Pepper Chicken is a dish that stands out for its simplicity and bold flavor. Imagine tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, peppery sauce that titillates your taste buds. This recipe combines the warmth of black pepper with the richness of cream and cognac, transforming everyday chicken into a culinary delight. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, Pepper Chicken is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Pepper Chicken Recipe
This Pepper Chicken recipe captures the essence of comfort food while showcasing elegant flavors. It offers the perfect balance of spice and creaminess, making it a versatile dish for various occasions. You will love how the black pepper punches through the creamy sauce, and the addition of cognac elevates the dish to gourmet status. Plus, the straightforward instructions allow anyone to whip it up with ease, so you can focus on enjoying the meal with family and friends. It’s a dish that brings warmth to your table and fills the room with mouthwatering aromas.
Ingredients about Pepper Chicken
To create your delectable Pepper Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cognac or brandy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Pepper Chicken Directions
Cooking Pepper Chicken is a delightful experience that’s as enjoyable as the final product. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt to enhance the flavor. For a robust taste, you will crush the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder until they are coarsely ground. Afterward, press the crushed pepper onto both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring that they are well-coated.
Next, you will take a large skillet and heat the olive oil along with the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sauté each side for about 6 to 7 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Watch closely, as the aim is to cook them thoroughly while ensuring they remain juicy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, allowing it to rest briefly.
With the chicken removed, you’ll notice the delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet — these are packed with flavor! It’s time to deglaze the skillet. Carefully pour in the cognac, and with a wooden spoon, scrape up all those tasty bits. Keep stirring until the cognac reduces slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Now, you will add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up into a luscious sauce. It should take about five to seven minutes. Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure each piece is generously coated with the creamy goodness. The chicken will absorb some of that rich sauce, making it even more flavorful.
Finally, plate your Pepper Chicken and garnish it with chopped parsley for a touch of color. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will be irresistible, and it’s ready to serve immediately!
How to Serve Pepper Chicken
Serving Pepper Chicken is a chance to showcase the dish in all its glory. You can serve it as a main course alongside a variety of side dishes. Consider pairing it with steamed vegetables for a healthy option or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Rice also makes a fantastic companion, allowing you to relish every drop of the creamy pepper sauce. For an elegant touch, you can present the dish on a nice platter, making sure to drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken and garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
For a full meal, include a light salad on the side. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice can help balance the richness of the Pepper Chicken. To elevate your dining experience further, serve it with some crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce on your plate. The delicious flavors of Pepper Chicken will leave your guests raving about the meal long after it’s finished.
Expert Tips: Pepper Chicken
For the best results with your Pepper Chicken, consider these expert tips. First, make sure to properly season the chicken breasts with the right amount of salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Secondly, when crushing the black peppercorns, aim for a coarse grind — too fine, and it may become overwhelming in the dish.
Additionally, control the heat on your stovetop. Medium-high is crucial for browning the chicken without burning the butter. If your skillet becomes too hot, turn the heat down a notch to avoid any bitterness from the browned bits.
Another tip is to use a high-quality cognac, as this can significantly affect the taste of your sauce. If cognac isn’t available, a good brandy can serve as an excellent substitute. Lastly, remember that the sauce will thicken as it simmers, so keep an eye on it to achieve your desired consistency. These small adjustments can turn an already fantastic dish into an unforgettable masterpiece.
How to Store Pepper Chicken
Storing leftover Pepper Chicken properly will help maintain its flavors and keep it fresh for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you’ve made a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions to make it easier for reheating.
Store your Pepper Chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a few days — it will last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Before freezing, ensure to label the container with the date to help you keep track of its freshness. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Variation of Pepper Chicken
While the classic Pepper Chicken is a delight, you might want to experiment with some variations to suit your taste. One option is adding different herbs and spices. For example, a pinch of thyme or oregano can add another layer of flavor to the sauce. Alternatively, if you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
You could also introduce vegetables to the dish. Cooking sliced mushrooms alongside the chicken can bring a rich, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Another variation could be swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter and slightly tropical twist.
Moreover, you can adjust the protein choice. For those who prefer seafood, shrimp can be an excellent substitute, adding a unique taste and texture. Regardless of the choice, these variations can keep your Pepper Chicken exciting each time you make it.
FAQ
What is Pepper Chicken?
Pepper Chicken is a creamy chicken dish seasoned with black pepper and cooked in a rich cognac sauce. It features boneless chicken breasts and is known for its savory, bold flavors.
How long does it take to make Pepper Chicken?
The entire process of making Pepper Chicken takes about 30 to 45 minutes, including prepping and cooking the chicken and sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Pepper Chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They will add more flavor and tenderness, making the dish even more delicious.
What can I serve with Pepper Chicken?
You can serve Pepper Chicken with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. A light salad and crusty bread also make excellent accompaniments.
How do I store leftovers of Pepper Chicken?
Store leftover Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. Remember to reheat gently for the best taste.
Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts Choose high-quality, fresh chicken.
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns Coarsely ground for best flavor.
- Salt to taste Salt Season the chicken breasts generously.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup cognac or brandy For deglazing the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates the creamy sauce.
- Chopped parsley for garnish Chopped parsley Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt.
- Crush the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until coarsely ground.
- Press the crushed pepper onto both sides of each chicken breast.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sauté for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Deglaze the skillet with cognac, scraping up brown bits with a wooden spoon until it reduces slightly.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat with the creamy sauce.
- Plate the Pepper Chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.
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