Chicken pakora, a beloved dish in South Asian cuisine, is a delectable treat that combines the succulence of chicken with the bold flavors of spices.

Originating from the streets of the Indian subcontinent, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its irresistible taste and simplicity in preparation.

Despite its exotic name, making chicken pakora at home is surprisingly easy, even for beginners in the kitchen.

The recipe entails marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a flavorful blend of spices and gram flour, followed by deep frying until golden brown and crispy.

With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep time, you can recreate the magic of authentic chicken pakora in your own kitchen.

Expert Tip: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or fryer to ensure that the chicken pakoras cook evenly and become crispy. Fry in batches if necessary.

Ingredients

Chicken: Chicken adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish. When marinated and deep-fried, it becomes tender and juicy, offering a satisfying texture in every bite.

Gram Flour (Besan): Gram flour serves as the base for the pakora batter, giving it a crispy and golden exterior when fried. It also helps to bind the spices to the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Garlic Paste and Ginger Paste: These aromatic ingredients infuse the chicken with a rich, savory taste and a hint of pungency. They add depth to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken pakora.

Spices: These spices bring warmth and complexity to the dish, with crushed chillies providing heat, coriander powder imparting a citrusy note, and cumin powder adding earthiness. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a refreshing tanginess to balance the spices. It brightens up the marinade, adding a zesty kick to the chicken pakora.

Chilli Powder and Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Chilli powder adds an extra punch of heat to the dish, while turmeric powder lends a vibrant yellow color and subtle earthy flavor. Both spices contribute to the bold and aromatic profile of chicken pakora.

Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients, salt brings out the natural taste of the chicken and spices. It helps to season the marinade, ensuring a well-balanced and delicious final dish.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped, not only add a pop of color to the chicken pakora but also provide a refreshing herbal aroma. They complement the spices and add a touch of freshness to each bite.

Expert Tip: To test if the oil is hot enough for frying, drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.

Serving Suggestions

• Yogurt Chutney: Serve the chicken pakora alongside a refreshing yogurt chutney. To make the chutney, simply combine yogurt with finely chopped mint leaves, coriander, green chilies, and a pinch of salt. This cooling and tangy condiment perfectly complements the spicy heat of the pakoras, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the chicken pakora with a crisp and colorful salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple salad of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and lemon wedges dressed with a sprinkle of chaat masala or lemon juice adds brightness and crunch to the meal.
• Indian Bread: Accompany the chicken pakora with a side of Indian bread such as naan or roti for a heartier meal. The soft and pillowy texture of the bread provides a comforting base for enjoying the crispy, flavorful pakoras.
• Chai or Lassi: Complete the dining experience by serving hot chai or refreshing lassi alongside the chicken pakora. The warmth of the chai balances the spiciness of the pakoras, while the creamy sweetness of lassi helps to soothe the palate.

Expert Tip: For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of rice flour or cornstarch to the marinade mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. However, if time permits, marinating for longer, even up to a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, will result in more flavorful chicken pakoras.

Can I use boneless or bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Either boneless or bone-in chicken can be used for chicken pakora. Boneless chicken is easier to cut into bite-sized pieces and cooks faster, while bone-in chicken may require slightly longer cooking time. Choose whichever option you prefer or based on what you have available.

Can I bake the chicken pakora instead of deep frying?

While traditionally chicken pakora is deep-fried for maximum flavor and texture, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the marinated chicken pieces on a greased baking tray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I freeze leftover chicken pakora?

Yes, leftover chicken pakora can be frozen for future consumption. Allow the pakoras to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Egg Pakora
• Vegetable Pakora
• Fish Pakora
• Onion Pakora
• Aloo Pakora

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Pakora

by Nabeela Kauser

Embark on a culinary journey with the crowd-pleasing Chicken Pakora. This dish, resplendent in rich flavours and tantalizing spices, is your ticket to experiencing a taste of authentic Indian street food right in your own kitchen.

5 from 30 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Marination Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6

Calories 201 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 750 g Chicken
• ▢ 100 g Gram Flour Besan
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Crushed Chillies
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ ½ tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 100 ml Water
• ▢ Coriander

Instructions

• Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces and add into a bowl
• Add the gram flour, garlic paste, ginger paste, crushed chillies, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, chilli powder, salt, coriander, and turmeric powder to the chicken then add the water gradually in parts and mix until well combined
• Set aside and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes – the longer the better
• Deep fry the chicken pakora for 4-6 minutes until golden brown – do not overcrowd the pan as this will prevent the chicken pakoras from cooking through properly
• Serve alongside a fresh, yoghurt chutney and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 454mgPotassium: 291mgFibre: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 338IUVitamin C: 3mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Appetiser, Chicken, Cooking, Finger Food, Food, Ramadan, Recipe, Spicy, Street Food

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