How To Make Andhra Pepper Chicken, The Crackling Chicken Starter From South India

Andhra Pradesh loves its spices and it shows in their food. From curries, pickles to biryani, Andhra boasts of a rich range of dishes that are all things bold and flavourful. What always fascinates us is that fact that most of these preparations do not use a slew of ingredients, yet they always turn out to be super intense. Take, for instance, Andhra pepper chicken. The chicken lovers would enjoy it for how tenderly the chicken is cooked, the juiciness of it and steeped flavours. The combination of spices and the pepper-y after-taste that lingers on makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Andhra Pepper-Chicken Recipe: Taste and Texture

The consistency of Andhra pepper chicken is very thick and dry, this hot and rich starter can be served on the side  with rice and a bowl of rasam or sambar, or as an appetiser right before the mains. You can also use bone-less chicken to make this sensational recipe that is a mainstay across all Andhra restaurants.

(Also Read: 13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch)

Andhra chicken is very easy to make at home 

How To Make The Masala:

Since its consistency is dry, you need to get the masala right. It is this crackling mix that can make or break your dish so here are some tips that you may want to keep in mind. So, first of all you need to marinate the chicken in turmeric, ginger garlic paste, green chilli paste, salt and lemon juice and keep it side for at least an hour.

Then, you have make the masala to fry the chicken. For which, you need to first heat some cumin seeds in oil, then thrown in the onions. Fry till they are golden. Then add some curry leaves, coriander powder and crushed pepper. Sautee until everything is mixed. Finally add the marinated chicken. Fry until every piece of the chicken is nicely coated.

(Also Read: South Indian Recipes: 5 Fried South Indian Snacks That Are Perfect For Every Season)

Andhra pepper chicken is a spicy appetiser
Photo Credit: iStock

We told you, it is not the barrage of ingredients, but the right technique that makes dishes from Andhra Pradesh so rich and unique.

Pro tip: Do not skip the curry leaves as they add a delicious sharpness and tang to the dish. If you do not have curry leaves, you could use some lemon zest perhaps.

Here is the step-by-step recipe of Andhra Pepper Chicken.

Try it at home and let us know how you liked it.