South Indian Chicken 65 - Kaaf Foods
South Indian Chicken 65 Recipe

South Indian Chicken 65

Diff🟡Easy
Prep⏱️15 Mins
Cook⏲️15 Mins
Total50 Mins
Serv🍽️3-4
Cuisine🌍South Indian
Ingredients
Chicken Marination
Boneless Chicken (cubes)500 g
Ginger-Garlic Paste1½ tbsp
Curry Leaves (chopped)1-2 tbsp
Black Pepper Powder1 tsp
Cumin Powder1 tsp
SaltTo taste
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder1½ tbsp
Curd (Yogurt)2-3 tbsp
Rice Flour3-4 tbsp
Oil (for deep frying)As needed
Tempering & Tossing
Oil1 tbsp
Chopped Garlic1 tbsp
Green Chilies (slit)3-4
Fresh Curry Leaves15-20
Black Pepper Powder½ tsp
Pro Tip
Authentic Chennai-style Chicken 65 is naturally dry and crispy, without heavy sauces or ketchup. Combining rice flour with curd creates a light, crunchy crust that locks in moisture. For intense natural red color, warm aroma, and unadulterated spice quality, always use premium spices from Kaaf Foods™.
How To Cook
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken cubes with ginger-garlic paste, chopped curry leaves, black pepper, cumin powder, salt, Kashmiri chili powder, curd, and rice flour. Mix well and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. 15 Mins
Step 2: Deep Fry Until Crispy
Deep fry marinated chicken pieces in hot oil on medium-high heat until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. 10 Mins
Step 3: Prepare South Indian Tempering
In a pan, heat oil and sauté chopped garlic, slit green chilies, and fresh curry leaves until aromatic. Season with freshly ground black pepper. 5 Mins
Step 4: Dry Toss and Serve
Add fried chicken to the tempering and toss quickly on high heat so the spices coat every bite. Serve hot immediately. 2 Mins
Video Guide

Watch the recipe recommended video.

🎥 Video Credit: Chef Ranveer Brar
Nutrition Facts
CALORIES
per serving (approx. 150g)
320 kcal
Fat
18g
Carbs
11g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
1g
Protein
28g
Calorie Distribution
Protein 35% Carbs 14% Fat 51%
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this recipe called "Chicken 65"?
The dish was created in 1965 at the famous Buhari Hotel in Chennai, which led to the popular name "Chicken 65".
Is authentic Chicken 65 made with gravy or dry?
Authentically, Chicken 65 is a dry-tossed starter dish that is crispy on the outside and tossed quickly with aromatic tempering rather than cooked in heavy sauces.
What makes Chicken 65 coating crispy?
Using rice flour in the marination creates a crisp outer coating when deep-fried.
Can I use cornflour or cornstarch instead of rice flour?
Yes, cornflour or a combination of cornflour and all-purpose flour (Maida) can be used, but rice flour provides the most authentic crispy bite.
Why are curry leaves used twice in this recipe?
Chopped curry leaves in the marinade infuse flavor directly into the meat, while whole curry leaves in the final tempering provide aroma and crunch.
How do I get a bright red color without artificial food dye?
Use high-quality Kashmiri or Byadgi red chili powder, which imparts a rich natural red color without excessive heat.
Can I air-fry or bake Chicken 65?
Yes, spray marinated chicken with a little oil and air-fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, then toss in the prepared garlic-curry leaf tempering.
Why is black pepper powder added in the final tempering?
Black pepper provides the signature warm, earthy punch that defines traditional South Indian style chicken starters.
What cut of chicken works best for Chicken 65?
Boneless chicken breast or thigh cut into small, uniform bite-sized cubes cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Why choose Kaaf Foods™ spices for South Indian recipes like Chicken 65?
Dishes like Chicken 65 rely on pure, freshly ground black pepper, cumin, and vibrant red chili. Kaaf Foods™ offers 100% pure, unadulterated spices that deliver authentic taste and natural color.
Where can I buy 100% pure spices from Kaaf Foods™ online?
You can order your favorite pure spices directly from our official store at kaaffoods.com for fast delivery to your home.
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