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Easy Chicken au Poivre Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 337 reviews

A classic French-inspired Chicken au Poivre recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy peppercorn sauce with brandy, shallots, and fresh thyme. This elegant yet easy stovetop dish offers rich flavors perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs (trim excess fat and pat dry)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (0.75 oz) minced shallots
  • 1½ tablespoons whole black peppercorns (lightly crushed)
  • 3 thyme sprigs
  • ¼ cup brandy or cognac
  • 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Crush Peppercorns: Lightly crush the whole black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle to release their robust flavor. Set aside for use in the sauce.
  2. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously on all sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and place on a plate.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze: In the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add butter, minced shallots, thyme sprigs, and the crushed peppercorns. Sauté briefly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the brandy and cook for another 2 minutes to reduce slightly and burn off alcohol.
  4. Add Broth and Reduce: Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth and cook until the liquid reduces by half, approximately 5 minutes, intensifying the flavors.
  5. Finish Sauce and Cook Chicken: Lower heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and simmer for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally, scraping bottom to prevent burning.
  6. Serve: Spoon the rich peppercorn sauce over the chicken, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a deliciously creamy and peppery meal.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Lightly crushing peppercorns helps release their flavor without overpowering the sauce.
  • Do not skip the step of scraping the skillet bottom to incorporate all the flavorful bits into the sauce.
  • Can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Substitute cognac with brandy if preferred or unavailable.

Keywords: Chicken au Poivre, French chicken recipe, creamy peppercorn sauce, chicken thighs recipe, easy French dinner

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/easy-chicken-au-poivre-recipe/