Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Black Pepper Chicken recipe. It’s not just another chicken dish; it’s an explosion of taste that perfectly combines spices and fresh ingredients.
The way the black pepper enhances the chicken’s natural flavors is simply irresistible. Plus, the aroma while it cooks fills your kitchen with a delightful scent that makes everyone excited for dinner.
I love how versatile it is, too; you can serve it with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Black Pepper Chicken
Let’s explore the delicious world of Black Pepper Chicken! Before we get cooking, it’s important to gather all the right ingredients. This dish is all about bold flavors and fresh components, so you want to make sure you have everything on hand before you start.
Trust me, having everything ready will make the cooking process so much smoother, and you’ll be able to enjoy the experience without running back and forth to the pantry. So, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty recipe.
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skinned
- 4 teaspoons freshly cracked black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 30 mm piece of ginger, chopped
- Oil, for frying
- 200 ml water
- A pinch of salt
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients a bit more. The chicken drumsticks are the star of the show, and while you can use other cuts, drumsticks bring such great flavor and moisture to the dish.
Freshly cracked black peppercorns really elevate the taste—seriously, don’t skip this step. If you only have pre-ground pepper, it won’t have the same punch. And turmeric? Not only does it add a lovely golden color, but it also packs some health benefits.
As for the onions, garlic, and ginger—well, they form the aromatic base that makes your kitchen smell like a culinary paradise. So, make sure you have fresh ingredients; they do make a difference. Ready to get cooking? I know I am.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients for the Black Pepper Chicken, let’s jump into making this flavorful dish. The first step is to marinate those 8 chicken drumsticks. In a dish, combine 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt.
Give those drumsticks a good rubdown with this mix—don’t be shy! You want every nook and cranny coated in this flavor explosion. Once they’re all dressed up, cover them and pop them in the fridge to marinate overnight. Trust me, this step is key for infusing the chicken with all that deliciousness.
The next day, it’s time to get cooking. Start by blending the 2 chopped onions, 6 garlic cloves, and that 30 mm piece of ginger with a splash of water until it forms a nice paste. You want it to be smooth, not chunky, because we’re aiming for a silky texture in our dish.
Now, grab a cast iron frying pan and dry roast the remaining 3 teaspoons of black pepper until it starts to smoke a bit. Just watch it carefully; you don’t want it to burn because burnt pepper isn’t the flavor we’re going for.
Once that’s done, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or frying pan. Toss in the thinly sliced onion and fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Then, add your onion, garlic, and ginger paste, continuing to fry until all the liquid evaporates and the mixture starts to get some color. This is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly.
Now, add about ¾ of the roasted black pepper, the chicken drumsticks with all their marinade juices, 200 ml of water, and another half teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil, cover it, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
If the sauce thickens too much, don’t panic—just add a splash more water. When it’s time to serve, sprinkle the remaining roasted pepper on top for that extra kick. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Black Pepper Chicken Substitutions & Variations
While black pepper chicken is delicious as is, I love experimenting with substitutions and variations to suit my taste or dietary needs.
For a lighter option, I often use skinless chicken breasts instead of drumsticks. If I want a vegetarian twist, tofu or tempeh works great.
I sometimes switch up the spices, adding chili flakes for heat or curry powder for a different flavor profile. Instead of water, using chicken broth enhances the richness.
I’ve even tossed in vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition. These simple tweaks keep my black pepper chicken exciting every time!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your black pepper chicken turns out perfectly, I recommend paying attention to the marinating time; the longer you let the flavors meld, the better the dish will be.
Don’t skip the step of dry roasting the black pepper; it intensifies the flavor. If you want a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
For a richer sauce, you can add coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
Finally, serve it over rice or with naan to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect balance of flavors!