Pohnpei Pepper Chicken
A flavorful and slightly spicy chicken dish originating from Pohnpei, featuring the unique local Pohnpei pepper. It's typically made with chicken thighs, onions, and sometimes soy sauce, offering a savory and aromatic taste of Micronesian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2-3 small Pohnpei peppers(finely chopped (adjust to spice preference; substitute with bird's eye chilies if unavailable))
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- Cooked rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped Pohnpei peppers (or chilies) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 5
Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- 6
Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8
Serve hot over cooked rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If Pohnpei peppers are unavailable, substitute with bird's eye chilies or another small, hot pepper, adjusting the quantity to your spice preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a little minced garlic for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any food safety concerns.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for a more complete meal.
- A splash of lime juice at the end can add a refreshing citrus note.