.

Add Extra Toppings

• Feta and Chives: Crumble feta cheese over the chicken and sprinkle fresh chives for added flavor.
• Hummus Spread: Provide hummus as a spread on the platter for an extra layer of Mediterranean taste.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Achieving perfectly grilled chicken with pepperoncini garlic butter is key to impressing your guests. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

• Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better for deeper flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for doneness at 160 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent overcooking and drying out the chicken.
• Let It Rest: Allow grilled chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
• Control Your Heat: Grill over medium-high heat for optimal cooking without burning. Adjust as necessary during cooking.
• Customize Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices to the marinade for a personal touch.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy this dish soon after grilling for the best flavor and texture.

Pin

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Pairing side dishes with grilled chicken enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious suggestions that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
2. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus lightly seasoned and grilled until tender.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary or garlic provide a hearty accompaniment.
4. Tabbouleh Salad: A bright, herby salad made from bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, and tomatoes that adds freshness.
5. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter pairs well for those who enjoy extra carbs on their plate.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and balance against the richness of the butter sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken helps infuse flavor and tenderness. Always allow sufficient time for the marinade to work its magic.
• Using too much salt: It’s easy to overdo it with salt, especially in the pepperoncini butter sauce. Start with less and adjust according to taste.
• Not checking for doneness: Overcooked chicken can be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Neglecting resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling keeps it juicy. Don’t skip this step; let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.
• Making watery cucumber salad: Adding too much dressing can result in a soggy salad. Use just enough olive oil and vinegar for flavor without overpowering the veggies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure the chicken is completely cool before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken on a baking sheet until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Pin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, while boneless breasts are ideal, thighs or drumsticks can also work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I serve with Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter?

This dish pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You can also add crusty bread for dipping into the pepperoncini garlic butter.

How do I customize the cucumber salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes. You can also include herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Absolutely! Skip any high-carb sides and focus on low-carb veggies or salads. The grilled chicken itself is already low in carbs!

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation time varies but generally takes about 10-15 minutes, plus marinating time of at least 30 minutes up to several hours.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows you to enjoy bold flavors while keeping your meal light and healthy. Feel free to customize it with your favorite sides or toppings! Give it a try at your next cookout or family dinner—you won’t be disappointed!