Chicken 65 is one of the most popular South Indian chicken starters, loved for its crispy texture, spicy flavour, and delicious aroma. It is perfect as an evening snack, party starter, or side dish with fried rice and biryani. This easy homemade Chicken 65 recipe gives you restaurant-style taste using simple ingredients available in your kitchen.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Marination: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For Marination
- 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- 2 tbsp maida (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 egg (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- A few curry leaves (optional)
- Oil for deep frying
For Tempering (Optional)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 5–6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, slit
- 10–12 curry leaves
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- A pinch of black pepper powder
How to Marinate the Chicken
- Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.
- In a mixing bowl, add ginger-garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, black pepper, lemon juice, salt, corn flour, rice flour, maida, and egg.
- Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes. For better flavour, refrigerate for 2 hours.
Cooking Method
Step 1: Fry the Chicken
- Heat enough oil in a deep pan on medium flame.
- Carefully drop the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil.
- Fry in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempering
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in another pan.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté until lightly golden.
- Add green chillies and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Sprinkle red chilli powder and black pepper.
- Add the fried chicken and toss well for 1–2 minutes so the flavours coat the chicken evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken 65 hot with:
- Onion rings
- Lemon wedges
- Mint chutney
- Tomato ketchup
- Fried rice
- Chicken biryani
Tips for Perfect Chicken 65
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicy and tender pieces.
- Rice flour and corn flour make the chicken extra crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Fry on medium heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly inside.
- Fresh curry leaves give the authentic South Indian flavour.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the spices add rich flavour and aroma. Enjoy Chicken 65 in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
Chicken 65 is a classic South Indian starter that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. With this easy homemade recipe, you can recreate restaurant-style Chicken 65 in your own kitchen. Serve it fresh with onion slices, lemon wedges, and mint chutney for a delicious meal that everyone will love.
