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Cacio E Pepe Chicken: The Ultimate Creamy Pecorino and Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 755 reviews

Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a delicious and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made with Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, heavy cream, and butter. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and peppery flavors, making it an ultimate comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving up for family or guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste

Sauce

  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
  2. Heat Olive Oil: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sauté for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through.
  4. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
  5. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the buttery pan drippings.
  6. Add Cheese and Pepper: Gradually mix in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese along with the freshly cracked black pepper, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them well with the creamy cheese sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed to balance the richness and peppery bite.
  9. Serve: Place the chicken on serving plates, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with additional freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
  10. Enjoy: Serve your Cacio E Pepe Chicken warm alongside your favorite sides like pasta, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
  • Keep the heat moderate while making the sauce to prevent the cheese from clumping or burning.
  • This dish pairs well with simple sides like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: Cacio E Pepe Chicken, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Italian Chicken Dish, Pecorino Romano Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Peppery Chicken, One Pan Chicken

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/cacio-e-pepe-chicken-the-ultimate-creamy-pecorino-and-black-pepper-chicken-recipe/