Chicken 65 is a beloved Indian appetizer known for its fiery flavor and crispy texture. This dish features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, then deep-fried to golden perfection. It's a versatile treat, ideal as a spicy starter or a tasty snack, and often enjoyed with onion rings, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander leaves.

Originating from Chennai, India, Chicken 65 has a storied past that adds to its charm. The dish is rumored to have been named "Chicken 65" due to the fact that it was originally made using 65-day-old chickens. Despite its name, the dish has evolved and is now enjoyed across India and internationally. It’s a staple in both street food stalls and upscale restaurants, appreciated for its vibrant flavor and crispy coating.

ingredients:

1- 500g boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized cubes

2- 2 tablespoons cornflour

3- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

5- 1 tablespoon red chili powder

6- 1 tablespoon coriander powder

7- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

8- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

9- 1 teaspoon salt

10- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

11- 1 egg

12- 1/4 cup yogurt

13- Oil, for deep frying

Step by Step Method:

1- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and yogurt. Add the marinated chicken and mix well.

3- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.

4- Remove the chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

5- Serve hot with onion rings, lemon wedges, and coriander leaves.

Note:

1- You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding or reducing the amount of chili powder used.

2- The marination time can be increased up to 2 hours for a more flavorful chicken.

3- To make the dish healthier, you can bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying it.

Nutrition Value:

1. 500g boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized cubes

  - Calories: 660 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 100g

  - Fat: 24g

  - Sodium: 150mg

  - Cholesterol: 290mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins (especially B6 and B12)

  - Minerals: High in phosphorus and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Chicken provides a high amount of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains vitamins and minerals that support overall health and metabolism.

2. 2 tablespoons cornflour

  - Calories: 50 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cornflour acts as a thickening agent and adds a light, crispy texture to the chicken. It contributes primarily carbohydrates for energy.

3. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  - Calories: 62 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 13g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour helps in creating a crispy coating and provides carbohydrates, which serve as an energy source.

4. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

  - Calories: 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 12mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium, calcium, and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Ginger-garlic paste provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enhancing flavor while offering health benefits.

5. 1 tablespoon red chili powder

  - Calories: 24 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 3.8g

  - Protein: 1.3g

  - Fat: 1.3g

  - Sodium: 31mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A and C

  - Minerals: Contains iron and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Red chili powder adds heat and color, and contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and have antioxidant effects.

6. 1 tablespoon coriander powder

  - Calories: 20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 3.7g

  - Protein: 0.8g

  - Fat: 0.6g

  - Sodium: 13mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C

  - Minerals: High in iron and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Coriander powder adds a warm, earthy flavor and provides antioxidants and essential minerals that support digestive health.

7. 1 teaspoon cumin powder

  - Calories: 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.9g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0.5g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A

  - Minerals: Rich in iron and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cumin powder enhances flavor and provides digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, along with essential minerals.

8. 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.2g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0.3g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C

  - Minerals: Contains iron and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garam masala adds depth and complexity to the flavor while providing antioxidants and minerals beneficial for health.

9. 1 teaspoon salt

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2325mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Contains sodium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for electrolyte balance and flavor, but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

10. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

  - Calories: 2 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains iron and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Turmeric powder provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enhancing both health benefits and flavor.

11. 1 egg

  - Calories: 78 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Protein: 6.3g

  - Fat: 5.3g

  - Sodium: 62mg

  - Cholesterol: 186mg

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin B12 and vitamin D

  - Minerals: Contains selenium and iodine

  - Nutritional Benefit: Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health.

12. 1/4 cup yogurt

  - Calories: 31 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4g

  - Protein: 2.9g

  - Fat: 1.7g

  - Sodium: 24mg

  - Cholesterol: 8mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin B12 and vitamin B2

  - Minerals: High in calcium and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Yogurt adds creaminess and flavor while providing beneficial probiotics, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

13. Oil, for deep frying

  - Calories: Varies based on amount used (approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content

  - Minerals: Minimal mineral content

  - Nutritional Benefit: Oil is used to achieve a crispy texture and enhance flavor. While it adds fat, it should be used in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.