Spicy, Creamy Red Pepper Vodka Chicken Recipe

Spicy, Creamy Red Pepper Vodka Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers, vodka, and a touch of heat. It’s a comforting meal with a balance of spiciness and creaminess, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Spicy, Creamy Red Pepper Vodka Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (jarred or homemade)
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the roasted red peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Deglaze with Vodka:

• Carefully pour the vodka into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the vodka cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add the Cream:

• Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

5. Blend the Sauce (Optional):

• For a smoother sauce, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the skillet.

6. Add Parmesan and Season:

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy red pepper sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.

8. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Tips:

• Spice level: You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the flakes.
• Vodka substitute: If you prefer not to use vodka, you can replace it with additional chicken broth, but the vodka adds a unique depth to the sauce.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the chicken fresh.

Summary:

Spicy, Creamy Red Pepper Vodka Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring juicy chicken in a luscious, spicy cream sauce made with roasted red peppers, vodka, and Parmesan. It’s easy to prepare, with a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal. Serve it over pasta or rice to make it a complete, satisfying dish.