A spicy and flavorful chicken dish marinated with black pepper and curry leaves, then cooked with onions and a special masala blend.

Pepper Chicken recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 15min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 piece)

For Chicken Marination

  • Chicken leg (thighs & drumsticks)
    Chicken leg (thighs & drumsticks)
    1kg
  • Black peppercorns, crushed
    Black peppercorns, crushed
    2tbsp
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    6sprigs
  • Prepared Ginger Garlic paste
    Prepared Ginger Garlic paste
    2tbsp
  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp

For Ginger Garlic Paste

  • Ginger (peeled & roughly chopped)
    Ginger (peeled & roughly chopped)
    1 1/2in
  • cloves Garlic
    cloves Garlic
    7
  • Green chillies (less spicy & roughly torn)
    Green chillies (less spicy & roughly torn)
    3piece
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste

For Chicken Pepper Fry

  • Oil
    Oil
    1/3cup
  • Curry leaves
    Curry leaves
    3sprigs
  • medium Onions, chopped
    medium Onions, chopped
    4piece
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste
  • Marinated Chicken
    Marinated Chicken
  • Curd, beaten
    Curd, beaten
    1 1/2cups
  • Prepared masala
    Prepared masala
    3tbsp
  • Black pepper powder
    Black pepper powder
    2tsp

For Masala

  • Coriander seeds
    Coriander seeds
    1/2tbsp
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1/2tbsp
  • Black peppercorns
    Black peppercorns
    2tbsp
  • Cloves
    Cloves
    7piece
  • Black cardamom
    Black cardamom
    12piece
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste

For Garnish

  • Coriander
    Coriander
    1sprig

How to make Pepper Chicken

For Chicken Marination

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, add chicken, black peppercorns, curry leaves, prepared ginger garlic paste, and oil. Marinate well.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, add chicken, black peppercorns, curry leaves, prepared ginger garlic paste, and oil
    Step 1.2: In a bowl, add chicken, black peppercorns, curry leaves, prepared ginger garlic paste, and oil

For Ginger Garlic Paste

  1. Step 1

    In a mortar pestle, add ginger, garlic, green chillies, and salt to taste. Grind into a coarse paste.

    Step 2.1: In a mortar pestle, add ginger, garlic, green chillies, and salt to taste

For Chicken Pepper Fry

  1. Step 1

    In a handi, add oil. Once it's hot, add curry leaves, onions, and salt to taste. Cook until translucent.

    Step 3.1: In a handi, add oil
  2. Step 2

    Add marinated chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes on medium flame.

    Step 3.1: Add marinated chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes on medium flame
  3. Step 3

    Add curd, prepared masala, and cook together for a while.

    Step 3.1: Add curd, prepared masala, and cook together for a while
    Step 3.2: Add curd, prepared masala, and cook together for a while
  4. Step 4

    Once the chicken is well-cooked, add black pepper powder and mix well.

    Step 3.1: Once the chicken is well-cooked, add black pepper powder and mix well
  5. Step 5

    Switch off the flame and transfer to a serving dish or bowl.

    Step 3.1: Switch off the flame and transfer to a serving dish or bowl
  6. Step 6

    Garnish with coriander sprig and lemon wedge.

    Step 3.1: Garnish with coriander sprig and lemon wedge

For Masala

  1. Step 1

    In a pan, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, black cardamom, and salt to taste. Roast until aromatic.

    Step 4.1: In a pan, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, black cardamom, and salt to taste
  2. Step 2

    Switch off the flame and transfer to a mixer grinder jar. Grind into a smooth fine powder.

    Step 4.1: Switch off the flame and transfer to a mixer grinder jar

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

730.0kcal (36.5%)

Protein

55.0g (100%)

Carbs

30.0g (10.91%)

Sugars

7.5g (15%)

Healthy Fat

30.1g

Unhealthy Fat

10.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.

  2. Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice tolerance.

FAQS

  1. How do I properly marinate chicken for Pepper Chicken to enhance flavor?

    To marinate chicken for Pepper Chicken, combine 1 kg of chicken leg pieces with crushed black peppercorns, curry leaves, ginger garlic paste, and oil in a bowl. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

  2. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Pepper Chicken for dietary restrictions?

    If you're looking for substitutions in Pepper Chicken, you can use boneless chicken breast instead of thighs and drumsticks for a leaner option. For a dairy-free version, replace the curd with coconut yogurt or a non-dairy alternative. If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of green chillies or omit them entirely.

  3. How can I store leftover Pepper Chicken and how long will it last?

    To store leftover Pepper Chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, where it can last for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  4. What side dishes pair well with Pepper Chicken for a complete meal?

    Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a traditional meal. You can also serve it with naan or roti for a delightful experience. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side salad or raita made with yogurt and cucumber to balance the spiciness.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Pepper Chicken from scratch?

    To make Pepper Chicken, start by marinating the chicken with black peppercorns, curry leaves, ginger garlic paste, and oil. Next, cook onions and curry leaves in hot oil until translucent, then add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7-8 minutes. Stir in beaten curd and a special masala blend, and finish with black pepper powder. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

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@afsheenmushtaq

I am not a professional chef, but I love cooking....

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