Caribbean Pepper Chicken
Recipe Overview
Overview
The Caribbean Pepper Chicken recipe is a delightful exploration of flavors and textures. Starting with chicken thighs, the dish is marinated in a blend of Caribbean green seasoning, fresh ginger, and Scotch bonnet peppers, which infuse the meat with a spicy, aromatic essence. The marination process is crucial, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making each bite a burst of taste.
Frying the chicken to a golden crisp is where the magic happens. The skin, left on for added flavor, becomes beautifully crispy, while the meat remains juicy and tender. The use of a combination of flour and cornstarch for dredging ensures that the coating is not only crispy but also adheres well to the chicken. As the chicken fries, the kitchen fills with the enticing aroma of spices and frying oil, setting the stage for a delicious meal.
Once the chicken is cooked, it is tossed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and more Scotch bonnet peppers, creating a vibrant and colorful dish. The addition of garlic and fresh herbs like chives and culantro elevates the flavor even further. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the warmth of Caribbean cooking into your home. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this Pepper Chicken is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Wash the chicken thighs and drain.
Cut chicken into 1.5-inch pieces, leaving some skin on.
Add Caribbean green seasoning and fresh ground black pepper to the chicken.
Tip: Adding a beaten egg to the chicken helps the coating stick better.
Grate ginger into the chicken mixture.
Mix the chicken with the seasonings and allow to marinate for 25 to 30 minutes.
Prepare a mixture of equal parts flour and cornstarch.
Dust marinated chicken pieces in the flour and cornstarch mixture.
Tip: Using a wire rack instead of paper towels prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Fry the chicken in hot oil until crispy and fully cooked.
Remove fried chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Chop onions, bell peppers, and garlic for the sauce.
Tip: Sprinkle fried chicken with salt after frying for extra flavor.
Tip: Vent your kitchen when cooking with Scotch bonnet peppers to reduce fumes.
Add chopped onions to the pan with vegetable oil.
Add chopped bell peppers to the pan.
Add chopped garlic to the pan.
Tip: Crank up the heat outdoors for better charring of the vegetables.
Add Scotch bonnet peppers to the sautéing vegetables.
Add the fried chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
Stir to coat the chicken with the vegetable mixture.
Tip: Feel free to substitute Scotch bonnet peppers with other hot peppers if needed.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Scotch bonnet peppers are known for their intense heat and fruity flavor, commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
- •Marinating chicken with ginger and Caribbean green seasoning enhances the flavor profile significantly.
- •Frying chicken with the skin on adds a crispy texture and rich flavor.
- •Using a combination of flour and cornstarch for dredging helps achieve a crispy coating.
