Chicken pakora is a popular Indian street food that consists of tender chicken coated in a flavorful and crispy batter. This easy homemade chicken pakora recipe is gluten-free and uses a blend of chickpea flour and white rice flour for a better texture and taste. The recipe also includes a variety of spices such as curry powder and coriander powder, which can be customized to suit your preferences. The chicken is deep-fried until golden and cooked through, resulting in irresistibly crispy and juicy fritters. Serve these delicious chicken pakoras as a snack or appetizer with chutneys or sauces of your choice.
When it comes to crispy chicken pakora, this recipe is the best. With its easy steps and homemade goodness, you’ll be able to enjoy these fritters in no time. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or prefer milder tastes, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit your palate. The combination of chickpea flour and white rice flour creates a delightful texture that will leave you craving more.
Chicken Pakora Recipe Ingredients
To make crispy chicken pakora, you will need
- boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- chickpea flour (besan)
- white rice flour
- hot curry powder
- coriander powder
- salt, baking powder
- finely chopped cilantro leaves
- water
- oil for frying
These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, and you can also find them at Indian or South Asian grocers. Feel free to customize the spices and add additional ingredients such as ginger-garlic paste or grated ginger for extra flavor.
Chicken Pakora Recipe Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create delicious and crispy chicken pakora at home.
1. Heat the oil: Start by heating the vegetable oil to 365°F in a deep pan or deep fryer.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, white rice flour, hot curry powder, coriander powder, salt, baking powder, and finely chopped cilantro.
3. Gradually add water: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring well to form a thick batter. Let the batter sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Coat the chicken: Cut the chicken into small strips or chunks. Coat them in additional chickpea flour to ensure a crispy texture.
5. Dip in batter: Dip the coated chicken pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. Fry the chicken: Carefully transfer the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
7. Cook until golden brown: Fry the chicken pakora until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
8. Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken pakora from the oil and transfer them to paper towels. This helps to drain excess oil from the fritters.
Now, your homemade chicken pakora is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot as a snack or appetizer alongside your favorite chutneys or sauces.
Nutrition Details of Chicken Pakora
The nutritional information for chicken pakora can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. However, on average, a serving of chicken pakora (approximately 6 pieces) contains around 205 calories, 23g of carbohydrates, 19g of protein, and 4g of fat. Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Chicken pakora is a delicious and flavorful snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Despite being fried, homemade chicken pakora can still be a satisfying treat. The use of boneless, skinless chicken and a balanced batter helps to keep the calorie content relatively low while still providing a good amount of protein.
One benefit of making chicken pakora at home is that you have control over the ingredients and cooking methods. By using lean chicken and limiting the amount of oil used for frying, you can make a healthier version of this popular dish. Additionally, serving chicken pakora with fresh salads or steamed vegetables can help to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Remember that the nutritional information provided is for guidance purposes only and may vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It’s always a good idea to consult a nutritionist or use a food tracking app for more accurate calculations.
Enjoy your homemade chicken pakoras in moderation and savor the delicious flavors and crisp texture they offer. With the right balance of ingredients and mindful portion sizes, you can elevate your snacking experience and indulge guilt-free. Experiment with different spices and serving suggestions to make the best chicken pakora recipe that suits your taste preferences.
Variations of Chicken Pakora
While the basic recipe for chicken pakora is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to add more flavor and customize the dish to your liking. Here are some suggestions:
- Increase the spice level: If you enjoy spicy food, add finely chopped green chilies to the batter for an extra kick. This will give your chicken pakora a fiery flavour that is sure to satisfy spice lovers.
- Infuse with ginger: For a zesty twist, consider adding ginger-garlic paste or grated ginger to the marinade. Ginger adds a unique warmth and tang to the pakora, enhancing its overall taste.
- Experiment with spice powders: Along with the traditional curry powder and coriander powder, you can experiment with other spice powders to create different aromatic profiles. Try adding cumin powder, garam masala, or turmeric powder to customize the flavor to your preference.
