Chicken Pakora

Is a delectable South Asian appetizer where bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and served as a crunchy and flavorful snack. This is loved by everyone in the family.

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (for frying in batches)
Preparation (15-20 minutes):
Cutting and preparing the chicken: 10 minutes
Mixing the marinade and coating the chicken: 5-10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (longer for better flavor)
Cooking (20-30 minutes):
Heating the oil and bringing it to the right temperature: 10 minutes
Frying the chicken in batches: 10-20 minutes (depending on the size of the batches and the cooking equipment)

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (about 500g) boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves (optional)
  • Water, as needed
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt.
  2. Add yogurt and lemon juice to the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a thick, smooth batter. If the batter is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve a consistency that coats the chicken pieces.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or even longer for better flavor.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  5. Carefully drop the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, usually around 5-7 minutes.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pakoras from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  7. Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves (if using).
  8. Serve the chicken pakoras hot with your favorite chutney or sauce and watch them fly away!

Enjoy your fantastic homemade chicken pakoras!

Chicken pakoras