Crispy, spicy, and full of South Indian magic — that’s Chicken 65 for you! 🔥 This classic dish is a flavor explosion — juicy chicken pieces marinated in aromatic spices, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a fiery tempering that wakes up your taste buds 😍. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a restaurant-style snack, or just want to treat yourself, this Chicken 65 recipe brings authentic flavor straight to your kitchen 🍽️✨.
🌿 The Story Behind the Recipe
Legend has it that Chicken 65 was first served at the famous Buhari Hotel in Chennai back in 1965 — hence the name! 🇮🇳 Over the years, it has become a beloved favorite across India and beyond. For me, the first time I tasted Chicken 65 was at a street-side stall during a trip to South India. The spicy aroma, the crunch, and the burst of flavor — it was love at first bite 💕. That memory inspired me to recreate it at home, and after a few trials, I perfected this crispy, juicy version that keeps everyone asking for seconds!
⭐ What Makes This Recipe Special?
- 🔥 Authentic South Indian-style flavor with perfect crispiness.
- 🧄 Balanced spices — bold, aromatic, and not overpowering.
- 🍋 Tender, juicy chicken with a beautiful red-golden coating.
- 🍽️ Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for parties or snacks.
- 🌶️ Pairs perfectly with dips, naan, or even plain rice.
🛒 Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-size pieces) 🍗
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 🧄
- 1 tsp red chili powder 🌶️
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- Salt to taste 🧂
- Oil for deep frying
For Tempering (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 10–12 curry leaves 🌿
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp yogurt (optional for a light coating)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: 🧄 Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cornflour, rice flour, egg, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and let it rest for 30 minutes (or 1 hour for deeper flavor).
Step 2: 🍳 Heat the Oil
In a deep pan or kadhai, heat enough oil for frying on medium flame.
Step 3: 🔥 Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, gently drop the marinated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy — about 6–8 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Step 4: 🌿 Prepare the Tempering (Optional but Adds Flavor!)
In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies — let them splutter. Add a teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds. Toss in the fried chicken and coat well in the aromatic tempering.
Step 5: ✨ Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh curry leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot and crispy — trust me, you won’t stop at one bite 😋.
🍴 Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With
- 🍚 Steamed rice or biryani.
- 🍞 Soft naan or paratha.
- 🥗 Fresh onion salad or lemon wedges.
- 🥣 Pair it with mint chutney, garlic mayo, or yogurt dip for balance.
🎨 Customization & Variations
- 🌶️ Extra spicy version: Add more red chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- 🍋 Tangy twist: Increase lemon juice for a bright citrus note.
- 🧄 Garlic lover’s delight: Double the ginger-garlic paste.
- 🧊 Air fryer version: Coat lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 🌱 Baked version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes for a lighter alternative.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving — it can make the coating soggy!
🥦 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 25g
💬 Reader Q&A – Common Questions
1️⃣ Why is it called Chicken 65?
It’s said to have originated in 1965 at the Buhari Hotel in Chennai!
2️⃣ Can I use chicken with bones?
Yes — just fry a bit longer until the inside is fully cooked.
3️⃣ Is it very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy — adjust chili powder to your taste 🌶️.
4️⃣ Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, it makes the chicken even juicier and more flavorful.
5️⃣ How do I get it extra crispy?
Use rice flour and fry in medium-hot oil — not too hot!
6️⃣ Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 25 minutes or air fry for a healthier option.
7️⃣ Why is my Chicken 65 not red like restaurant-style?
Restaurants often add food coloring — you can skip or use natural paprika for color.
8️⃣ Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — skip the yogurt in tempering.
9️⃣ What oil works best?
Use sunflower or vegetable oil with a high smoke point.
🔟 Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze the marinated chicken raw and fry when needed.
💖 Final Thoughts
Chicken 65 is that perfect balance of spice, crunch, and comfort that makes every bite unforgettable 🔥🍗. It’s one of those dishes that can light up your dinner table or make your snack time extra special. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or pair it with rice, it never fails to deliver bold, crave-worthy flavor. Try it once — and it’ll become your signature dish for every gathering 💕.
🍽️ Tried This Recipe?
If you made this recipe, I’d love to see your version! 😍
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Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind Mamacooksdinner.com. I’m passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.