When it comes to fried chicken, KFC undoubtedly dominates the market. But what if we told you that there’s a new contender in town? If you're a fan of fried chicken, then you're in for a treat because the flavorful world of Indian fried chicken is here to stay!
Fried chicken has always been a part of Indian cuisine. From stands in Delhi serving halal fried chicken to the pakoras in Mumbai and Kolkata and the red chicken fry in Hyderabad, the dish is woven into the region's culinary history. Bangladesh offers Dhaka-style fried chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds, while Indian Chinese cuisine has its own variations such as chicken 65, chili chicken, and chicken lollipop.
It comes as no surprise, then, that Indian fried chicken is taking the food industry by storm, packed with flavors and spices that are unmatched by any other fried chicken on the planet.
IFC and its origin
Indian fried chicken, also known as IFC, has been a popular street food in India for decades. It originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where it's known as "Chicken 65." The dish gained popularity in 1965, when a chef named A.M. Buhari invented the recipe, hence the name. Buhari was the owner of the Buhari Hotel in Chennai, which showcased a blend of Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
From Tamil Nadu, the dish started to gain popularity and spread to different parts of India, with people adding their own unique twists and spices to the dish. Today, it can be found all over India, with varying recipes and different names depending on the region.
Different Styles of Preparing IFC Across India
Different regions and cultures in India have their own variations of IFC, each with its own unique flavors and spices. The most common ingredients that are found across all these variations are chicken, spices, ginger, garlic, and chili. Here are some of the most popular variations of IFC:
1. Kolkata Style
One popular variation of Indian fried chicken is Kolkata-style chicken. This version is marinated in a blend of spices that includes mustard oil, which gives it a distinctive flavor that's not found in other types of Indian fried chicken. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of chickpea flour and rice flour, giving it an extra crispy texture.
2. Chettinad Style
If you're looking for a spicier version of Indian fried chicken, then Chettinad-style chicken is for you. This version is marinated in a blend of spices that includes red chili powder, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds, giving it a fiery kick. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of chickpea flour and rice flour, making it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
3. Andhra Style
Andhra-style IFC is known for its extra-spicy flavor. In addition to the typical spices used in other Indian fried chicken dishes, Andhra-style chicken is marinated in a mix of yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and coconut milk. This marinade adds a tangy flavor to the chicken, which is deep-fried to perfection, resulting in crispy chicken on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
4. Kerala Style
Kerala-style IFC is marinated in spices, curry leaves, and coconut milk, giving it a unique taste that’s different from other Indian fried chicken dishes. The chicken is then dipped in a batter made of rice flour and deep-fried, giving it a crunchy texture.
5. Punjabi Style
Punjabi-style IFC is known for its richness in flavor due to being marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and cream, which creates a creamy texture once it’s deep-fried. The spices used in the marinade are similar to those used in Punjabi cuisine, like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
Why IFC is Here to Stay
Indian fried chicken has been gaining popularity around the world, and for good reason. Here are some reasons why IFC is here to stay:
1. Unique Flavor
The unique combination of spices used in Indian fried chicken dishes, whether it's Punjabi or Andhra style, makes it a flavor bomb. The blend of these spices results in a dish that’s packed with tangy, spicy, and savory flavors that are hard to replicate in other fried chicken dishes from around the world.
Another thing that sets Indian fried chicken apart is the use of chickpea flour. Chickpea flour, also known as besan, is used as a coating for the chicken, giving it a crispy texture that's different from the typical flour coating used in American fried chicken. The chickpea flour also adds a nutty flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
2. Healthier than KFC
Well, aside from the unique and delicious flavors, Indian fried chicken is also a healthier option than American fried chicken. Chickpea flour is a good source of protein and fiber, and it's gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, the use of spices means that less salt and fat are needed to achieve a great taste.
3. Versatile Recipes
The variety of Indian fried chicken styles means that there is something for everyone. Whether you like it extra spicy or creamy and rich, there’s an Indian fried chicken recipe out there for you. This versatility is what sets Indian fried chicken apart from other fried chicken dishes.
It is also absurd to suppose that any nation or culture owns the exclusive rights to fried chicken. This iconic American dish has its origins in Scottish and West African cooking styles, yet it is really just a global culinary approach applied to one of the most beloved meats in the U.S. Chefs across South Asian communities have created a tradition of fried chicken, and modern Indian restaurants have found that fried chicken is a great way to connect with their customers.
So, if you're a fan of fried chicken and looking for a new culinary adventure, then you owe it to yourself to try Indian fried chicken. With its unique blend of spices and chickpea flour coating, it's a flavor experience that's not to be missed.