Indian Fried Chicken

This Indian Fried Chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, coated in cornstarch, and deep fried to a perfectly crisp golden brown.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 pounds bone in chicken thighs and/or legs
• peanut oil
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon honey ((optional - for drizzling over cooked chicken))
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (substitute lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste (substitute grated ginger)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (substitute kashmiri chili powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling on the finished chicken)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Add the chicken and store in the fridge for 12-24 hours (or overnight).
2. 2Remove from fridge and let the chicken come to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Putting cold chicken in the hot oil will bring down the temperature of the oil too fast. Pat each piece dry, removing any excess marinade.
3. 3Fill a heavy cast iron dutch oven half way full with oil and heat to 350 degrees. When the chicken is added the temperature will drop - we want to keep the temperature at 300-325 degrees when frying.
4. 4Combine the cornstarch, rice flour, salt and garam masala in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
5. 5Dip each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture until coated and place on a wire rack until all pieces are coated. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
6. 6Place the chicken in the heated oil, being very careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 12-16 minutes, flipping every 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees when done.
7. 7Remove from pan and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
8. 8When the first batch is done, keep it in a 200 degree oven to keep it warm and crisp. Serve the chicken with a drizzle of honey (optional).