Chicken Pakora

Instructions for Making Chicken Pakora

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making Chicken Pakora from scratch.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the boneless chicken pieces with the ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt.
2. Add the yogurt and mix well, making sure each piece of chicken is coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, though you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pakora Batter

1. In a separate bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), rice flour, baking powder, carom seeds, and chili flakes (if using).
2. Add salt to taste.
3. Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously to form a thick batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it clumps together. If it’s too thin, add a little more gram flour, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of water.
4. Once the batter is the right consistency, fold in the chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbaceous touch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Take each marinated chicken piece and dip it into the prepared batter, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated on all sides.
2. Gently shake off any excess batter before frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Pakora

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. You want enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even frying.
2. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
3. Carefully add the batter-coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
4. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. The chicken should be fully cooked through and have a crispy, crunchy exterior.
5. Once the pakoras are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the crispy Chicken Pakora hot, garnished with extra chopped coriander if desired.
2. You can serve them with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt dip for an added burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pakora

• Use fresh chicken: Boneless chicken breast or thighs are the best choices for this recipe. Thighs provide a bit more juiciness, while breasts are lean and easy to work with.
• Adjust the spices: Chicken Pakora can be as mild or spicy as you like. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the chili flakes. Conversely, for more heat, feel free to add extra spices like cayenne pepper.
• Frying temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pakoras. If the oil is too cool, the pakoras will absorb more oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, they may cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Aim for a medium-high heat.
• Experiment with flavor: You can experiment by adding other ingredients to the batter, such as finely chopped spinach, onions, or even a pinch of cinnamon or garam masala for extra flavor.
• Serving suggestions: While Chicken Pakora is often served as a snack or appetizer, it can also be enjoyed as a main course with rice or naan. Pair it with a side of salad or vegetables for a more complete meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Pakora is a delicious, crispy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its golden-brown, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken interior, this dish is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own snack cravings. The spiced batter and the marinated chicken blend perfectly together, creating an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.

Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an appetizer, or just as a fun family snack, Chicken Pakora is a crowd-pleasing favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this delightful Indian-inspired dish in your own kitchen, ready to enjoy at any time!