Pepper Chicken

About This Dish

Pepper Chicken is a bold, aromatic South Indian dish that’s celebrated for its deep black pepper flavour and comforting warmth. Unlike chilli-heavy curries, this semi-dry preparation delivers a slow-building heat from freshly ground black pepper. The resulting spice profile is earthy, stimulating, and incredibly moreish. Juicy chicken pieces are sautéed with curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and caramelised onions for a thick, clinging masala that coats every bite.

What sets it apart is the way it delivers complexity using simple, natural ingredients—no overpowering sauces or excessive heat. Instead, it balances warmth, fragrance, and savoury depth in a way both rustic and refined. For those in the UK who enjoy spice but want something more layered than just “hot,” Pepper Chicken offers a deeply satisfying experience. It’s a versatile dish too—served as a main with parotta or rice, or as a starter at Indian restaurant.

History & Tradition

Pepper Chicken traces its origins to the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, regions famed for their spice cultivation and bold, rustic cooking. Long before red chillies came to India, black pepper was the primary source of heat in cooking. Referred to as “black gold” by traders and conquerors alike, pepper was once a globally coveted spice, central to India’s culinary and commercial history.

In traditional South Indian kitchens, Pepper Chicken began as a homestyle recipe, created to showcase the prized local peppercorns. Over time, it became a comfort food in its own right—served during family gatherings, Sunday lunches, or festive meals. Its semi-dry style made it ideal for mopping up with flaky parottas or crispy dosas, and that tradition continues in modern Indian restaurants across India and the UK.

What Makes It Special

What makes Pepper Chicken at BKC London truly unique is its singular focus on freshly ground black pepper. In a cuisine often known for its use of dozens of spices, this dish stands out for its restraint—showcasing how one spice, when used with skill, can carry an entire dish. The pepper brings a warm, woody heat that deepens as you eat, perfectly complemented by curry leaves, slow-cooked onions, and a touch of tang from the marinade.

The result is an irresistible balance of aroma, texture, and spice. The semi-dry masala clings to each piece of chicken, intensifying the flavour with every bite. Whether paired with jeera rice, layered parottas, or served dry as a starter, Pepper Chicken appeals to both traditionalists and newcomers. It’s rich, fragrant, and unapologetically bold—a perfect example of how minimal ingredients can deliver maximum flavour.

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