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. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy. 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 the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. 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
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if preferred. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a light salad.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to 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 this dish be prepared in advance?
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?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm them up gently on the stovetop 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.
