By Aditi Saraswat
May 11, 2026
Pepper chicken is a South Indian style comfort dish that has the taste of roasted black pepper, curry leaves and aromatic spices. This fiery chicken milagu varuval works perfectly for the days when dinner has to feel rich and especially satisfying.
500 g chicken pieces 2 tbsp crushed black pepper 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 10 to 12 curry leaves 12 shallots or 2 onions, sliced 2 green chillies ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 2 tbsp oil Salt as required Fresh coriander for garnish
In a bowl, mix chicken with some turmeric, salt, ginger-garlic paste and some crushed pepper. Let it rest for some time so that the chicken can soak up the spices.
In a pan, dry roast the black pepper, fennel and cumin lightly until they bloom and turn aromatic.
In a deep vessel, heat oil and sauté the shallots, green chillies and curry leaves slowly until they turn soft and aromatic to make the base.
To the base, add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until the meat turns soft while soaking up the spice flavours properly.
Towards the end, sprinkle the freshly crushed pepper to elevate the flavour and give it its classic taste.
Lastly, garnish with some coriander leaves and extra curry leaves before serving hot with parotta, dosa or even simple steamed rice.