Sensational Chicken 65

From the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu comes Chicken 65, a hot and savory culinary treasure that tantalizes taste buds with its intense spices and innovative preparation. This famous dish has become a staple on India’s extensive appetizer menu because of its memorable name and flavor. Its history, like its beginnings at the Buhari Hotel in Chennai or its link with military canteens, is buried in mystery. Regardless of its provenance, this meal has come to represent the innovative cuisine of Tamil Nadu and its strong tastes.

Marinating bite-sized chunks of chicken in a mixture of fragrant spices, yogurt, and occasionally curry leaves is an art form, and the result is Chicken 65. The marinated chicken is deep-fried till golden and crisp, revealing juicy, soft flesh below. Infusing the meal with a blast of flavor from spices and herbs is the cherry on top. Chicken 65 appeals to more than just the taste buds; the sight and smell of this dish are as enticing. As an appetizer or a street food delicacy, it has become a mainstay in Indian restaurants outside of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu’s culinary expertise and its ability to produce meals with lasting appeal are shown by the popularity of Chicken 65. It’s a gastronomic adventure that captures the state’s daring character and penchant for spices, making it a favorite among foodies worldwide.

• Origin: Tamin Nadu, India
• Category: Chicken 65 is a Tamil Non-veg Appetizer which is considered Snack/Main
• Ingredient: Chicken, Spices, Curry Leaves are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Ginger, Garlic, Chili, Corn Flour
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 1-2 hours and the flavour is Spicy
• Nutritional Information: Chicken 65 contains 250 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 18 g of fat, 20 g of protein and 15 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 1 g sugar and 1 g of dietary fiber, the rest is other nutritional component. [ These values may vary based on ingredients used and its quantity ]

Photo Credit: AboutUttarakhand.com

Chicken 65 is a beloved South Indian appetizer known for its fiery flavor, crispy texture, and tantalizing spices. This dish is a culinary sensation that has gained popularity beyond the southern regions of India.

To create Chicken 65, bite-sized pieces of chicken, usually marinated in a mixture of yogurt and a blend of aromatic spices like red chili powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cumin, are deep-fried to a golden brown. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes it, resulting in juicy and succulent bites. The dish is then typically garnished with curry leaves and green chilies for an extra kick.

The origins of the name Chicken 65 are debated, with various stories suggesting that it was the 65th item on a menu or that the dish was created in 1965. Regardless of its name's origin, Chicken 65's popularity has grown immensely due to its bold and zesty taste.

Chicken 65 is often served as an appetizer or a side dish, and its spiciness can be adjusted according to individual preferences. It's often paired with onion slices and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness that balances the heat. This iconic South Indian dish has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts globally, making it a staple not only in South Indian cuisine but also on menus worldwide.

• Chicken [ मुर्गा ], 500 Grams
  → Bite-Sized Boneless.
• Curd [ दही ], 1/4 Cup
  → Hung Or Thick Curd.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste [ अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Red Chili Powder [ लाल मिर्च चूर्ण ], 1 Teaspoon
  → Adjust To Taste.
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1/4 Teaspoon
  
• Hot Spice [ गरम मसाला ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  
• Corn Flour [ मक्का आटा ], 2 Tablespoons
  
• All-Purpose Flour [ मैदा ], 2 Tablespoons
  
• Curry Leaves [ कढ़ी पत्ता ], 1-2 Sprigs
  
• Green Chili [ हरी मिर्च ], 2-3
  → Finely Chopped. Adjust To Taste.
• Lemon Juice [ नींबू का रस ], 1
  
• Food Coloring [ खाद्य रंग ], A pinch
  → Optional, For Color.
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  → Adjust To Taste.
• Mustard Oil [ सरसों का तेल ], As desired
  → To Be Used For Deep Frying, Use Any Oil Of Your Choice.

.

• Combine the chicken pieces, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside for 30 minutes to marinate.
• Make a batter in a separate bowl by combining corn flour, all-purpose flour, a pinch of turmeric powder, a pinch of red chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. To make a thick batter, add a little water at a time.
• Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the batter, coating them well.
• In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat the oil over medium heat.
• Once the oil is heated, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcook them. Fry them till golden brown and crispy. Remove and pat dry with paper towels.
• Heat some oil in a separate pan. Stir in the curry leaves and green chillies. Cook for 1 minute.
• Toss the fried chicken with the sautéed curry leaves and green chilies in the pan.
• Add a few drops of lemon juice and (if using) a sprinkle of food coloring. Coat the chicken evenly by tossing it.
• Your Chicken 65 is ready to eat.
• Serve hot with onion rings and lemon wedges as an appetizer or side dish.

• Protein Source – Chicken 65 is created from chicken, which is a rich source of protein, which is necessary for muscular health.
• Spice Advantages – Ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and spices have anti-inflammatory qualities.
• rich and Satisfying – With a lesser serving, the rich spices and crispy texture of Chicken 65 fulfill appetites.
• Occasional Treat – Because of the deep-frying and spice levels, Chicken 65 is best eaten as a one-time treat rather than a regular meal.
• Serve with chutney or yogurt-based dips as an appetizer or side dish.

Although these components may offer some health benefits, it's crucial to keep in mind that everyone's experience may vary, and they must be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health issues or concerns, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.

One dish that perfectly exemplifies the mix of tastes and the inventiveness of South Indian cuisine is Chicken 65. The mystery surrounding its creation only serves to increase interest in this fiery appetizer. Chicken 65 is a dish consisting of chunks of chicken that have been marinated and deep-fried.

Chicken 65, a popular snack or appetizer, is a delicious example of the region’s expertise of spices and cooking techniques. Its fame has spread beyond national borders, making it a highly sought after meal everywhere in the world.

Chicken 65 is a dish beloved not just for its delicious taste, but also for the atmosphere of excess and communal fun it represents. It’s a conversation starter and a social glue at any event, formal or not. Chicken 65, a dish representative of South India’s culinary flair, is a testament to the region’s capacity to accept gastronomic variety while maintaining its savory heritage.