Chicken 65 is a delectable Indian fried chicken dish, renowned for its unique combination of softness and crispiness. This tantalizing starter, originating from Hotel Buhari in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is crafted with tender chicken breast or bone-in pieces, a blend of traditional Indian spices, egg, and flour. It's a versatile dish, perfect as a starter for parties and gatherings or as a scrumptious snack for any day.
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The name, Chicken 65, sparks curiosity and various theories abound. One popular belief is that it was first made in 1965, marking a New Year's celebration. Another theory suggests it includes 65 types of peppers. Despite the mystery surrounding its name, Chicken 65's exceptional taste and aroma have made it a favorite in many Indian states, with each region adding its own twist to the classic recipe.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To create an authentic Chicken 65, a perfect blend of ingredients is essential. Each component plays a specific role in enhancing the dish's flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Chicken: Opt for bite-sized pieces, either bone-in for added flavor or boneless for convenience. These pieces form the base of the dish.
- Indian Spice Powders:
- Kashmiri Chili Powder: Imparts a striking red hue with a milder heat, making it visually appealing without being overly spicy. You can substitute this with regular chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Coriander, Pepper, Turmeric, and Garam Masala Powders: These spices contribute depth and warmth, creating the dish’s distinctive flavor profile.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: A crucial ingredient in Indian cooking, it not only masks any raw smell from the chicken but also adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Egg, Curd, and Baking Powder:
- Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the spices and flour coating adhere well to the chicken. You can skip the egg if dietary preferences require.
- Curd (Yogurt): Tenderizes the chicken, ensuring it remains moist and juicy after frying.
- Baking Powder: A little goes a long way in keeping the fried chicken pieces light and airy.
- Flour for Coating: A mix of rice flour, all-purpose flour, and cornflour provides the chicken with its signature crispy exterior.
- For Tempering:
- Onion, Cumin Seeds, Green Chili: These ingredients are sautéed and added to the dish post-frying, infusing it with a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy, spicy kick, rounding out the flavors.
How to Make Chicken 65?
Dive into the vibrant world of Indian cuisine with our Chicken 65 recipe, a dish bursting with flavors and textures. Follow along with our step-by-step photos and video to master this classic, spicy delight right in your kitchen. Let's begin:
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Chicken 65
Ingredients
- 2.25 lb Chicken, bite-size pieces
- 3 tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 tbsp Curd
- 1 Egg, beaten
- Salt, as needed
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Corn Flour
- 2 tbsp Rice Flour
- 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 4 Green Chili, slit
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Chili Sauce
- Oil, for frying & sauteing
Instructions
To Marinate
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and clean thoroughly.
- Combine turmeric, chili, coriander, pepper, garam masala powder, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, curd, baking powder, and salt with the chicken. Mix until the chicken is fully coated.
- Let the marinated chicken rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Add corn flour, all-purpose flour, and rice flour to the marinated chicken, mixing until well incorporated.
To Prepare Chicken 65
- Heat oil in a deep pan until it's very hot. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces one at a time.
- Lower the heat to medium. Deep fry the chicken until it achieves a reddish-brown color on both sides. Remember to flip the pieces occasionally.
- After frying, take the chicken out of the oil. At this juncture, you have the option to either temper the chicken as outlined in the following steps or serve it immediately as is.
To Temper Chicken 65
- In a separate pan over medium heat, add cumin seeds, minced garlic, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add sliced onions to the pan. Continue to sauté until the onions soften.
- Introduce the fried chicken pieces back into the pan. Add chili sauce and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Your Chicken 65 is now ready to be savored!
To Serve
- Serve the tender and crispy Chicken 65 accompanied by lemon wedges and slices of onion. This dish makes an excellent starter or can be paired wonderfully with any main course meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Marination Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure it fully absorbs the spices for a richly flavored result. This is key for the best-tasting Chicken 65.
- Baking Powder for Softness: Adding baking powder to your recipe achieves a soft and juicy texture, similar to restaurant-style Chicken 65.
- Natural Coloring: Use Kashmiri red chili powder instead of artificial food colors for a beautiful natural color and unique texture.
- Flour Coating for Crispiness: A mix of cornflour, all-purpose flour, and rice flour for the secondary marination keeps the masala well-coated during frying, giving you crispy chicken pieces.
- Egg for Softness: Including egg in the marinade balances the textures, resulting in chicken that's crispy outside and tender inside.
- Frying Technique: Begin frying with high heat, then lower to medium to ensure the chicken cooks evenly, achieving a crispy exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
- Optional Seasoning for Extra Flair: Season the fried chicken with cumin seeds, onion, green chili, and chili sauce for a restaurant-style flair. Or, enjoy it simply with lemon and onion slices.
- Choice of Oil: Experiment with different oils like canola or coconut oil, each adding its unique aroma and flavor to the dish.
- Garnishing with Coconut: For an added crunch and a hint of sweetness, garnish the Chicken 65 with shredded coconut.
- Chicken 65 Biryani: Explore the popular South Indian variation, Chicken 65 Biryani, where the fried chicken is served over biryani rice for a flavorful fusion.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Explore our delectable collection of fried chicken recipes, expertly paired with an array of tasty dips and sauces. Ideal for any event, these crispy and flavorful delights are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and elevate your dining experience.
How to Make Chicken 65 in an Air-Fryer?
Making Chicken 65 in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, without compromising on flavor. Here's how to do it:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken Pieces: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. For the quantity mentioned, you'll need to cook in three separate batches.
- First Cooking Cycle: Cook the chicken for 7 minutes. This initial cooking period starts the crisping process.
- Flip and Cook Again: Open the air fryer, carefully flip the chicken pieces, and cook for another 7 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Cook Remaining Batches: Repeat the above process for the remaining chicken pieces, maintaining the single-layer arrangement for each batch.
- Final Tempering: Once all the chicken is cooked, follow the tempering process as described in your recipe video or card. This step adds the final flavor boost to your Chicken 65.
Using an air fryer not only makes this dish healthier but also maintains its delightful crunch and savory spices. Enjoy your air-fried Chicken 65!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken 65 is a versatile dish that's sure to delight any crowd. It's perfect as a starter for parties, festivals, and get-togethers, or simply as a delicious snack. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with biryani or a rice dish, creating a satisfying and flavorful combo. This dish's adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for various occasions and tastes.
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