Salt and Pepper Chicken
Crispy, juicy bites of fried chicken tossed in a fiery mix of freshly cracked black pepper, garlic, and sautéed veggies. This Indo-Chinese classic is the perfect appetizer for any party or a delicious side for your fried rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken (15 mins)
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
- c.Add the beaten egg and mix well.
- d.Finally, add the cornflour and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until a thick batter coats each piece of chicken.
- e.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.First Fry the Chicken (8-10 mins)
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat to approximately 175°C (350°F).
- c.Working in two batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, until the chicken is cooked through and a light golden color.
- e.Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a wire rack.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Second Fry for Extra Crispiness (4-5 mins)
- b.Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F).
- c.Return the fried chicken to the hot oil, again in batches.
- d.Fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is deep golden brown and exceptionally crispy.
- e.Remove and drain again on the wire rack.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Stir-fry (3 mins)
- b.In a clean wok or large pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil on high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 1-2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toss and Serve (1 min)
- b.Add the double-fried chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Immediately sprinkle the coarsely crushed black pepper and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt over the chicken.
- d.Toss everything vigorously on high heat for 30-60 seconds to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
- e.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic and pungent flavor, always use black peppercorns that you've freshly crushed in a mortar and pestle or with a spice grinder.
- 2Using chicken thigh meat is highly recommended as it stays juicier and more tender after frying compared to chicken breast.
- 3The double-frying technique is crucial for achieving a super crispy texture that holds up even after tossing with the veggies.
- 4Ensure all your stir-fry ingredients are chopped and ready (mise en place) before you start, as the final tossing process is very quick.
- 5Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy, greasy chicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer, firm tofu, or large mushrooms. The coating and frying process remains the same, though frying times may be shorter.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1-2 chopped red chilies or a teaspoon of chili flakes along with the green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
Healthier (Air Fryer)Healthier (Air-Fryer)
For a lower-fat version, marinate the chicken as directed. Spray with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Then proceed with the stir-fry step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Metabolism Support
Black pepper contains piperine, a bioactive compound that has been shown to enhance nutrient absorption and potentially boost metabolism.
Immune-Boosting Properties
Garlic and onions are rich in compounds like allicin and quercetin, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
As a deep-fried dish, Salt and Pepper Chicken is high in calories and fat, making it best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. For a healthier alternative, you can try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying.