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.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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.