Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant Cacio e Pepe Chicken, a delightful twist on the classic Roman pasta dish. Juicy chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned with black pepper and Parmesan, then served in a creamy, peppery sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. This easy recipe brings Italian flavors to your table in under 30 minutes!
How to Make Cacio e Pepe Chicken
This recipe is simple, indulgent, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season and sear chicken thighs until golden.
- Make a creamy sauce with garlic, butter, cream, and chicken broth.
- Add Parmesan and black pepper to the sauce.
- Simmer chicken in the sauce until fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve with your favorite sides.
Cacio e Pepe Chicken
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On): 4 pieces
Salt: To taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 2 teaspoons, divided
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, finely grated
Butter: 2 tablespoons
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Fresh Parsley: For garnish
Directions
- Season and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 4 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. - Add Parmesan and Pepper
Whisk in Parmesan cheese and the remaining black pepper until smooth and creamy. - Simmer and Finish
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken. - Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a light salad.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.
2. What sides pair well with Cacio e Pepe Chicken?
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free version.
