Chicken 65 – The Story Behind Its Name

Chicken 65 is a tantalizingly spicy and tangy deep-fried chicken dish that has found its place as a popular appetizer on many Indian restaurant menus. It first burst onto the scene in 1965 at Hotel Buhari in Chennai, India, prompting amusing theories about its name. While it’s widely believed to have been the 65th item on the menu, others speculate it refers to the amount of chilies or even that it’s made using 65-day-old chickens. Regardless of its origins, the dish has since become a favorite!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Healthier and Just as Tasty: Crave that deep-fried flavor but want to watch your calories? This Chicken 65 recipe offers a healthier alternative by utilizing the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior with less oil.
• Quick and Convenient: This dish is ready to serve in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for a fast snack or appetizer!
• Prep Ahead, Stress Less: You can prepare the marinade in advance, simplifying the cooking process and cutting down on last-minute stress.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a quick bite, this Chicken 65 recipe is perfect for entertaining guests as both an appetizer and an entrée.

How to Make Chicken 65

Ingredient Notes/Swaps

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for moisture and flavor. You can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Marinade: A zesty blend featuring yogurt, curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, and both Kashmiri chili powder and ground pepper gives the chicken its signature spicy demeanor.
• Rice Flour: For a crispy crust, coat the marinated chicken in rice flour; corn flour serves as a perfect substitute.
• Oil: Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil for cooking to ensure even frying without burning.
• Tempering: Achieve a flavor punch by adding a mix of avocado oil, curry leaves, and Indian or Thai green chilies.
• Finishing Touches: To elevate the flavor, a sprinkle of black pepper and chaat masala works wonders. Don’t forget to finish with a splash of lemon or lime juice and some fresh cilantro for garnish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch chunks for even cooking.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, chopped curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, black pepper, salt, and avocado oil well.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Toss each chicken piece in the marinade, ensuring they’re all well coated.
4. Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
5. Coat with Rice Flour: Dust the marinated pieces in rice flour to achieve that crispy texture.
6. Prep Your Air Fryer: Grease the air fryer basket well to keep the chicken from sticking.
7. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
8. Layer the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
9. First Round of Cooking: Air fry for 7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown.
10. Flip and Continue Cooking: After the first cooking round, flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 7 minutes.
11. Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12. Serving: Transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate and repeat with any remaining pieces.

Finish the Chicken 65 with Tempering:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a pan until it’s hot enough for tempering.
2. Sauté the Spices: Quickly sauté garlic, curry leaves, and green chilies in the hot oil until they release their aroma, about 20 seconds.
3. Add Cooked Chicken: Toss in the air-fried chicken with the sautéed spices.
4. Season: Sprinkle over some pepper powder and chaat masala, stirring well to combine.
5. Remove from Heat: Once mixed thoroughly, take the pan off the heat.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with finely chopped cilantro and enjoy immediately while hot, alongside a wedge of lemon.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Making Chicken 65 in an air fryer allows you to enjoy this classic Indian dish with far less oil and all the flavor. A few tips for perfecting your Air Fryer Chicken 65 include:

1. Try Chicken Breasts: If you prefer, swap chicken thighs for breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them!
2. Uniform Size: Cut your chicken into equal sizes for even cooking.
3. Thorough Marination: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating helps lock in juices and achieve crispiness.
5. Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
6. Incorporate Curry Leaves: They add authentic flavor to the dish.
7. Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adjusting chilies and chili powder based on your preference.
8. Finishing Touch: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a zesty brightness.

Meal Prep and Storage Instructions

If you’re making Chicken 65 for a special occasion, consider these preparation and storage tips:

• Marinate Overnight: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight for rich flavor.
• Cook Day of Serving: For the best taste and texture, cook the chicken on the same day you plan to serve it.
• Refrigeration Notes: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge but may dry out; aim to consume them within two days.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze marinated chicken, as thawing can negatively impact its texture.

Variations

Chicken 65 is adaptable and can cater to different dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Vegan Chicken 65: Substitute chicken with cauliflower or tofu, marinating and cooking them just like you would chicken for a plant-based option.
2. Deep-Fried Chicken 65: Follow the same marinating steps, then deep fry the chicken in hot oil for a crispy finish.
3. Grilled Chicken 65: Marinate and grill the chicken over medium heat for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Serve It With

To enhance your Chicken 65 experience, consider these serving suggestions:

1. Lemon Wedges and Raw Onion Rings: These classic accompaniments provide a refreshing contrast to the spice.
2. Raita: This cool yogurt-based sauce helps balance the heat of Chicken 65 with a creamy texture.
3. Salad: A light salad adds a crisp side that complements the dish nicely.
4. Chicken 65 Wrap: Layer the chicken with lettuce and onions in a tortilla for a fun twist.
5. Cilantro Mint Chutney: A zesty chutney pairs perfectly with the spices in the chicken.
6. Fried Rice: Serving Chicken 65 with fried rice can create a delightful dinner!