Garlic Pepper Chicken

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
5.0
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Garlic Pepper Chicken is a mouth-watering and simple-to-make recipe. It combines chicken with just a handful of spices and zesty lemon, making it taste amazing. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a lively party, this dish is sure to be a hit that everyone will enjoy.  

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min
Garlic Pepper Chicken  recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
  • 800g
    Chicken (curry cut pieces)
  • 1tsp
    Turmeric
  • 1tsp
    Red Chilli Powder
  • 1/2tbsp
    Salt (divided)
  • 1tbsp
    Coriander Seeds
  • 1tsp
    Cumin Seeds
  • 1 1/2tbsp
    Black Peppercorns
  • 1tbsp
    Fennel Seeds
  • 5tbsp
    Oil
  • 1 1/2tbsp
    Garlic (chopped)
  • 4
    medium-sized Onions (sliced)
  • 2sprigs
    of Curry Leaves
  • 1/2cup
    Tomato Puree
  • 2tbsp
    Lemon Juice
  • 1tbsp
    Ghee (optional)

How to make Garlic Pepper Chicken

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces with turmeric, red chilli powder and ½ tsp salt thoroughly and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Marinate the chicken pieces with turmeric, red chilli powder and ½ tsp salt thoroughly and let it rest for 10-15 minutes
  2. Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, black peppercorns and fennel seeds until they release their aroma. Coarsely grind the roasted spices and set them aside.

    Step 1.1: Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, black peppercorns and fennel seeds until they release their aroma
    Step 1.2: Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, black peppercorns and fennel seeds until they release their aroma
  3. Heat oil in a wok over high heat.

  4. Add chopped garlic and cook until it turns slightly golden.

  5. Add the sliced onions to the wok and mix well. Cook until the onions turn translucent. Add curry leaves and mix again.

    Step 1.1: Add the sliced onions to the wok and mix well
    Step 1.2: Add the sliced onions to the wok and mix well
    Step 1.3: Add the sliced onions to the wok and mix well
  6. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates and releases to the surface.

    Step 1.1: Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates and releases to the surface
    Step 1.2: Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates and releases to the surface
  7. Add the marinated chicken and mix well. Cook until the chicken lightens in colour.

    Step 1.1: Add the marinated chicken and mix well
    Step 1.2: Add the marinated chicken and mix well
  8. Add lemon juice and the remaining salt. Mix, cover and allow the chicken to simmer until fully cooked. Stir occasionally.

  9. Add the coarsely ground spices to the wok and mix well. Cover and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Add the coarsely ground spices to the wok and mix well
    Step 1.2: Add the coarsely ground spices to the wok and mix well
  10. Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavours.

    Step 1.1: Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavours
  11. Serve hot and enjoy.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

570.0kcal (28.5%)

Protein

45.0g (90%)

Carbs

15.0g (5.45%)

Sugars

3.8g (7.5%)

Healthy Fat

20.1g

Unhealthy Fat

7.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Adjust the amount of chillies and lemon juice according to your taste.

  2. Servings may vary based on portion size.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Garlic Pepper Chicken suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    To make Garlic Pepper Chicken gluten-free, ensure that the spices and tomato puree you use are certified gluten-free. Most spices are naturally gluten-free, but it's always best to check the labels. Additionally, you can serve the chicken with gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa.

  2. What are some good side dishes to pair with Garlic Pepper Chicken?

    Garlic Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, naan, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of yogurt sauce to balance the spices and enhance the flavors.

  3. Can I substitute any ingredients in the Garlic Pepper Chicken recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian option. If you don't have certain spices like fennel seeds, you can omit them or replace them with a pinch of anise for a similar flavor. Additionally, lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice if needed.

  4. How should I store leftover Garlic Pepper Chicken?

    Store leftover Garlic Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

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

    To make Garlic Pepper Chicken, start by marinating the chicken with spices and letting it rest. Then, dry roast and grind the spices. Heat oil in a wok, sauté garlic and onions, add tomato puree, and cook until the oil separates. Add the marinated chicken, simmer until cooked, and finish with the ground spices. Let it rest before serving for the best flavor.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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