Crispy & Flavorful Chicken Pakora Recipe – A Perfect Appetizer
Chicken Pakora is a delicious South Asian appetizer featuring bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, deep-fried until golden brown, and served as a crispy, flavorful snack. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or as a party appetizer.
📌 Recipe Details
🕒 Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marinating time)
🔥 Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35-50 minutes (excluding marinating time)
🍽 Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves (optional)
- Water, as needed
- Oil for deep frying
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, mix gram flour, rice flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt.
- Add yogurt and lemon juice, mixing well to create a thick, smooth batter. If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly in the batter.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour (longer for better flavor).
2️⃣ Heat the Oil
- Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan or deep fryer.
- Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C) to ensure crispy frying.
3️⃣ Fry the Chicken Pakoras
- Carefully drop marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
4️⃣ Drain & Serve
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy chicken pakoras.
- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves (if using).
5️⃣ Enjoy!
- Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or ketchup.
- Perfect as an appetizer or tea-time snack!
💡 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pakora
✔ For extra crunch: Add 1 tbsp cornflour to the batter.
✔ For added flavor: Sprinkle with chaat masala before serving.
✔ For a healthier option: Use an air fryer instead of deep-frying.
✔ For a spicy kick: Increase the red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
✅ Yes, but increase the frying time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Q: Can I make Chicken Pakoras ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
Q: What oil is best for deep frying?
✅ Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil works best for crispy and light pakoras.
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