Turmeric-Black Pepper Chicken With Asparagus

By Ali Slagle

Updated June 24, 2024

Turmeric-Black Pepper Chicken With Asparagus
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(22,016)
Comments
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In this sweet and spicy stir-fry, black pepper, honey and rice vinegar help accentuate turmeric’s delightfully earthy qualities. Thinly sliced asparagus doesn’t need much time to cook, but feel free to swap with any other vegetables that cook in just a few minutes, like thinly sliced green beans, frozen peas or baby spinach. Serve this with rice or rice vermicelli noodles, or tuck it into a lettuce cup or pita with yogurt and fresh herbs. You could also trade the chicken for tofu, shrimp or cubed pork shoulder.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 3tablespoons honey
  • ¾teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
  • 2tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1tablespoon coconut or canola oil
  • 12ounces asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle
  • 1teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar or soy sauce
  • 1lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

257 calories; 8 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 22 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 15 grams sugars; 25 grams protein; 561 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together ¼ cup water with the honey, pepper and ½ teaspoon salt; set honey mixture aside.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, turmeric and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the chicken and toss until coated.

  3. Step 3

    In a medium (10-inch) nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until the turmeric is fragrant and the chicken is golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

  4. Step 4

    Add the asparagus, season with salt, stir to combine and cook until crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Add the honey mixture and cook, stirring, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with lime squeezed over top, if you like.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
22,016 user ratings
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Comments

Cory V

One of the best flavor to effort ratios of any meal I have made.

Colleen

We made this with chicken breast instead of thighs, added thinly sliced onion when we added the asparagus and added some crushed red pepper. Served with basmati rice - this is the best dish we've made in a long time!

James

Good as is, not great. It was too plain and too sweet. I cooked it in a wok, added charred cabbage, peanuts and cilantro. Less honey, more rice vinegar. Added soy sauce and chili crisp. Topped with cilantro and green onions. Now it's delicious!

dumbwop

This is easily the easiest meal I’ve made from NY Times and it was an smash hit at home. Make this.

ChrisMay

When I saw this recipe, I thought I was the only person in my house who would eat it, but it was an instant HIT! My oldest son said I need to put this in my regular rotation of meals. As long as I have fresh asparagus, there's no reason not to make this as often as I can. The pepper is balanced by the honey and it's perfect in summer or winter.

Andrea A

Very tasty - we had it with whole wheat pita and a garlic yogurt sauce.

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