Chicken Majestic
Crispy, golden-fried chicken strips are tossed in a vibrant, tangy yogurt sauce packed with spices and fresh mint. This classic Hyderabadi appetizer is a flavor explosion in every bite, perfect for parties or as a special snack.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips, egg white, corn flour, maida, ginger-garlic paste, 0.5 tsp of salt, and black pepper powder.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each chicken strip is evenly coated in the batter.
- d.Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Deep Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- c.Carefully add the marinated chicken strips one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chicken and drain it on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Majestic Sauce
- b.In a separate wide pan or wok, heat 2 tbsp of the oil used for frying over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped garlic, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the whisked curd, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and garam masala.
- e.Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to prevent the curd from curdling. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the raw smell of spices disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Stir the soy sauce, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt into the sauce. Mix well.
- c.Increase the heat to medium and add the fried chicken strips to the pan.
- d.Toss everything gently for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
- e.Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped mint and coriander leaves.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Transfer the Chicken Majestic to a serving platter.
- c.Serve hot to enjoy its crispy texture, accompanied by onion rings and lemon wedges.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again in hot oil for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Ensure the curd is at room temperature and whisked well before adding it to the pan. This, along with low heat, is key to preventing it from splitting.
- 3Do not overcook the chicken in the sauce, as it will lose its crispiness. A quick toss for 1-2 minutes is sufficient.
- 4Adjust the number of green chilies to control the spice level. For a milder version, deseed the chilies before slitting them.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or large mushrooms. Marinate and fry them similarly, but be gentle when tossing in the sauce.
HealthierHealthier
For a lower-fat version, marinate the chicken as directed and cook it in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, before tossing in the sauce.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
Add a teaspoon of chaat masala along with the garnish at the end for an extra tangy and savory kick.
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. A single serving provides a significant portion of the daily recommended protein intake.
Rich in Flavorful Spices
The recipe uses spices like turmeric, garlic, and chili, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall wellness.
Contains Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) in the sauce provides beneficial probiotics, which are good bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Majestic is a popular Hyderabadi appetizer known for its unique tangy and spicy flavor profile. It consists of crispy fried chicken strips tossed in a yogurt-based sauce seasoned with Indian spices, mint, and curry leaves.