Chicken fry is one of the most popular and delicious dishes across India. Whether it’s for a festive occasion, a casual dinner, or a weekend treat, this dish is always a hit. The crispy texture and spicy, flavorful marinade make it an all-time favorite. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to prepare a simple yet tasty chicken fry that will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 500 grams chicken (preferably with bone)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon yogurt (optional, for tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- A handful of chopped fresh coriander (for garnish)
For Frying:
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil for authentic flavor)
- 2 medium-sized onions, thinly sliced
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- Curry leaves (fresh, if available)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- Start by cleaning and cutting the chicken into medium-sized pieces. Make sure to leave the skin on, as it helps in achieving that crispy texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces along with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, lime juice, and salt.
- Mix everything well and massage the marinade into the chicken pieces. If you’re using yogurt, add it at this stage for extra tenderness.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for 2-3 hours for better flavor absorption).
2. Prepare the Frying Ingredients:
- Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and sauté them until golden brown and crispy. This takes about 6-7 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Add the slit green chilies and curry leaves, frying them for another 2 minutes to release their aroma.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, one by one, in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will make the chicken soggy.
- Let the chicken cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. You can increase the heat slightly if needed to get a better crisp on the chicken skin.
- After the chicken is fried, take it out and drain any excess oil on a paper towel.
4. Final Touch:
- Once all the chicken pieces are fried, garnish them with fresh coriander leaves for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Serving:
Serve your delicious chicken fry hot with some freshly made chapati, naan, or even steamed rice. For a perfect meal, you can also pair it with a cool, refreshing yogurt dip or a simple salad. The crispy, spicy exterior and the tender, juicy chicken inside are sure to make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fry:
- For extra crispiness: Add a little rice flour or cornflour to the marinade. This will help create a crispy outer layer.
- Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of chili powder and green chilies to suit your spice preference.
- Marination time: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. For an intense flavor, marinate overnight.
- Don’t rush the frying process: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures the pieces cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Conclusion:
This chicken fry recipe is simple, yet packed with flavors that will impress anyone who tries it. The blend of aromatic spices and crispy texture is what makes this dish a true favorite across Indian households. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or at a party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and juiciness with every bite.
