How to Make Aromatic Chicken Kali Mirch (Black Pepper Chicken)

Simple Summary

Chicken Kali Mirch is a flavorful Indian dish that showcases the bold taste of black pepper, creating a perfect balance of heat and savory flavors in tender chicken pieces.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 40 minutes (including marination)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 tsp of the ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup of the yogurt. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet or kadai over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in the remaining black pepper, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

5. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown.

6. Pour in the remaining yogurt and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

7. Uncover and increase heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.

8. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Chef's Notes

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of black pepper to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
• You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes to prevent drying.
• To make the dish creamier, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream at the end.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 420 calories, 35g protein, 25g fat (8g saturated), 10g carbohydrates. This dish is high in protein and provides a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Kali Mirch with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of cooling cucumber raita complements the dish's heat nicely. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad of sliced tomatoes and onions dressed with lemon juice. Pair with a cold lassi or a light Indian beer for a refreshing beverage option.