Punjabi fried chicken is a delightful dish featuring marinated bite sized chicken pieces coated in a spicy yogurt mixture, dredged in a seasoned flour blend, and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. This North Indian recipe boasts a flavorful marinade of yogurt, aromatic spices like garam masala, red chili powder, and ginger-garlic paste, creating a perfect blend of tangy and spicy flavors. The crispy outer layer encases tender, juicy chicken, making it a popular and indulgent dish in Punjabi cuisine.
Here’s a recipe for Punjabi-style fried chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken (bite size pieces)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 cup cornflour
- 1 egg
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix chickpea flour (besan) and cornflour together.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Take each marinated chicken piece and coat it well with the flour mixture mixed with egg, ensuring an even coating.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan. Fry them in batches for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Make sure to adjust the heat to maintain a consistent temperature for frying.
- Once done, remove the fried chicken pieces using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the Punjabi fried chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside naan bread, rice, or salad.
This recipe offers a crispy and flavorful Punjabi twist to the classic fried chicken. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences, and enjoy the deliciousness!
