Chicken 65 Recipe - Kerala Food Channel

Chicken 65 Recipe: How to make easy Chicken 65?

ByFood & Recipes Channel

Chicken 65 is a popular and flavorful dish hailing from South India, known for its crispy texture and fiery spices. Originating from the vibrant kitchens of Indian restaurants, this dish has become a staple appetizer across the globe. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a succulent and crunchy exterior while remaining juicy inside. What sets Chicken 65 apart is the unique combination of spices that provide a complex flavor profile, offering a balance of heat, tanginess, and aromatic herbs. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, Chicken 65 is sure to impress with its bold flavors and inviting presentation.

Ingredients

To make a delicious and restaurant-style Chicken 65, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Marinade:

  • 500 grams boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice flour (for crunchiness)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro (optional, for added flavor)

For Frying:

  • Oil for deep frying (preferably vegetable or canola oil)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh curry leaves
  • Lemon wedges
  • Sliced onions (optional)

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to prepare Chicken 65 in under 30 minutes!

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, rice flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Add Chicken:
    • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
  3. Marinate:
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a longer period (1-2 hours) will enhance the flavors even more.

Step 2: Preparing for Frying

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a deep frying pan or a kadai, heat enough oil to deep fry the chicken. The oil should be heated to about 180°C (350°F). You can test the heat by dropping a small piece of the marinated chicken in the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 3: Frying the Chicken

  1. Fry the Chicken in Batches:
    • Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.
    • Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until the pieces turn golden brown and crispy.
  2. Drain Excess Oil:
    • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drip off. Place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Frying Curry Leaves

  1. Fry Curry Leaves:
    • In the same hot oil, add a handful of fresh curry leaves and fry them for 30 seconds until they are crisp. Be cautious, as they may splatter.

Step 5: Final Assembly

  1. Serve the Chicken 65:
    • Transfer the fried chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with the crispy curry leaves, lemon wedges, and sliced onions if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Chicken 65 is best enjoyed hot and can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
  • Accompany it with green chutney or raita for a refreshing twist.
  • Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or Indian bread (naan or roti) to make it a complete meal.
  • For a beverage, pair it with a chilled masala chai or a refreshing mango lassi.

Nutritional Information

Chicken 65 can be a part of a balanced diet, offering several nutritional benefits:

  • Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
  • Spices: Ingredients like turmeric and red chili peppers are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: The addition of yogurt adds calcium and probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Note: Deep frying does increase the calories, so for a healthier version, consider air frying or baking the marinated chicken at high heat until crispy.

Variations to Try

While classic Chicken 65 is a delight, you can explore variations to suit your taste:

  1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or cauliflower for a vegetarian take.
  2. Spice Levels: Adjust the level of red chili powder based on your heat tolerance. Adding a dash of black pepper can also enhance the flavor.
  3. Baked Chicken 65: For a healthier version, preheat an oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake the marinated chicken for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Conclusion

With its irresistible flavor and delightful crunch, Chicken 65 is a dish that brings the taste of Indian restaurants right to your kitchen. Perfect for entertaining or simply satisfying a craving, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress even the most experienced cooks. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and share this mouth-watering dish with your family and friends!

Do try this Chicken 65 recipe and let your culinary adventure begin!

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