Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is the kind of dish that instantly becomes the talk of the table—juicy, golden chicken lavished in a tangy, buttery sauce, surrounded by a fresh cucumber salad, and finished with colorful toppings you’ll want to scoop up with warm pita. It’s everything you crave in a meal: vibrant, zesty, and rich, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day or inviting friends over, this dish brings together bold Mediterranean flavors in such an inviting, effortless way, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter brings a unique note to the party, building layers of flavor in each bite. No need to hunt down anything fancy; just gather these essentials and let them shine in your kitchen!

• Garlic powder: Adds deep, mellow garlic flavor and helps season the chicken evenly.
• Onion powder: Delivers a subtle sweetness that rounds out the spice blend.
• Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and an inviting reddish hue to the chicken.
• Coarse kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for soaking up all those vibrant flavors.
• Olive oil: Not only helps the marinade cling to the chicken but also creates a golden exterior on the grill.
• Butter: The base for the luscious, velvety pepperoncini sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh, sharp and aromatic, it becomes mellow in the butter sauce.
• Pepperoncini brine: Lends brightness and tang to the sauce, balanced by the richness of the butter.
• Pepperoncinis (chopped): For gentle heat and briny, punchy flavor throughout.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes (halved): Add juicy pops of sweetness and refreshing color to the salad.
• Cucumber (chopped): Crisp, cool, and always a salad superstar.
• Red onion (minced or thinly sliced): A bite of sharpness that lifts the salad up.
• Salt and pepper, olive oil, vinegar: Just a splash and a sprinkle to lightly dress the salad ingredients without weighing them down.
• Chives: A scatter of fresh, grassy flavor for garnish.
• Feta: Salty, creamy crumbles that tie the whole dish together.
• Hummus: Smooth, savory bed for serving and scooping.
• Pita bread: Perfect for dunking, folding, and sopping up every last drop of that magical sauce!

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, coarse kosher salt, and olive oil in a large bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the spices and oil. This step is where all that foundational flavor builds—let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or, for even more goodness, up to several hours. The marinade helps keep the chicken moist and irresistible.

Step 2: Make the Cucumber Salad

While your chicken marinates, it’s time to whip up this ultra-refreshing salad. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, and minced or thinly sliced red onion. Dress lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, a quick drizzle of olive oil, and just a touch of vinegar. Be careful not to overdo it—using too much dressing can make the salad watery. This crisp, tangy mixture balances the richness of the grilled chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Sauce

For the star of Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl (or in a saucepan over low heat, if you prefer). Stir in the minced garlic, pepperoncini brine, and chopped pepperoncinis. The sauce is buttery with a gentle kick, thanks to those tangy pepperoncinis and their brine. Set aside while you finish grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill, grill pan, or a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it sizzle away, cooking until each side is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness). A meat thermometer is your best friend here—aim for an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Rest the cooked chicken so it stays extra juicy, then slice it up for serving.

Step 5: Assemble Everything

To bring your Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter together, start by spreading a generous layer of hummus across a large serving platter. Arrange the cucumber salad in small mounds around the edge, place your sliced grilled chicken in the center, and give everything a hearty drizzle of the pepperoncini garlic butter sauce. Shower the platter with feta, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Serve with wedges of warm pita and let everyone dig in!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

Garnishes

Pile on the garnishes for extra flair and fresh flavor! Crumbled feta and a sprinkle of chives add pops of color and a salty, creamy finish. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work beautifully, too, while an extra squeeze of lemon brings inviting brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

This is already a lively meal, but if you’re entertaining or want a little more variety, consider pairing Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter with pillowy rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad. A little tzatziki or baba ganoush on the side keeps things festive and even more Mediterranean.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve everything family-style on a colorful platter for easy scooping and dipping, or build individual bowls by layering hummus, salad, and sliced chicken for a fun, casual meal. Another playful option: roll up the chicken, salad, hummus, and feta into mini pita pockets for a picnic-perfect handheld treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken, pepperoncini garlic butter sauce, and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping each component separate helps maintain their freshness and keeps the salad crisp.

Freezing

The grilled chicken freezes beautifully—simply wrap portions tightly and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. It’s best to freeze the chicken on its own, without the salad or sauce, to preserve quality and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat until just heated through. You can also briefly reheat the butter sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop. The salad, however, is best enjoyed fresh—just assemble right before serving for crunch and brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful; just adjust cooking times as they might need a little extra time on the grill to cook through.

Is there a substitute for pepperoncini brine?

If you don’t have pepperoncini brine, a splash of mild pickled jalapeño juice or even a bit of white wine vinegar can bring similar tang, though the unique flavor of pepperoncinis really sets this sauce apart.

Can I make Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter without a grill?

Yes, you can! Use a grill pan or a heavy skillet on the stovetop for equally golden, delicious results. The flavors come through perfectly, no matter your cooking method.

How spicy is Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter?

The spice is delightfully gentle; pepperoncinis add zing and bright heat without overwhelming the dish. If you love extra spice, toss in a pinch of chili flakes or more chopped pepperoncinis.

Can I prepare anything ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Marinate the chicken and prep the salad ingredients in advance. The butter sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated. When it’s party time, just grill the chicken, assemble, and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Once you try Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter, it’s impossible not to fall in love with its sunny, bold flavors and effortless style. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish is the perfect way to bring people together. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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