Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines bold peppery flavors with rich, cheesy indulgence, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe. Imagine succulent chicken thighs roasted until perfectly golden and tender, then bathed in a luxuriously creamy cacio e pepe sauce that carries just the right zing of lemon and garlic. This meal is totally keto-friendly too, making it a fantastic choice if you want something decadent yet low-carb. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping dinner everyone will beg you for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe relies on simple yet flavor-packed ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds a layer of texture, aroma, or that irresistible taste that makes this dish shine.

• 8 chicken thighs: The star of the dish, juicy and tender with skin that crisps up just right.
• Olive oil: Used to massage the thighs and help the seasonings stick, plus for roasting.
• Flaky kosher salt: Perfect for seasoning both meat and skin, enhancing every bite.
• Black pepper: The essential, spicy punch in true cacio e pepe style.
• 2 teaspoons dried marjoram: Adds a subtle herbaceous note, but feel free to swap with oregano or Italian seasoning.
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic: Deepens the savory profile with gentle garlic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion: Brings mild sweetness and complexity.
• 1 cup finely shredded pecorino-romano cheese: Hand-shredded for the freshest, sharpest cheesy taste.
• 1 tablespoon rendered chicken juices (optional): Adds extra richness to the sauce if you have it on hand.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Just a pinch to warm up the cream sauce subtly.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For a fresh herb hit in the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: The bright zing that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Make Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by trimming excess fat from your chicken thighs for a leaner finish. Then, generously season the meat side with flaky kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the dried marjoram, granulated garlic, and granulated onion over the meat before drizzling olive oil and massaging the mixture in—this step infuses the chicken with flavor. Set the thighs aside for 20 to 30 minutes to let the seasonings penetrate, while you preheat your oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Crisp the Skin and Roast the Chicken

Flip your chicken thighs skin-side up and pat the skin dry to ensure maximum crispiness. Drizzle and massage more olive oil on the skin, then season generously again with flaky kosher salt and lots of black pepper. Roast the chicken for 45 minutes, allowing the skin to turn golden and crackling delicious. Once roasted, sprinkle pecorino cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, letting that cheese melt and complement the crispy skin beautifully. Let the chicken rest briefly before moving to the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cacio e Pepe Sauce

In a large skillet, combine rendered chicken juices (if you saved them), heavy cream, black pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, granulated garlic, dried parsley, and dried marjoram. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until it thickens to a creamy consistency—about 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, then stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and that freshly shredded pecorino. Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust with flaky kosher salt or extra black pepper if you want a little more kick.

Step 4: Plate and Combine

Finally, nestle those perfectly roasted chicken thighs into the rich cacio e pepe sauce. The sauce clings to the chicken beautifully, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves sprinkled over the dish bring a bright, herbal note and a vibrant splash of green that visually contrasts the creamy sauce and golden chicken. For an extra cheesy indulgence, add some more pecorino-romano cheese on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides like sautéed spinach or garlic-roasted broccoli to complement its richness. Cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad are perfect keto-friendly companions that keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or zucchini ribbons tossed in olive oil and garlic. For an elegant twist, drizzle the cacio e pepe sauce artistically around the plate and top with microgreens for a gourmet touch your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken thighs and sauce together by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture retention before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps preserve the cream sauce’s texture without breaking. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring between each, to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe?

While chicken thighs offer juiciness and more flavor, you can use chicken breasts. Just be mindful that breasts cook faster and can dry out, so adjust roasting times accordingly and consider brining first for extra moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?

Absolutely! This Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe is naturally keto-friendly, thanks to the high-fat cream and cheese and lack of carb-heavy ingredients. It’s a creamy, satisfying option for low-carb meal plans.

What if I don’t have pecorino-romano cheese? Can I substitute it?

Pecorino is ideal for its sharp salty flavor, but you can substitute aged Parmesan if needed. Just avoid softer cheeses that won’t melt the same way or alter the flavor balance too much.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead and gently reheated before serving. Keep an eye on the texture, stirring as needed, since cream sauces can sometimes thicken or separate if overheated.

Why is black pepper so important in this Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe?

Black pepper is essential for authentic cacio e pepe flavor. It provides that signature peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream, balancing the dish perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cacio e Pepe Chicken Thighs Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together without fuss, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests. With its crispy, flavorful chicken and silky sauce that sings with pepper, lemon, and garlic, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again. Give it a try—you deserve a meal this delicious!

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