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Creamy Black Pepper Chicken: Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe

Indulge in this Creamy Black Pepper Chicken, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, peppery sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or pasta (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing your chicken. Pat the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of searing.
  3. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
  4. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is golden and aromatic.
  5. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 1 minute.
  6. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any remaining flavors. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Next, add 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is warmed and the sauce is bubbling gently.
  9. Finally, garnish the dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately over cooked rice or pasta, and enjoy your Creamy Black Pepper Chicken!

Nutrition

Keywords: For the best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper instead of pre-ground. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.