Fried Chicken Piece
Lunch • India
How to Make Fried Chicken Piece (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Fried Chicken Piece, known as 'Bharatiya Tali Hui Murgi' in many Indian households, is a crisp and flavorful dish that has been adapted in India with a unique blend of desi masalas and cooking techniques. While fried chicken is often associated with Western fast food, the Indian version infuses local spices like haldi (turmeric), lal mirch (red chilli powder), dhania (coriander powder), and garam masala, giving it a distinct aroma and mouthwatering taste. This dish is especially popular in North Indian regions, where it's prepared for special occasions, family lunches, and festivals such as Holi and Eid. The Indian fried chicken is typically shallow-fried in minimal oil on a tawa, making it lighter than its deep-fried counterparts and suitable for health-conscious individuals. The crispy outer layer is achieved by using a coating of besan (gram flour) and atta (whole wheat flour), rather than just refined flour, which boosts the nutritional value. The marination process uses curd (dahi), ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice, ensuring the chicken remains juicy inside while developing a flavorful crust outside. This Indian Fried Chicken Piece is a versatile dish, enjoyed with green chutney, onion rings, and a wedge of lemon. It's perfect for lunch or special get-togethers, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite while staying authentic to Indian culinary traditions.
Ingredients(for 1 medium chicken piece (approx. 100g) per serving)
- 4 medium Chicken pieces (bone-in) (Preferably leg or thigh)
- 1/2 cup Dahi (curd) (Thick curd for better marination)
- 1/4 cup Besan (gram flour) (Gives crunch and binds masalas)
- 1/4 cup Atta (whole wheat flour) (Healthier than maida)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste (Adrak-lehsun paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Haldi (turmeric powder)
- 1 teaspoon Lal mirch (red chilli powder) (Adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dhaniya powder (coriander powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- to taste Salt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Mustard oil / cold-pressed groundnut oil (For shallow frying)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves (Chopped, for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. Score lightly for better marination.
3 minutes
Scoring helps spices penetrate deeper for juicier, tastier chicken.
- 2
In a bowl, mix dahi, ginger-garlic paste, haldi, lal mirch, dhaniya powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with this marinade. Rest for at least 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Longer marination (up to 2 hours) intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- 3
In another bowl, mix besan and atta. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in this dry mixture to coat evenly.
2 minutes
Press the flour mix gently onto the chicken for a crispier crust.
- 4
Heat mustard oil in a heavy tawa or kadhai on medium flame. Once hot, place chicken pieces and shallow fry.
2 minutes
Ensure oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning the crust.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This recipe is a healthier take on traditional fried chicken because it uses shallow frying, whole grains, and natural Indian spices. By avoiding refined flour and limiting oil, it supports weight management and heart health. The inclusion of dahi in the marinade adds nutrition and aids digestion, making it suitable for a balanced Indian lunch. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a protein-rich, satisfying meal without unnecessary calories.
This Indian Fried Chicken Piece recipe uses minimal oil by shallow frying, reducing overall fat compared to deep-fried versions. The use of besan and atta instead of maida provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, while the chicken is a rich source of lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety. Spices like turmeric and coriander are packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The addition of curd adds probiotics and calcium, supporting gut health and strong bones.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Use mustard oil for authentic taste and health benefits.
- 💡Tip 3: Let fried pieces rest before serving to retain juiciness.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on a tawa to restore crispiness before serving.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 220.0 kcal |
