Indulge in the crispy and flavorful delight of chicken pakora, a popular Indian snack that never fails to impress. Made by marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in a fragrant blend of spices, chickpea flour, and herbs, these crispy fritters are then deep-fried to golden perfection. Served hot and fresh, chicken pakora is a beloved appetizer that tantalizes the palate with its crunchy exterior and juicy, succulent chicken inside. Whether as a starter at a gathering or a tasty treat for yourself, chicken pakora is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving for more.
Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes, Cooking time around 20 minutes, Overall time around 35 minutes.
Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly / Intermediate Cook
Special equipment - deep fryer
Heat level - Mild
Recipe for Chicken Pakora
By following a similar method to onion bhaji but with the use of chicken breast, the process of making chicken pakora begins with the preparation of a smooth and lump-free batter. Sieving the besan (chickpea flour) and incorporating salt, bicarbonate of soda, ground rice, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and green chilies ensures an even distribution of dry ingredients, creating a flavourful base for coating the chicken. Thoroughly mixing these components guarantees that the batter is well-seasoned and infused with delicious spices, setting the stage for perfectly seasoned and crispy chicken pakora.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
150g/6oz besan (gram or chick-pea flour)
1 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt
Pinch of bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon of ground rice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1-2 fresh green chillies, finely chopped and seeded if a milder flavour is preferred
1 chicken breast per person cut across the breast into 1 - 2 cm wide strips (alternatively use cooked chicken leftovers)
200ml / 7 fl oz water
Oil for deep-frying
How to make Chicken Pakora
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Take the dry ingredients and sieve into a large glass bowl to remove any lumps and mix well with the chopped green chillies.
Gradually add water to the dry ingredient mixture for chicken pakora, ensuring a smooth incorporation without any lumps. Utilizing a food mixer can streamline this process effectively. The aim is to achieve a smooth paste without making it excessively runny. Add the water gradually to achieve a thick batter consistency that will adhere well to the chicken pieces during the coating process. This step is crucial in creating the desired texture and coating for delicious and crispy chicken pakora.
In a deep pan for frying bring the oil to 160 °c - 180°c, to test this drop a small amount of batter into the oil, If the batter bit floats up immediately without browning, it indicates that the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
Once the chicken strips are added to the batter, ensure they are evenly coated. Using a pair of tongs, carefully pick up a chicken piece and gently drop it into the hot oil. Repeat this process one by one, ensuring the pan is filled without overcrowding to maintain the optimal temperature for frying and to allow the chicken pakoras to cook evenly and achieve a crispy golden exterior.
After frying the chicken pakoras, it is important to place them on absorbent paper to drain excess oil and maintain their crispy texture. Serving them while they are still warm and crispy is optimal for savouring their fresh flavours. If necessary, you can keep them warm in a low-temperature oven for a brief period without sacrificing their texture. This final step ensures that the chicken pakoras are delectable and ready to be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Goes well with:
These aromatic and crispy chicken pakoras are a delightful addition to any meal or gathering, offering a perfect blend of flavours and textures that never fail to impress. Whether served as a tempting appetizer or a flavourful side dish, these savoury fritters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them fresh and hot, straight from the pan, for an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave your taste buds craving more. Dive into the irresistible charm of homemade Chicken Pakora with this easy recipe and elevate your next dining experience with these satisfying and flavourful treats.
Please leave a comment below to share your own experience in preparing this recipe.
Cheers Steve.
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