Quick n Easy Black pepper chicken

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces — just good food from fresh ingredients.” ~ Julia Child

Some recipes are extremely fancy and complicated, with exotic ingredients, great techniques and definitely an end product that justifies all the hard work put in. But there also are a few others that use minimum ingredients, a simple cooking method, not too many pots and pans, but the end result - simply exotic! I'm shameless enough to admit that I am a huge fan of all the recipes that simplify the process of putting something drool worthy on the platter.

This recipe was given to me by my sister, Deepa, when I had just started cooking. And  I'm so glad I tried it! Though honestly I wasnt expecting anything great when she told me that the only ingredients going in were oil, salt and pepper. But, this turned out to be the first 'successful' chicken recipe that i ever made and it tastes so good that anyone who eats it wants the recipe. And the funniest part is that when i give out the recipe, I am almost always asked  'is it really that simple?'. 

Its actually the quickest, easiest and most definitely one of the yummiest chicken recipes I've ever tried or tasted.  Its perfect for a quick evening snack or even as a side dish for a meal. A low fat chicken recipe, ideal for those watching their calories !

Black Pepper Chicken

Chicken                             400 Gms

Black peppercorns              1/2 Tbsp (you could adjust this as per your taste)

Oil                                    1 tsp

Salt                                   to taste

Water                               1/4 c

Fresh Coriander                 to garnish

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1. Heat oil in a non stick pan. 

2. Add the chicken pieces and cook on high flame, till the chicken is slightly brown on all sides. This should just take about 2- 3 mins. 

3. Add the salt and freshly crushed black pepper (pound the peppercorns coarsely). Mix well.  

4. Add water, put the lid on and cook on low flame till the chicken is done.

5. Once the chicken is cooked through and you take the lid off, there would be a lot of liquid in the pan. Keeping the flame high, dry out the moisture and keep stirring till the masala coats the chicken. ( check out the pic, after the water has evaporated).

6. Squeeze some lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves. 

7. Serve hot with fresh  green salad.