Description
Chicken 65 is a spicy dish that originated in South India. Chicken 65 sounds like a classic dish, but each state in South India has its chicken 65 recipe. The spice in chicken 65 can come from red chili powder, black pepper powder, and green chilis. Chicken 65 is a combination of salt, spice, crunchiness, and citrusy flavor that comes from both lemon and curry leaves. Curry leaves are banned in a few countries and are hard to find. Bay leaves and Kaffir lime leaves are a good alternative. This chicken 65 recipe is from the city of Bangalore, Karnataka that is in the South part of India.
Ingredients
Boneless Chicken- 3/4 lb. or 2 cups cubed
Salt- 3/4 tsp
Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
Black Pepper Powder- 1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp
Red Chili Powder- 1 tsp
Yogurt- 2 Tbsp.
Curry Leaves (or lime leaves)- 1 Tbsp. (chopped)
Cornstarch- 3 tsp
All Purpose Flour- 4 Tbsp.
Egg white- 1 Egg
Water- 3 Tbsp.
Oil for frying + 1 Tbsp. for sautéing
Ginger- 1 Tbsp. (thinly sliced)
Garlic- 1 Tbsp. (thinly sliced)
Green chili- 2 or 3 (cut into halves)
Black Pepper Powder- 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves- 1/4 cup (substitute with Bay Leaves and Kaffir Lime Leaves)
Lemon Juice- 2 Tbsp.
Instructions
1. Take 3/4 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are preferable for this recipe, but chicken breast also works.
2. Add 3/4 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of turmeric, 1/4 tsp of black pepper powder, 1 tsp of red chili powder, and 2 Tbsp of yogurt.
3. Mix to coat the chicken pieces with all the spices. Add 1 Tbsp of curry leaves (substitute with kaffir lime leaves), 3 tsp cornstarch, and 4 Tbsp All-purpose flour. Mix everything well.
4. Add one egg white and 3 Tbsp water. Adjust the water to plus or minus 1 Tbsp if needed. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
5. Take oil in the wok for frying and set it on medium to high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and fry for 7 to 8 minutes or until it is golden brown. Drain the chicken on the paper towel.
6. Take 1 Tbsp of oil in a pan and add 1 Tbsp of garlic and 1 Tbsp of ginger. Lightly caramelize the garlic and ginger by sauteing until it is light golden brown.
7. To the pan, add 2 to 3 green chilies and 1/4 cup of curry leaves (substitute with bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves if curry leaf is not available). Add 1/2 tsp of black pepper and fried chicken pieces. Saute for one minute and add 2 Tbsp of lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
This recipe comes out best when we marinate chicken for at least 2 hours. Marination helps not only to absorb all the spices but also to make the meat very tender.
Curry leaves are available in Indian grocery stores, but if there is no access to it, skip it or substitute with kaffir lime leaves and bay leaves.
Tastes good when served immediately. Chicken is crispier on the outside and tender on the inside when served warm. Keeping it for a few hours can make it soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Non Vegetarian Appetizers
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pieces
- Calories: 215 Kcal
- Sugar: 0.71 g
- Sodium: 362 mg
- Fat: 13.83 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.49 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.285 g
- Trans Fat: 0.65 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.55 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 13.75 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
Keywords: Chicken 65, South Indian Chicken 65 Recipe, Restaurant style chicken 65, Easy Chicken 65 Recipe at home