Pepper Chicken Curry is a spicy and aromatic dish with tender chicken pieces and a bold mix of spices with freshly ground black pepper. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or roti, this dish is a must-try for those who enjoy bold and comforting flavors.
Pepper chicken curry
This South Indian dish is known for its rich, spicy, and peppery taste. Unlike tomato or coconut-based curries, pepper chicken gets its warmth from freshly ground black pepper, which adds a unique flavor. In our family, if anyone gets cold, I make this pepper chicken or chicken soup. Try this recipe, and you will know why. You can also make this Kerala-style pepper chicken just to enjoy rainy weather.
How to make black pepper chicken curry
Ingredients used
For detailed ingredients, please check the recipe card.
Method
Clean the chicken thoroughly and keep it aside. Now grind shallots, tomato, and ginger-garlic to a smooth consistency, each separately. Heat oil in a kadai or wok. When the oil is hot, add fennel seeds. When the fennel seeds start to splutter, add ground shallots. Let it cook in the oil until it turns color to slightly golden. Then add ginger-garlic paste and saute until the raw smell goes. At this point, add green chili, ground tomato, and the spice powders except pepper powder. Add a little water and cook until the spice powder’s raw smell disappears.
Once the masala is cooked, add the cleaned chicken. Add the required salt and half a cup of water. Close the kadai and let the chicken cook on a medium flame. Once the chicken is 3/4th cooked, add pepper powder and stir thoroughly. At this stage, add water as per your preference. I didn’t add water as we like thick gravy-style pepper chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, add chopped cilantro and remove from heat. Add freshly ground black pepper for the curry to taste best.
Frequently asked questions
| 1. How to adjust the spice level if I add more pepper or red chili powder? You can drizzle a teaspoon of coconut oil or ghee over the curry before you remove it from the flame. 2. Which cut chicken is good for black pepper chicken curry? I would suggest bone-in pieces will enhance the flavor of this curry, however, if you are serving kids, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breast pieces. 3. What to serve along with pepper chicken curry? You can serve this curry with rice, idli, dosa, appam, roti, or paratha. 4. Can I make this curry a dry pepper chicken? Yes, absolutely. Just simmer the curry until the liquid evaporates while you stir occasionally. |
Need more chicken recipes
Black pepper chicken curry recipe
Black pepper chicken curry
Equipment
- Wok
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken chopped into small pieces
- 1 Cup Shallots
- 1 Tomato big
- Ginger 1-inch piece
- 4 Garlic pods
- 2 Green chili slit lengthwise
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
- 2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- Salt as required
- Coriander leaves few
- 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Clean the chicken thoroughly and keep it aside. Now grind shallots, tomato, and ginger-garlic to a smooth consistency, each separately.
- Heat oil in a kadai or wok. When the oil is hot, add fennel seeds. When the fennel seeds start to splutter, add ground shallots.
- Let it cook in the oil until it turns color to slightly golden. Then add ginger-garlic paste and saute until the raw smell goes.
- At this point, add green chili, ground tomato, and the spice powders except pepper powder.
- Add a little water and cook until the spice powder’s raw smell disappears.
- Once the masala is cooked, add the cleaned chicken. Add the required salt and half a cup of water.
- Close the kadai and let the chicken cook on a medium flame.
- Once the chicken is 3/4th cooked, add pepper powder and stir thoroughly. At this stage, add water as per your preference.
- I didn’t add water as we like thick gravy-style pepper chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, add chopped cilantro and remove from heat. Serve.
Video
Notes
- Add freshly ground black pepper for the curry to taste best.
- Adjust the spiciness as per your preference.
Nutrition
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This post was originally published in September 2016, now updated with new pictures and information.
This pepper chicken curry is bold, spicy, and rich in flavor, with a warm, inviting aroma. A delicious dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little heat!
Thank you so much. I’m glad you loved this curry.
This looked so good that I had to try it! The chicken was tender, and the black pepper gave it just the right amount of warmth. A great recipe for a cosy family dinner.
Thank you so much
This pepper chicken curry sounds bold, spicy, and full of cozy flavor. The freshly ground black pepper and warm spices make it perfect with rice or roti.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the flavors.
I always wanted to try black pepper curry and this was my first time both making and teasting it – safe to say it won;t be the last. very delicious!
Thank you
This was perfect for me and my spice loving husband. Leftovers are great the next day too.
Thank you
I like this kind of simple recipe, your black pepper chicken is so delicious I had it yesterday with some rice.
Thank you
I tried this Black Pepper Chicken Curry, and it was incredible! The freshly ground black pepper adds such a bold, warm spice, and the chicken is so tender and flavorful. Definitely a new favorite for spicy curry lovers!
Thank you so much for trying. I’m glad you loved the recipe
I can’t wait to make this again. The flavor is so HUGE!
thank you
My family loved this recipe! SO tasty and packed full of flavor!
Thank you
Tried this chicken curry recipe, and it was amazing! The freshly ground pepper adds a kick, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Loved it!
Thank you so much for trying the recipe
Looks amazing! The spices are really on point!
Thank you
Delicious
Thank you ?
Another Scrumptious looking dish…thank you!
I must Thank you for your sweet words.??.. Thank you so much?
Ah..thank you for the recipe!!!
Curry Bandit approves ☺️☺️
Thank you?
Awesome recipe!
Thank you Stephanie?