When you think of fried chicken, you’d be forgiven for picturing a bucket of KFC, after all it’s the type of fried chicken that has become recognisable the world over. But India has its own world of fried chicken dishes that are diverse and delicious.
What sets Indian fried chicken apart from its Western counterparts is the bold use of spices and regional flavours. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, curry leaves, and chilli powder are just a few of the flavours that wind their way through these recipes and contribute to the complex flavours.
Moreover, Indian fried chicken offers an array of variations. Different regions of India have their own interpretations of this dish, adding regional ingredients and techniques to create a diverse array of flavours and textures. From the fiery spiciness of Chettinad fried chicken in the South to the fragrant and mildly spiced versions found in the North, there is something to suit every palate.
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Here are a few Indian Fried Chicken Dishes you can try:
Chicken 65
Hailing from Chennai, Chicken 65 is a popular appetiser that’s become a staple around the country. There are many stories about its origin and why it got its name, including one about the chicken being kept for 65 days. The most likely explanation is that this dish was created by A.M Buhari, at Buhari Hotel in the year 1965, giving the dish its name. This deep-fried chicken dish is known for its spiciness although the recipe varies from place to place with each restaurant giving it a signature spin.
Chicken Farcha
Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, this Parsi dish is a simple creation that’s big on flavour. Perfect as a starter or as a side to your main dish, Chicken Farchas are made by marinating chicken pieces in spices, garlic-ginger paste and lime to tenderise the meat. They’re then coated in a layer of egg and then dipped in breadcrumbs before being deep fried until golden and delicious, simple and satisfying!
Chicken Vepudu
This Andhra-style fried chicken may not be deep-fried, but still holds its own among India’s fried chicken dishes, It's a dry and spicy chicken fry that complements any meal well. The marination includes standard garam masala spices (bonus points if you roast and grind them fresh), and the flavour is enriched by curry leaves plus red and green chillies.
Lahori Chargha
Though it’s easier to find on Pakistani street food carts, this dish is also popular in the Punjab and it’s a feast in itself. The name Chargha comes from the Pashto word meaning chicken and this is a monster of a dish, in fact, this style of fried chicken was a prized dish for local wrestlers. A whole skinless chicken is smothered in yoghurt and spices, left to marinate and then deep-fried. A simple process that results in a finger-licking good dish.
Thattukada Chicken Fry
Another popular South Indian street dish Thattukada Chicken Fry. Hailing from Kerala, it’s also sometimes called Kozhi Porichathu and can be found on almost every Kerala menu. It's not surprising that this dish is prepared with curry leaves and onions, as they are quintessential ingredients in South Indian cuisine. With just the right level of spiciness, this fried dish pairs well with flaky Kerala Parotta.
Chicken Pakoda
Whether in Mumbai or Kolkata, you’ll probably find this finger food on many street corners. These are essentially fried chicken fritters that make for a fantastic snack or appetiser. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a spiced besan batter and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and flavourful treat that's hard to resist. Chicken Pakoda is a popular choice for gatherings and rainy-day indulgences.