Dinner

Chicken Breast with Hot Cherry Peppers

This spicy and flavorful chicken dish features tender chicken breast cutlets cooked in a garlic white wine sauce with hot cherry peppers. Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of heat, this dish is reminiscent of Chicken Francese but with a unique twist from the peppers. Serve it with a side of vegetables or over pasta for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 8 thin-sliced chicken cutlets (about 3 oz each)
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp unbleached flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • 4 tsp olive oil, divided
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup jarred hot cherry peppers, sliced and drained
  • 1/4 cup white wine (or additional chicken broth)
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp flour (to thicken sauce)
  • Parsley for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season chicken cutlets with 1 tsp salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. Place flour in a shallow bowl and beaten eggs in another.
  3. Heat 1 tsp oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
  4. Lightly coat each chicken cutlet with flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the beaten eggs.
  5. Saute the chicken in batches, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Add more oil as needed for subsequent batches. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

Make the Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp flour with the chicken broth to prevent clumping.
  2. Heat 1 tsp oil in the same pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add hot cherry peppers and white wine. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
  4. Stir in the chicken broth mixture, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to warm through.
  2. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving, 2 Pieces with Sauce)

  • Calories: 347 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12.5 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 217 mg
  • Sodium: 451 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1.5 g

This Chicken Breast with Hot Cherry Peppers dish is a spicy, savory, and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

  • Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor
    The hot cherry peppers provide a spicy, tangy punch that complements the richness of the white wine and garlic sauce, making every bite exciting.
  • Tender and Juicy Chicken
    Thin-sliced chicken cutlets cook quickly and evenly, staying moist and tender while soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
  • Simple Yet Sophisticated
    With basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe feels fancy enough for special occasions but is easy to make on a weeknight.
  • Versatile Serving Options
    Pair it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that can be tailored to your preferences.

Flavors That Shine

This dish is a flavor powerhouse, with each component playing a distinct role in creating a harmonious meal:

  • Garlic White Wine Sauce
    The sauce is the heart of this recipe, with its buttery, garlicky richness enhanced by the dry acidity of white wine. It coats the chicken beautifully and adds a luxurious feel to the dish.
  • Hot Cherry Peppers
    These peppers bring the heat, tang, and a touch of sweetness, cutting through the richness of the sauce and elevating the flavor profile.
  • Lightly Breaded Chicken
    The thin coating of flour and egg creates a golden crust on the chicken, adding texture and helping the sauce adhere to each piece.
  • Fresh Parsley
    A sprinkle of parsley adds a burst of freshness, balancing the bold flavors and enhancing the presentation.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also provides several nutritional benefits:

  • High in Protein
    Each serving packs a generous amount of protein, making it a satisfying option that supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
  • Rich in Flavor, Moderate in Calories
    At around 347 calories per serving, this dish delivers bold flavors without being overly indulgent, fitting into a balanced diet.
  • Low in Carbohydrates
    With just 12.5 grams of carbs per serving, it’s a great option for those following a low-carb lifestyle or looking to balance their meals.
  • Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
    Hot cherry peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while garlic adds immune-boosting properties.

Occasions Perfect for This Dish

This Chicken Breast with Hot Cherry Peppers is a versatile recipe that works well for various occasions:

  • Weeknight Dinners
    Despite its elegant appearance, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
  • Entertaining Guests
    Impress your friends and family with a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality, without the need for complicated techniques.
  • Meal Prep
    This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
  • Romantic Dinners
    Its sophisticated flavors and presentation make it a perfect choice for a special dinner for two.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Here are some ideas for serving:

  • Over Pasta
    Toss the sauce with al dente pasta for a comforting, hearty meal.
  • With Rice
    Pair it with white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • With Vegetables
    Serve alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for a lighter option.
  • With Crusty Bread
    Use crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce for a rustic and satisfying pairing.

Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences:

  • Protein Alternatives
    Swap chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops for a different take on the dish.
  • Vegetarian Option
    Use firm tofu or seitan as a substitute for chicken, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Adjusting Spice Levels
    For a milder version, use fewer hot cherry peppers or replace them with sweet peppers. For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
  • Gluten-Free Option
    Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the dish.
  • Richness Adjustments
    For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche at the end.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chicken Breast with Hot Cherry Peppers turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Pound the Chicken Thin
    If your chicken cutlets aren’t uniformly thin, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
    Sauté the chicken in batches to allow even browning and prevent steaming.
  • Use Freshly Ground Pepper
    Freshly ground black pepper makes a big difference in enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
  • Deglaze with Wine
    When adding the white wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate the browned bits, which add depth to the sauce.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning
    Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed for a perfectly balanced flavor.

Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser

Chicken Breast with Hot Cherry Peppers has universal appeal for several reasons:

  • Bold and Exciting Flavors: The combination of spicy, tangy, and savory notes makes it a standout dish.
  • Simple Yet Elegant: It’s easy enough for a casual dinner but refined enough for entertaining.
  • Customizable: With a few tweaks, it can be tailored to different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Comforting and Familiar: It offers the comfort of a classic chicken dish with an exciting twist.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish

This Chicken Breast with Hot Cherry Peppers is a true culinary gem, offering a delicious blend of heat, tang, and richness that’s hard to resist. Its tender chicken, bold sauce, and customizable nature make it a versatile addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.

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