- Introduce herbs and leaves: To add a fresh element to your chicken pakora, consider incorporating finely chopped herbs like mint or cilantro. These herbs impart a pleasant fragrance and add a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Marinate the chicken: For a richer taste, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours before coating it in the batter. This will result in tender and flavorful chicken pakora.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and marinades to create your own unique version of chicken pakora. The possibilities are endless!
Preparation and Cooking Time
The preparation and cooking time for chicken pakora can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the cooking method used. Generally, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare the batter and coat the chicken, and about 15 minutes to fry the chicken pakoras until golden and cooked through. The total time, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 35 minutes. Please note that these times are approximate and may vary based on individual cooking preferences and techniques.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy chicken pakora recipe, this one won’t disappoint. With just a few simple steps, you can have crispy, flavorful fritters ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chickpea flour, white rice flour, hot curry powder, coriander powder, salt, baking powder, finely chopped cilantro leaves, water, and oil for frying.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, spices, salt, baking powder, and cilantro. Gradually add water to form a thick batter. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Next, cut the chicken into small strips or chunks. Coat each piece with additional chickpea flour, ensuring they are well covered. Then, dip the coated chicken into the prepared batter, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Heat vegetable oil to 365°F in a deep pan or deep fryer. Carefully transfer the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying them in small batches. Cook until the pakoras turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken pakora and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Now that your chicken pakoras are ready, serve them hot with your favorite chutneys, sauces, or dips. These crispy and flavorful fritters make a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Pakora
Chicken pakora is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, there are plenty of delicious options to complement the crispy chicken pakoras.
For those seeking an explosion of flavors, pair the pakoras with refreshing cilantro-mint chutney. The combination of fragrant herbs and a hint of tanginess will elevate the taste of the crispy chicken. If you prefer a sweet and tangy twist, tamarind chutney is an excellent choice that adds a delightful balance to the dish.
If you’re a fan of heat, try serving the chicken pakora with a side of sweet chili sauce. The spicy kick of the sauce will provide an exciting contrast to the crispy texture of the pakoras. And of course, for the classic option, ketchup is always a crowd-pleaser that complements the flavors of the homemade chicken pakora.
To make your meal more satisfying, enjoy the pakoras alongside a steaming cup of masala chai. The aromatic blend of spices in the tea pairs well with the savory and crispy chicken fritters. Alternatively, serve the pakoras as part of a larger meal with rice or flatbreads for a more substantial and filling experience. The choice is yours!
FAQs
What is chicken pakora?
Chicken pakora is a popular Indian street food that consists of tender chicken coated in a flavorful and crispy batter.
Is this chicken pakora recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this homemade chicken pakora recipe is gluten-free and uses a blend of chickpea flour and white rice flour.
How long does it take to make chicken pakora?
It takes approximately 35 minutes to make chicken pakora, including preparation and cooking time.
What can I serve with chicken pakora?
Chicken pakora can be served as a snack or appetizer with chutneys or sauces of your choice. Some popular options include cilantro-mint chutney, tamarind chutney, sweet chili sauce, or even ketchup.
Chicken Pakora Recipe
Ingredients
- boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- chickpea flour besan
- white rice flour
- hot curry powder
- coriander powder
- salt baking powder
- finely chopped cilantro leaves
- water
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Start by heating the vegetable oil to 365°F in a deep pan or deep fryer.oil for frying
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, white rice flour, hot curry powder, coriander powder, salt, baking powder, and finely chopped cilantro.chickpea flour, white rice flour, hot curry powder, coriander powder, salt, finely chopped cilantro leaves, water
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring well to form a thick batter. Let the batter sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cut the chicken into small strips or chunks. Coat them in additional chickpea flour to ensure a crispy texture.boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Dip the coated chicken pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Carefully transfer the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Fry the chicken pakora until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken pakora from the oil and transfer them to paper towels. This helps to drain excess oil from the fritters.
