Hyderabadi Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy fried chicken pieces coated in a fiery blend of Hyderabadi spices. This popular appetizer is packed with flavor from yogurt, ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it an irresistible snack or side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large non-metallic bowl, combine the chicken pieces with thick curd, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, salt, chopped coriander leaves, and mint leaves.
- c.Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results and deeper flavor, marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Coat the Chicken for Frying
- b.Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
- c.Sprinkle the rice flour and corn flour over the chicken.
- d.Toss everything together until the chicken is lightly and evenly coated. The mixture should form a thick, pasty coating that clings to the chicken pieces.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deep Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat vegetable oil 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 surface immediately (around 175°C / 350°F).
- c.Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- d.Fry for about 6-8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until they are deep golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.To check for doneness, ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) with a meat thermometer, or cut a piece open to see that it's no longer pink inside.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Once all the chicken is fried, carefully add the curry leaves and slit green chilies to the same hot oil. Fry for about 30 seconds until they turn crisp and aromatic. Be cautious as they may splutter.
- c.Remove the fried garnish with the slotted spoon and drain.
- d.Garnish the fried chicken with the crispy curry leaves and green chilies.
- e.Serve immediately while hot with a side of onion rings and lemon wedges.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest results, always use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they have a higher fat content than breast meat.
- 2Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy (175°C / 350°F). Too low, and the chicken becomes greasy; too high, and it burns before cooking through.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a perfectly crispy crust.
- 4For an extra crispy texture, try the double-fry method. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, remove and let it rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 2-3 minutes until it's a deep golden brown.
- 5Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-fat option, cook the marinated chicken in an air fryer. Preheat to 200°C (400°F), spray the basket with oil, arrange the chicken in a single layer, and air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
After frying, sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala over the hot chicken for an extra tangy and savory kick.
Spice Level AdjustmentSpice Level Adjustment
To reduce the heat while maintaining a vibrant red color, use Kashmiri red chili powder instead of regular red chili powder.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Contains Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) in the marinade introduces beneficial probiotics, which can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Hyderabadi Fried Chicken contains approximately 425-475 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.