Hyderabadi Chicken 65
A fiery and tangy fried chicken appetizer from Hyderabad. Crispy chicken bites are tossed in a flavorful tempering of curry leaves, yogurt, and green chilies, making it an irresistible starter for any occasion.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ginger garlic paste, 3 tbsp of curd, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, cornflour, rice flour, the beaten egg, and salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a more tender and flavorful result, marinate for 2-4 hours.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Deep Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the top immediately.
- c.Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.In a separate wide pan or wok, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- d.Add the slit green chilies and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30-45 seconds until the curry leaves turn crisp and aromatic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toss and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 tbsp of curd until smooth to prevent lumps.
- c.Pour the whisked curd into the pan and stir continuously and quickly for about 30 seconds. This rapid stirring on low heat is key to preventing the curd from curdling.
- d.Immediately add the fried chicken pieces to the pan.
- e.Gently toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is well-coated with the tempering mixture.
- f.Turn off the heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Transfer the Hyderabadi Chicken 65 to a serving platter.
- c.Garnish with fresh curry leaves, thinly sliced onions, and lemon wedges on the side.
- d.Serve immediately while it's hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For juicier chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, resulting in crispier chicken.
- 3The combination of cornflour and rice flour gives the chicken a perfectly light and crispy coating.
- 4Toss the fried chicken in the tempering just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- 5For a vibrant red color without artificial coloring, use a good quality Kashmiri red chili powder.
- 6Be quick when adding the whisked yogurt to the hot pan on low heat; this prevents it from curdling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with paneer cubes, mushrooms, or gobi (cauliflower) florets. Adjust marination and frying times accordingly.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, or use an air fryer.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the number of green chilies or add a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the tempering for an extra kick of heat.
With GravyWith Gravy
To make a semi-dry version, add a splash of water or chicken stock along with the yogurt in the final step and simmer for a minute.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Aromatic Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support overall health.
Metabolism Boost
The capsaicin in green chilies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Hyderabadi Chicken 65 (around 215g) contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily from the chicken and the oil used for deep-frying.