Name: Chicken Pakora Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500 g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup gram flour (besan); 2 tbsp rice flour; 1 tsp ginger garlic paste; 1 tsp red chili powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp salt; 2 green chilies, finely chopped; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Water as needed; Oil for deep frying

Why You’ll Love Chicken Pakora Recipe

This chicken pakora recipe is quick, spicy, crispy, and perfect for snacks, parties, or Ramadan iftar. It uses simple pantry spices and comes together easily with very little batter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken, diced
Salt
Turmeric
Lemon juice
Ginger garlic paste
Cumin powder
Coriander powder
Kashmiri chili powder
Chili powder
Garam masala
Green chilies, chopped
Coriander leaves
Curry leaves, chopped
Onion, sliced
Gram flour/besan
Cornstarch
Water
Curry leaves for frying
Oil for deep frying

Directions

Cut the boneless chicken into even bite-sized cubes.

In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri chili powder, chili powder, garam masala, and ginger garlic paste.

Add chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, chopped curry leaves, and sliced onion. Mix well and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Just before frying, add gram flour, cornstarch, and a little water. Mix until the chicken is coated well. The mixture should be thick, not runny.

Heat oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they become firm, golden, crispy, and cooked through.

Add dry curry leaves near the end of frying for extra flavor.

Remove the pakoras and drain them on a cooling rack. Serve hot with ketchup, chutney, or onion rings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 to 4

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total time: About 55 to 60 minutes

Variations

Use bone-in chicken pieces for a more traditional version, but increase the cooking time slightly.

Add egg white instead of water for a richer coating.

Use mint leaves along with coriander for a fresher flavor.

Add extra green chilies for a spicier pakora.

Serve with green chutney, garlic sauce, sweet chili sauce, or ketchup.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken pakora in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in an air fryer or oven until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soft.

For best texture, serve chicken pakora fresh right after frying.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy after frying.

Can I make chicken pakora without curry leaves?

Yes, you can skip curry leaves or replace them with coriander or mint leaves.

Why is my chicken pakora not crispy?

The batter may be too wet, or the oil may not be hot enough. Keep the coating thick and fry on medium heat.

Can I air fry chicken pakora?

Yes, but the texture will be less crispy than deep-fried pakora. Brush or spray with oil before air frying.

Can I bake chicken pakora?

Yes, bake on a lined tray at a high temperature until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken ahead, but add gram flour, cornstarch, and water just before frying.

What should I serve with chicken pakora?

Serve it with ketchup, green chutney, onion rings, lemon wedges, or a yogurt dip.

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes, reduce the chili powder and green chilies.

Can I freeze chicken pakora?

Yes, freeze cooked pakoras after cooling. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?

The pakoras should be golden outside, firm, and the chicken inside should be fully cooked and tender.

Conclusion

Chicken pakora is a delicious crispy snack that is easy to make and full of bold flavor. With juicy chicken, warm spices, herbs, and a crunchy coating, it is perfect for serving hot as an appetizer, evening snack, or iftar treat.

Chicken Pakora Recipe