This is a spicy south Indian chicken preparation spiced with a lot of black pepper. In Indian cuisine, the term ‘fry’ sometimes refers to a dish prepared by simmering the ingredients slowly till it has been reduced to a thick, almost dry consistency. Such is the case with this dish, and do not confuse this with a deep-fried chicken preparation.
We used to eat Chicken Pepper Fry or Pepper Chicken Masala (there seems to be many names for this) at a local restaurant back in my childhood. I used to bug my mom to make chicken like in the restaurant. In those days, restaurant food always tasted better than homemade. Nowadays, they are just a matter of convenience on certain weekends when I need a break, and I yearn for a good home-cooked meal. How perceptions change!
Anyway, long story short, it turned out that mom did have a pepper chicken recipe up her sleeve, and I diligently copied it when I was married.
I love preparing chicken this way whenever I have time. It is spicy, but the heat factor can be toned down somewhat if you want. It tastes even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to develop.
This dish is flavored with a lot of ginger and green chilies and of course, pepper. It is traditionally prepared with freshly ground black pepper. But, ready-made pepper powder is an easy substitute for lazy busy moms.
Please also note the absence of tomatoes, either fresh or in paste form, in the recipe.
You will need:
- Chicken – 1 lb, cleaned and cut into medium-sized, bone-in pieces
- Oil – 3 tbsp
- Whole spices – 1-in piece of cinnamon, 2-3 cloves, 1-2 cardamom pods, 5-6 black pepper corns
- Curry leaves – a few
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
- Ginger – 2-in piece, grated or finely chopped
- Green chilies – 2, slit lengthwise
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
- Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper powder – 1/2 – 1 tsp (as per heat desired)
To finish,
- Green chilies – 2, cut into thin rounds
- Ginger – 2-in piece, julienned or cut into very thin strips
- Curry leaves – a few
- Lemon juice – 1 tsp
How to:
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Add the whole spices. Allow them to sputter and become fragrant.
- Add chopped onions, grated/chopped ginger and slit green chilies. Saute till the onions turn golden brown.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder. Saute lightly for a minute.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Season with salt.
- Cook the chicken on medium high heat and allow the pieces to develop a light sear.
- Add a tablespoon of water. Cover and cook on low heat till chicken is nice and tender. Give it a stir a couple of times. The key is to add very little water, and cook the chicken in its own juices.
- Once done, open and increase the heat till most of the liquid is evaporated.
- Add the ingredients listed under “To finish”, and simmer till the gravy is thick and fairly dry. Taste and see if you can handle an extra dash of black pepper powder.
- Serve hot with aromatic rice or pulao or Indian flat-bread like rotis or naan.
Try this with some easy-to-make pulao and raita.
Or whip up some Coconut-Mint Chutney instead of the raita. Yum!
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Theresa says
This looks delicious. I seldom cook Indian food but this looks simple enough to try!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thanks Theresa! I hope you do try this. It is really simple and so yummy!
lydiaf1963 says
I’m always happy to find a new source for Indian recipes 🙂 This looks delicious, I’m going to pin it for later. Stopping in from Marvelous Mondays to say hello!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thanks Lydia!
Hope you keep coming back!
Cathy Compeau says
Lookin good! I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. Your favorite posts, most popular, recent or new! The party is open every Thursday night and closes Wednesday’s at midnight. Followed by (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday! http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/.
I would be honored if you join us and follow to stay connected Have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Cathy
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thanks for visiting!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
NOW THAT – LOOKS UTTERLY AMAZING! Out of this world delicious! 🙂
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you!
redtagcouture says
Yum! This is one of my favorite Indian dishes. I have some extra time next week and might give the recipe a try. I always feel like I need a day off when I try a new recipe… Not sure why?!?
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you! I hope you give this a try.
I feel the same way about a new recipe. It is kind of a momentous event for me too 😉
Paula says
Oh Anjana I think I know what I will be cooking this evening. Just sent my son to take out the chicken. Trying to decide whether to make naan or paratha. Thanks so much for this fab recipe. I can smell it from here.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Paula! Hope your family loves it as much as we do.
FABBY says
Such great food…I’m loving the chicken! Thanks for the récipe too. Big hugs,
FABBY
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thanks FABBY. Hope you’ll try it!
Lauren @MomHomeGuide says
This looks great! I am going to pin this recipe. Thanks so much!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thanks Lauren. Hope you’ll try it!