Great Grandmother's Pepper Chicken
A traditional dry pepper chicken dish with aromatic spices and a hint of vinegar, perfect for serving with rice or bread.

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken, jointed1kg
- onions, sliced3
- onions, chopped2
- turmeric powder1/2tsp
- vinegar1tbsp
- freshly ground pepper powder1tsp
- stick cinnamon1
- cloves5clove
- curry leaves2sprigs
- oil2tbsp
- water1/2cup
- salt1tsp
- boiled potatoes quartered and pan fried for garnish2
- curry leaves for garnish3sprigs
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
508.8kcal (25.44%)
Protein
44.0g (88%)
Carbs
1.3g (0.45%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.26%)
Healthy Fat
20.1g
Unhealthy Fat
7.5g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Great Grandmother's Pepper Chicken
Preparation
- Step 1
Roast the cinnamon and cloves, then powder them and set aside. Or use 3/4 tsp cinnamon powder and 1/2 tsp clove powder.
Cooking
- Step 1
Cook the chicken with 2 chopped onions, turmeric, water, salt, vinegar, and pepper. Once done, set aside.
- Step 2
Heat oil in a frying pan and add curry leaves, followed by the sliced onions. Fry until golden brown.
- Step 3
Add the cooked chicken to the pan, reserving the stock, and gently stir fry until brown.
- Step 4
Add the reserved stock and simmer until it evaporates.
- Step 5
Add the roasted and powdered spices, gently mix, and remove from heat.
Serving
- Step 1
Garnish with fried potatoes (optional) and curry leaves.
- Step 2
Serve with curd rice, white rice, or bread.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
508.8kcal (25.44%)
Protein
44.0g (88%)
Carbs
1.3g (0.45%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.26%)
Healthy Fat
20.1g
Unhealthy Fat
7.5g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
If you prefer a gravy, add more water and simmer for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.
FAQS
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time may be slightly reduced.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of freshly ground pepper powder to taste.
What can I serve with this pepper chicken?
It pairs well with curd rice, white rice, or bread.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
Is there a substitute for curry leaves?
There is no exact substitute, but you can use bay leaves for a different flavour.
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Ruth Isaac
(@cookwithruth)
I am an Applied Psychologist with a passion for cooking and helping people change their lives through Food Therapy (Nutrition and Cooking Classes) I am an Applied Psychologist with a passion for cooking and helping people change their lives through Food Therapy (Nutrition and Cooking Classes)...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia