If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with both simplicity and flavor, this Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken is just what your weeknight dinner dreams are made of. With tender chunks of boneless chicken bathed in creamy yogurt, fiery black pepper, and the aromatic warmth of spices, every bite delivers comfort and excitement without taking hours in the kitchen. From the sizzle in the pan to the final sprinkle of cilantro, this recipe shines for families and spice-lovers alike — all with minimal fuss!

Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken lies in its fuss-free ingredient list. Each component contributes something valuable, whether it’s bold heat, creamy texture, or that signature earthy aroma that sets this chicken apart from any ordinary stir-fry. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

Boneless chicken (1/2 kg, cut in cubes): These succulent pieces cook quickly and soak up all the flavors, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
Yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a pleasant tang, helping to tenderize the chicken and mellow out the spices.
Ginger garlic paste (1 tsp): This aromatic combo forms the backbone of most Indian dishes and infuses the chicken with rich, deep flavor.
Black pepper, freshly ground (1 1/2 tsp): The real star here! It brings a bold, fruity heat that defines this dish’s personality.
Black pepper powder (1/4 tsp): Backing up the freshly ground pepper, it blends easier into the sauce for consistent flavor.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Cumin powder (1 tsp): Offers a warm, nutty undertone that deepens the overall taste.
Coriander powder (1 tsp): Delivers a subtle citrusy brightness, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy.
Oil (4 tbsp): For sautéing and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist.

How to Make Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

Start by heating oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your chicken cubes along with the ginger garlic paste. Stir everything together so the chicken gets nicely coated in the fragrant paste. You’re not just browning the meat at this point — you’re laying the foundation for layers of flavor that build throughout the dish.

Step 2: Season and Sizzle

As soon as the chicken starts to change color from pink to opaque, it’s time to toss in the salt and both types of black pepper. The instant you add the black pepper, you’ll smell its signature spiciness wafting up — that’s your sign you’re on the right track! Give everything a good stir and turn the heat up to get a quick sear, locking in all those juices.

Step 3: Stir-Fry to Seal in Flavor

With the heat on high, keep tossing and stirring that chicken. This quick stir-fry ensures the chicken pieces get a beautiful, flavorful crust, while staying tender inside. Don’t be tempted to crowd the pan or lower the heat — that sizzle is exactly what gives Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken its irresistible taste.

Step 4: Pour in the Yogurt

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the yogurt. Stir immediately as the yogurt hits the pan — it should blend smoothly with the spices and chicken juices, thickening into a luscious coating. The yogurt cools off the peppery heat just enough, leaving you with a sauce that’s perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Add Spices and Mix

Sprinkle in the cumin and coriander powder at this stage. These spices bloom in the heat and infuse every nook and cranny with warm, earthy notes. Mix well so the spices don’t clump, but instead flavor each piece equally. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly by now.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish

Pour in 1/4 cup of water, then cover the pan tightly. Let your Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken simmer gently on low heat (“dam” as we say) for 5 to 10 minutes. This finishing touch melds the flavors together, keeps the chicken juicy, and lets that sauce thicken into something spoon-licking delicious.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, unveil your pan and shower chopped cilantro over the top. The vivid green not only looks beautiful but adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the whole dish. Serve right away with your favorite bread or rice — watch everyone dive in with glee!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken, a generous scatter of chopped fresh cilantro is a must! If you want an extra pop, try a few thinly sliced green chilies or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. A squeeze of lemon right before serving adds a burst of brightness that really makes the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with pillowy roti, naan, or even a simple bowl of steamed basmati rice. The mildness of the bread or rice perfectly complements the peppery punch of the chicken, making each spoonful comforting and well-rounded. If you’d like to increase the freshness factor, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or some pickled onions on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken into wraps by stuffing it into warm parathas with sliced onions and herbs, or spoon it over rice bowls with your favorite greens for a modern twist. For a party platter, serve bite-sized pieces with toothpicks as spicy appetizers — it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken keeps exceptionally well! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for a particularly tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, you can absolutely freeze this dish. Portion the cooled chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags — just make sure it’s tightly sealed to avoid freezer burn. When stored properly, it keeps its magic for up to a month, making it a terrific option for meal-prep enthusiasts.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Be careful not to overcook, as you want to keep those chicken pieces juicy, not dry!

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in pieces add even more flavor to Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken, though you might need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Just adjust as needed and enjoy that extra depth!

Is this dish very spicy?

While black pepper brings a bold heat, this dish is not overwhelmingly spicy compared to chili-based curries. It has a delightful warmth that can easily be dialed up or down by adjusting the pepper, so it’s great for most palates.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the yogurt for your favorite thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative. The result will still be creamy and delicious, perfect for anyone who needs to avoid dairy.

What’s the best type of yogurt to use?

Plain, full-fat yogurt works best for Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken because it adds creaminess and tang without making the sauce watery. Greek yogurt is another good choice for an extra-rich finish.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You sure can! In fact, Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something quick, satisfying, and a little bit special, you have every reason to try this Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become one of your kitchen favorites. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a comforting meal that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat!

Quick & Easy Kali Mirch Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and quick Kali Mirch Chicken recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender boneless chicken cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce infused with the bold flavors of black pepper and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade:

1/2 kg boneless chicken, cut into cubes
1/2 cup yogurt
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
3/4 tsp salt

Spice Mix:

1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder

Others:

4 tbsp oil

Instructions

Heat oil in a pan, add chicken and ginger garlic paste. Saute until chicken changes color.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Stir-fry chicken over high heat.
Add yogurt and cook.
Stir in cumin and coriander powder, mix well.
Pour in water, simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Finish with chopped cilantro.
Serve hot with roti or boiled rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian