Chicken 65
South Indian deep-fried marinated chicken bites with curry leaves and chili — restaurant favorite, made with controlled oil.
For 3 servings
4 steps. 18 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine chicken breast with yogurt, ginger, and garlic
- b.Stir in red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt
- c.Allow the mixture to rest for 30 minutes to tenderize the meat
TIPUsing room-temperature yogurt helps the marinade penetrate the chicken fibers more effectively. - 2
Step 2
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat neutral oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat
- b.Fry chicken in small batches for 4 minutes until golden brown
- c.Drain the pieces on paper towels to remove any excess surface oil
TIPAvoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the oil temperature stays high and the chicken remains crisp. - 4
Step 4
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- 2Ensure your curd is thick and not watery to help the marinade cling to the chicken.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can make the chicken soggy instead of crispy.
- 4For an extra crispy coating, you can double-fry the chicken. Fry once until light golden, remove, increase the oil heat slightly, and fry again for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 5The final tempering step is essential for the authentic flavor and aroma of Chicken 65; do not skip it.
- 6Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to match your preferred level of spiciness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with paneer cubes, mushrooms, or cauliflower (gobi) florets. Adjust marination time accordingly (paneer needs less time).
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of deep-frying, bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or use an air fryer until golden and cooked through. Then proceed with the tempering step.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of a hotter red chili powder (like cayenne) to the marinade and increase the number of green chilies in the tempering.
Saucy VersionSaucy Version
After tempering, add a splash of a mixture of 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp red chili sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Toss quickly with the chicken for a slightly saucy finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
This dish provides essential B vitamins like Niacin (B3) and B6 from chicken, which help in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Essential Minerals
Chicken is a good source of minerals like selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Chicken 65 recipe (approximately 190g) contains around 400-450 calories, primarily from the chicken and the oil used for deep-frying.