Peppercorn Chicken Breast
Peppercorn chicken breast features tender chicken coated with crushed peppercorns, served with a creamy orange-tarragon sauce. Perfect for a flavorful, elegant dinner suitable for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts on both sides with crushed peppercorns.
- Heat a heavy, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add margarine to the skillet.
- Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until done.
- Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Increase heat to high.
- Add orange juice, whipping cream, and tarragon to the skillet.
- Boil, stirring until the sauce is glossy, thickened, and reduced by about half.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Serve over rice pilaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using more crushed peppercorns or a mix of different pepper varieties. If you don't have margarine, butter works well as a substitute. For a lighter version, replace the whipping cream with a blend of Greek yogurt and low-fat milk. Don't forget to rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the peppercorn chicken breast over fluffy rice pilaf for a satisfying meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced plate. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken With Cauliflower And Peas, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat gently until warmed through to maintain the chicken's tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppercorn Chicken Breast contains roughly 238 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or pork tenderloin, adjusting cooking times as needed. Ensure the meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature for safety.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or even a mixture of lemon juice and water for a different citrus flavor. Just adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, replace the whipping cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Ensure that any margarine or substitutes used are also dairy-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).