Who doesn’t love chicken fry? Yes, you heard me right. Not Fried Chicken. Chicken Fry. It’s a healthier version of Fried Chicken with an Indian twist.

Here’s a recipe my mom put together, it’s been a family favorite for decades. (I tweaked it just a bit…sorry, mama)

Hope you Enjoy!

Mama’s South Indian Chicken Fry

Ingredients:
1 small package of chicken thighs (or you can use bone-in chicken breast)
-wash, and cut in cubes
1 small onion (sliced)
1/2 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 handful cilantro (washed, chopped)
1 stem curry leaves (optional)

Spices:
1 tsp salt
1 tsp red pepper powder (or Indian chili powder)
1/2- 1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
1 pinch of tumerick

Spice Mill: (grind)
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
3 cloves
2 anise (stars)
2 cardamon

Stir in all of the above ingredients by hand (trust me, it’ll taste better ?)

The Cooking Process:

Add oil to a skillet (just enough to lightly cover base)
Once hot, add the chicken mixture

-Cook on High and Cover for about 5 minutes (Stir in between)
-Uncover and cook for about 10 more minutes (till the water absorbs).
-Add additional salt or red pepper powder according to taste.
-Continue cooking till done.

Serve with Chapati & a vegetable!!

*Another option (which is what my mom prefers)…..Follow the instructions above WITHOUT using oil. Once the water has absorbed and the chicken is cooked (no longer pink), remove from the stove and set aside in a storage/ glass dish.

Then as you need (in SMALL BATCHES) sauté the chicken in a skillet using just a little bit of oil…this way, it always taste fresh.

Either way, it’s easy and tasty!

ENJOY!!!!

Thanks to my son Caleb, for being my faithful videographer.

– Binu

Click on the YouTube link below to see how to make this recipe.