Charred Perfection: Zesty Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini & Garlic Butter

Zesty Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini & Garlic Butter

Introduction

Zesty Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini and Garlic Butter is the ultimate dinner for anyone craving bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. This dish pairs juicy, char-grilled chicken with tangy pepperoncini and a luscious garlic butter sauce. The result is a meal bursting with brightness, richness, and just a touch of heat—perfect for pleasing crowds at BBQs, weeknight dinners, or casual get-togethers.

What Makes This Grilled Chicken Stand Out?

What sets this dish apart is the dynamic interplay between the smoky, tender chicken and the piquant bite of pepperoncini. Finished with a blanket of silky garlic butter, every bite manages to be both vibrant and satisfyingly rich. The simple ingredients and fast prep mean you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without a fuss, making it a go-to for home cooks seeking maximum reward with minimum effort.

Prepping Ingredients for Maximum Zest

To get the most out of your chicken and vegetables, keep your prep work efficient and uniform. A tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper ensures perfectly sliced pepperoncini and other veggies, maximizing both flavor distribution and presentation. Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.

For marinating, use a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and brine from the pepperoncini jar—this infuses the chicken with zesty, tangy notes. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to ensure the flavors penetrate deeply.

How to Grill Chicken to Perfection

Grilling brings out the smoky flavors that make this recipe irresistible. For best results, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with a touch of oil or spritz with the TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking for even coverage and easy cleanup. Grill the marinated chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until perfectly charred and cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F).

A ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking can help guarantee juicy, never-overdone chicken every time.

Luscious Garlic Butter & Final Touches

While the chicken is grilling, create your garlic butter by gently melting unsalted butter with minced garlic and a hint of lemon zest. Pour the warm garlic butter over the chicken just before serving for a mouthwatering finish.

For a flawless serving experience, transfer your sliced grilled chicken and pepperoncini into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl if you’re packing up for a picnic or outdoor gathering. This makes serving and storing leftovers a breeze.

Serving Suggestions to Wow Your Guests

Serve this zesty grilled chicken with a simple side salad dressed with extra pepperoncini brine, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes. You can also pair it with warm pita bread and a dollop of thick Greek yogurt for a complete Mediterranean spread.

Garnish liberally with chopped fresh parsley and extra pepperoncini rings for a pop of color and flavor. For added flair on the dinner table, protect your surfaces and add a festive vibe using a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings. Each serving, including garlic butter, provides around 360-400 calories, 32g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It’s a protein-packed main that satisfies without being heavy.

Zesty Grilled Chicken with Pepperoncini & Garlic Butter (Recap)

Bold, bright, and brimming with flavor—this grilled chicken dish brings together juicy charred meat, tangy pepperoncini, and rich garlic butter for a dinner that feels both upscale and effortless. Fast to assemble and sure to impress, it’s ideal whenever you need a meal that stands out.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced (plus 2 cloves for garlic butter)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup pepperoncini, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Zest of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry. Place each breast between plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness using a mallet or rolling pin.
  2. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, oregano, pepper, salt, and pepperoncini brine. Add the flattened chicken and sliced pepperoncini. Toss to coat and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Brush or spritz with the TrendPlain Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking.
  4. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and internal temperature reads 165°F. Use the ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for accuracy.
  5. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add remaining 2 cloves minced garlic and lemon zest. Heat gently until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  6. Transfer grilled chicken to a plate, drizzle with garlic butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra pepperoncini slices.
  7. Serve immediately or pack in a Bentgo Salad Container for freshness on-the-go.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

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