Spicy Pepper Chicken: A Flavorful Indian Delight
Spicy Pepper Chicken is a savory and aromatic dish from Indian cuisine, perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful kick in their meals. This dish features tender pieces of chicken cooked with a medley of aromatic spices, complemented by the warmth of black pepper and the subtle sweetness of onions. Paired with steamed rice or Chettinad Style Poondu Rasam, this dish is a comforting choice for a weekday dinner. With a balance of spices and juicy chicken, Spicy Pepper Chicken is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 cups (cut into medium-sized pieces) |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Onions | 3 (finely sliced) |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Tomato | 1 (deseeded) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Curry leaves | Handful |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | Handful (for garnish) |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4 people
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian
Course
- Course: Dinner
Diet
- Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating a kadhai (wok) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely sliced onions and sautรฉ them until they turn soft and transparent. This will bring out their sweetness and mellow flavor, creating the base of the dish. -
-
Add Ginger Garlic Paste:
Next, add the ginger garlic paste to the onions. Continue to sautรฉ until the raw smell disappears, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the kadhai. Stir the chicken well, ensuring that all the pieces are coated with the onions and ginger-garlic mixture. You’ll notice the chicken changing color as it starts to cook. -
Spice the Chicken:
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and red chili powder. Toss the chicken pieces well to coat them evenly with the spices. The spices will infuse the chicken with a rich, vibrant color and heat. -
Simmer the Chicken:
Pour in a cup of water, cover the kadhai with a lid, and cook the chicken on medium heat. Let the chicken simmer slowly to absorb all the flavors, ensuring that it cooks through and becomes tender. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. -
Roast the Whole Spices:
While the chicken is cooking, take a heavy-bottomed pan and dry roast the whole black peppercorns. You will hear a popping sound as they release their aroma. Once they start popping, add cumin seeds and fennel seeds to the pan and roast them until they turn slightly brown. Be careful not to over-roast, as burning the spices can lead to bitterness. -
Grind the Spices:
After roasting, remove the spices from the heat and allow them to cool. Once cooled, grind them coarsely to release their full flavor. This fresh ground spice blend will add depth to the chicken. -
Add the Tomato:
Once the chicken has cooked and absorbed most of the water, reduce the heat and add the deseeded tomato. The tomato should be added at this stage to maintain its texture, preventing it from turning mushy. Stir the chicken gently to incorporate the tomato into the dish. -
Finish with Ground Spices:
Add the freshly ground spice mix to the chicken. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed, and the chicken is infused with the aromatic blend. -
Garnish and Serve:
Toss in a handful of curry leaves and give everything one last stir. Turn off the heat and garnish the Spicy Pepper Chicken with fresh coriander leaves. This garnish adds a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the spiciness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spicy Pepper Chicken as part of a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with Chettinad Style Poondu Rasam (a tangy and spicy garlic-based soup) and Steamed Rice. This combination will bring out the full spectrum of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weekday dinner.
Tips and Variations
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Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder and black pepper. For more heat, add extra chili powder or even a few sliced green chilies along with the onions.
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Fennel Seeds Substitute: If you donโt have fennel seeds, you can substitute them with a little bit of ground coriander for a similar flavor.
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Tender Chicken: Ensure that you cook the chicken on medium heat for the best texture. Cooking it on high heat can lead to dry or tough chicken pieces.
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Fresh Ground Spices: For a more aromatic and flavorful dish, always use freshly ground spices. The roasting and grinding process releases more essential oils from the spices, making the dish more fragrant.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~450mg |
Why You’ll Love Spicy Pepper Chicken
This Spicy Pepper Chicken is a fantastic example of Indian cuisine’s vibrant and aromatic flavors. The combination of freshly ground spices and tender chicken creates a dish that is rich in both flavor and texture. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken absorbs all the spices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bite with every mouthful.
The use of black pepper and fennel seeds adds a unique touch that sets this dish apart, giving it a balance of heat and sweetness that is irresistible. Whether served on a busy weekday or a special occasion, Spicy Pepper Chicken is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy it as part of a comforting meal, and savor the authentic flavors of India in every bite!
