Keralan Fried Chicken

Keralan Fried Chicken

Keralan Fried Chicken

Sick of the same old fried chicken? This is a Keralan twist that will back the Colonel into a corner. When we think of food from the Indian state of Kerala, we think of two things: coconut and chilies. The chicken in this recipe is marinated in a spicy coconut milk marinade and dredged in a spicy coconut flour mix. After frying the chicken, it is garnished with fried curry leaves. You can make this chicken with bone in or boneless pieces. If you want to make this a vegan recipe, substitute the chicken with cauliflower.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Marinating Time1 day
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Chicken, Indian, main course, South Asian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 4 large boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 3 pieces
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2” ginger peeled and minced
  • 2 green birds eye chili
  • 4 cilantro stems
  • 12 curry leaves
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • vegetable oil for frying

Garnish

  • curry leaves

Instructions

  • Place the coconut milk, cilantro, garlic, chilies, and ginger in a food processor.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Process until smooth.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Season the chicken with salt, coriander, paprika, and garam masala.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Pour the coconut milk marinade over the chicken. Marinate for 24 hours.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Mix together the flours, onion powder, and chili flakes.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Dredge the chicken in the flour. Shake off any excess and place back into the marinade.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Dredge the chicken back into the flour.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Heat up 1/2” of cooking oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces into the oil, making sure to not overcrowd the pan.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Fry for 4-5 minutes a side until brown snd crispy. Drain grease on a rack.
    Indian, main course, chicken
  • Fry the curry leaves in the oil for 10 seconds.
    Indian, main course, chicken
Indian, main course, chicken
Season with salt. Garnish the fried chicken with the fried curry leaves.
Indian, main course, chicken
Keralan fried chicken is great in a paratha wrap with tomato, onion, cilantro, and yogurt sauce.