Chicken au Poivre
Chicken au Poivre offers a rich, peppery twist on a classic French dish. Juicy chicken thighs in a creamy, flavorful sauce make it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 5-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 Shallot
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1½ tablespoon Whole Rainbow Peppercorn
- 3 Thyme Sprigs
- 60 ml Brandy or Cognac
- 80 ml Heavy Cream
- 240 ml Chicken Broth Low-Sodium
- 1 tablespoon Parsley Chopped
Instructions
- Lightly crush the peppercorns using a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, shallots, and garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Add crushed peppercorns and thyme sprigs; cook for 30 seconds.
- Carefully pour in brandy or cognac, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, coating with the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Lightly Crushed Peppercorns Are Essential: Crushing the peppercorns just enough to release their aroma creates a bold yet balanced flavor. I like to use a mortar to gently crush them for better control and consistency.
Let the Brandy Simmer: Allow the brandy or cognac to simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. This leaves behind a rich, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Cream Adds the Magic: Adding heavy cream at the end gives the sauce a luxurious texture and flavor. It's worth the richness, so try not to substitute it.
Fresh Thyme Is Key: Using fresh thyme sprigs adds a deep herbal aroma. Remember to remove them before serving for the best experience.
Serve With Something to Soak Up the Sauce: Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice all work wonderfully to make sure you enjoy every drop of that delicious sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 810kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 346mg | Sodium: 1293mg | Potassium: 933mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1294IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 4mg