Pepper chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine that is known for its spicy and flavorful taste. The dish is made by marinating chicken pieces with a blend of spices and then cooking them in a pan with onions, garlic, and lots of freshly ground black pepper. The dish can be made with bone-in or boneless chicken and can be served as a main course with rice or bread.
How To Make:
To make pepper chicken, the first step is to marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. The marinated chicken is then pan-fried until golden brown and set aside.
In the same pan, sliced onions and minced garlic are sautéed until fragrant, and then freshly ground black pepper is added to the pan. The chicken is then added back to the pan along with some water or chicken broth, and cooked until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
Pepper chicken can be customized to suit individual tastes by adjusting the amount of black pepper used. Some people like their pepper chicken to be extra spicy, while others prefer a milder version. The dish can also be made with different cuts of chicken, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks.
Tips and Variations:
Use freshly ground black pepper: For the best flavor, it's recommended to use freshly ground black pepper. You can grind the pepper in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder version of pepper chicken, you can reduce the amount of black pepper used in the recipe. Alternatively, if you like it extra spicy, you can add more black pepper or use hotter chili powder.
Use bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken can add more flavor to the dish, but it may take longer to cook than boneless chicken. You can also use a combination of bone-in and boneless chicken for added flavor and texture.
Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms to the dish to make it more nutritious and colorful.
Make it creamy: To make the dish creamier, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce. This will also help to balance out the spiciness.
Use different cuts of chicken: You can use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, to make the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top of the dish can add some extra freshness and flavor.
Overall, pepper chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. With these tips and variations, you can make it your own and enjoy it in different ways.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours or at least 30 minutes. Oil should be heated to a medium-high temperature in a pan. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Chicken should be taken out of the pan and placed aside. Add the minced garlic and onion slices to the same pan. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add the freshly ground black pepper to the pan and stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
After reintroducing the chicken to the pan, add the water or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Lower the heat and simmer the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional) and serve hot with rice or bread.
This recipe makes 4 servings of pepper chicken. You can adjust the amount of black pepper used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.