Are you craving a flavorful, aromatic, and surprisingly easy Indian dinner? Look no further! This Pepper Chicken recipe is a delicious explosion of spices and tender chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, balancing simplicity with incredible taste. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of easy recipes and healthy meals, making it a winner for everyone. Get ready to elevate your dinner game!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (optional, for extra zing)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ½ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!). This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken.
Sauté Aromatics:
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Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step builds the foundation of flavor in many delicious dishes.
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Add the green chilies, ginger, and garlic (and ginger-garlic paste if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Spice it Up:
- Add the remaining turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices; this is key to achieving the best flavor profile in your pepper chicken.
Chicken Time:
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Finishing Touches:
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Add the bell peppers and salt. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are tender-crisp. Quick dinner ideas often rely on using pre-cut vegetables to save time.
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Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious pepper chicken hot with rice, naan bread, or roti. This recipe is a great example of a quick and easy recipe that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier dish: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or yogurt at the end.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or carrots.
- Adjust the spice level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of green chilies and chili powder.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
This Pepper Chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy the delicious and aromatic flavors of this easy-to-make Indian dish! It's a perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights or a special occasion.