Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter

This Mediterranean-inspired grilled Chicken recipe brings bold flavor and freshness to your plate. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad and rich pepperoncini garlic butter sauce. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish perfect for summer dinners or sharing with guests. Serve it with hummus and warm pita bread for a complete meal that balances savory, zesty, and creamy elements.

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 Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup pepperoncini brine

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers

For the Cucumber Tomato Salad:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cucumber, chopped

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Drizzle of olive oil

• Splash of vinegar

Optional for Serving:

• Chopped chives

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Hummus

• Pita bread

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl or resealable bag, combine chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and olive oil. Toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for deeper flavor.

2. Make the Cucumber Tomato Salad:
In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and sliced red onion. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and a splash of vinegar. Toss gently and set aside to marinate while you cook.

3. Prepare the Pepperoncini Garlic Butter Sauce:
Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add minced garlic, pepperoncini brine, and chopped pepperoncini. Stir and let it sit to meld the flavors.

4. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest before slicing into strips.

5. Assemble and Serve:
Spread hummus on a platter or individual plates. Arrange cucumber-tomato salad and sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with pepperoncini garlic butter. Top with crumbled feta and chives if using. Serve with warm pita bread.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, excluding optional extras like hummus, feta, and pita)

• Calories: 360

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: Variable (depends on brine and seasoning)

Perfect for Gatherings or Solo Dinners

Whether you’re serving a family meal or enjoying a quiet dinner alone, this dish adapts beautifully. For group gatherings or backyard barbecues, the grilled chicken and salad can be plated family-style. Guests can build their own plates with generous dollops of hummus and slices of warm pita. For a solo dinner or meal prep situation, the ingredients hold up well for a couple of days in the fridge—especially the chicken and salad. You can enjoy them together or repurpose them into wraps, bowls, or grain salads.

For a fancier presentation, serve the sliced grilled chicken fanned out on a large platter, drizzle the garlic butter in sweeping lines, and scatter chopped chives and feta cheese across the top. The vibrant colors and bold smells will make an immediate impression, and it’s one of those meals where guests are guaranteed to ask for the recipe.

Customization Tips and Pairings

One of the great things about this dish is its flexibility. You can adjust the spice level, make it dairy-free, or bulk it up depending on your preferences:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or harissa to the spice rub for a little kick.

• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or a good quality olive oil infused with garlic.

• Add a Grain: Serve it over couscous, quinoa, or farro for a heartier plate.

• Switch the Protein: This flavor combination works equally well with grilled shrimp, lamb, or tofu if you want to switch things up.

For drink pairings, you can’t go wrong with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy rosé. A lemon-infused sparkling water or a cucumber-mint mocktail also brings a refreshing balance to the bold flavors on the plate.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits

While indulgent in flavor, this meal can be surprisingly wholesome. The grilled chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall satiety. The fresh salad contributes fiber, hydration, and antioxidants from the tomatoes and cucumbers. Olive oil and garlic, key elements in Mediterranean diets, offer healthy fats and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The pepperoncini garlic butter, while rich, is used sparingly—and a little goes a long way. Pepperoncini peppers themselves are low in calories and add flavor without the need for heavy sauces or sugar-laden glazes.

Because the dish is naturally low in carbs (especially if you skip the pita), it can also be adapted to fit keto-friendly or low-carb eating plans.

A Weeknight Staple with Gourmet Flair

Despite its gourmet appearance, this grilled chicken recipe is weeknight-friendly. Most of the components can be prepped ahead of time: the chicken can marinate overnight, the salad can be tossed in the morning, and the butter sauce comes together in under 5 minutes. In total, the whole dish takes about 30–40 minutes from start to finish—making it perfect for busy families, working professionals, or anyone wanting a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also a smart go-to for entertaining. The flavors feel elevated enough to serve to guests, yet the process is low-maintenance. You can grill the chicken outdoors or on a grill pan indoors, and the toppings require minimal prep.

Conclusion: Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini Garlic Butter is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that dinner can be both simple and sensational. With its perfect blend of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, bold sauce, and Mediterranean flair, it checks all the boxes for a nourishing and impressive meal. It’s equally suited for a laid-back dinner on the patio or a colorful spread at your next gathering.

Adding this dish to your rotation means more than enjoying a delicious meal—it means embracing a style of eating that celebrates flavor, freshness, and flexibility. Whether you’re craving a wholesome solo dinner, meal prepping for the week, or planning a festive evening with friends, this recipe delivers every time.

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