Chicken 65 is a quintessential South Indian dish celebrated for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and crispy texture. It has earned global recognition as one of the best fried chicken recipes, showcasing the richness of Indian culinary traditions. Here's how you can make this iconic dish at home.
Ingredients for India's Chicken 65For Marination: 500g boneless chicken (cut into small pieces)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon rice flour or cornstarch
Salt to taste
For Frying: Oil (for deep frying)
For Tempering (Optional): 2 tablespoons oil
2-3 dried red chilies
1 sprig curry leaves
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon garlic (chopped)
Green chilies (slit)
For Garnish: Fresh coriander leaves
Lemon wedges
How to Make India's Chicken 65To prepare Chicken 65, begin by marinating 500g of boneless chicken with a mixture of ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, yogurt, lemon juice, rice flour (or cornstarch), and salt. Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least an hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken pieces in small batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, then drain them on paper towels. For added flavor, prepare a tempering by heating oil in a separate pan and adding mustard seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, chopped garlic, and slit green chilies.
Toss the fried chicken in this tempering to coat it thoroughly. Finally, garnish the Chicken 65 with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges before serving it hot as a snack, appetizer, or with rice and sambar.