Chilli Chicken 65 Recipe: Tamil Style

Nov 14, 2025 by Alex Braham 38 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the world of spicy and delicious South Indian cuisine? Today, we're going to learn how to make Chilli Chicken 65 in Tamil style. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, family dinners, or just when you're craving something incredibly flavorful. Get your aprons on, and let's get cooking!

What is Chilli Chicken 65?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk a little about what Chilli Chicken 65 actually is. It’s a popular South Indian chicken dish, typically served as an appetizer or a snack. The "65" in the name is a bit of a mystery – nobody really knows for sure why it's called that! Some theories suggest it refers to the number of ingredients, while others say it's related to the year it was invented. Regardless of the origin, what we do know is that it's absolutely delicious.

Chilli Chicken 65 is characterized by its fiery red color, crispy texture, and a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. The chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a flavorful sauce. The Tamil version often includes a unique blend of local spices, giving it a distinctive taste that you won't find anywhere else. The end result is a culinary explosion that will leave you wanting more.

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve Chilli Chicken 65 as a starter at your next dinner party, or pair it with rice and dal for a complete meal. It's also a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Plus, it's always a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a guaranteed win for any occasion. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is definitely worth trying. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create such an incredible dish in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to make this fantastic Chilli Chicken 65. Don't worry; most of these are probably already in your pantry!

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. Make sure you choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work particularly well, as they stay moist and tender during cooking. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste. Freshly made ginger-garlic paste is always the best option, as it has a more vibrant flavor than the store-bought variety. You can easily make your own by grinding equal parts of ginger and garlic in a food processor or mortar and pestle. This paste is the foundation of the marinade, adding a pungent and aromatic base.
1 tbsp red chili powder. The amount of chili powder you use will depend on your spice preference. If you like your Chilli Chicken 65 extra spicy, feel free to add a little more. For a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but you can't take it away!
1 tsp turmeric powder. Turmeric powder not only adds a beautiful golden color to the chicken but also has anti-inflammatory properties. It's a staple in Indian cooking and adds a subtle earthy flavor to the marinade.
1 tsp garam masala. Garam masala is a blend of ground spices that adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the chicken. You can find it at most grocery stores or make your own blend using cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander seeds.
1 tbsp lemon juice. Lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor that balances the spiciness of the dish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred over bottled juice.
1 tbsp cornflour. Cornflour helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken when it's fried. It also helps the marinade to adhere to the chicken, ensuring that every piece is coated in flavor.
1 tbsp rice flour. Rice flour adds extra crispiness to the chicken. It also makes the Chilli Chicken 65 gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
1 egg. The egg helps to bind the marinade ingredients together and adds moisture to the chicken.
Salt to taste. Be sure to season the marinade generously with salt, as this will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed.

For the Tempering:

2 tbsp oil. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are all good options for frying the chicken. Choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning.
1 onion, finely chopped. Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the tempering. Finely chop the onion so that it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped. Green bell pepper adds a slightly bitter and vegetal flavor to the tempering. You can also use other colors of bell pepper, such as red or yellow, for a sweeter flavor.
2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise. Green chilies add a fiery kick to the tempering. Adjust the amount of chilies depending on your spice preference. Be careful when handling chilies, as they can irritate your skin.
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste. Again, freshly made ginger-garlic paste is always the best option for the most vibrant flavor.
2 tbsp tomato ketchup. Tomato ketchup adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the sauce. Use a good-quality ketchup for the best results.
1 tbsp soy sauce. Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce. Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the amount of salt in the dish.
1 tbsp red chili sauce. Red chili sauce adds extra heat and flavor to the sauce. You can use your favorite brand of chili sauce, or make your own using red chilies, vinegar, and sugar.
A few curry leaves. Curry leaves add a unique and aromatic flavor to the tempering. They are a staple in South Indian cooking and can be found at most Indian grocery stores. If you can't find fresh curry leaves, you can use dried curry leaves, but they won't have the same intense flavor.
Coriander leaves for garnish. Fresh coriander leaves add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Chop the coriander leaves just before serving to prevent them from wilting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, now that we've got all our ingredients prepped, let's get down to the fun part: cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you'll have Chilli Chicken 65 that's restaurant-quality, right in your own kitchen.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, cornflour, rice flour, egg, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. For best results, marinate it in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight.
Deep Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the marinated chicken pieces into the oil, a few at a time. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken until it's golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Tempering: In a separate pan or wok, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and slightly golden brown. Then, add the finely chopped green bell pepper and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly softened.
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Curry Leaves: Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for about a minute until the raw smell disappears. Be careful not to burn the ginger-garlic paste, as this will give the dish a bitter taste. Add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until they release their aroma.
Make the Sauce: Add the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and red chili sauce to the pan. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Chilli Chicken 65 with fresh coriander leaves. Serve it hot as an appetizer or a side dish with rice or noodles. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips for the Perfect Chilli Chicken 65

Want to take your Chilli Chicken 65 game to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve the perfect result every time:

Use High-Quality Chicken: As with any dish, the quality of the ingredients matters. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option, as they stay moist and tender during cooking.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When deep frying the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure that it's evenly cooked and crispy.
Adjust the Spice Level: The spice level of Chilli Chicken 65 is easily adjustable. If you like your dish extra spicy, add more red chili powder or green chilies. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spice or remove the seeds from the green chilies.
Marinate the Chicken for Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. For best results, marinate it in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly made ginger-garlic paste and freshly squeezed lemon juice will always have a more vibrant flavor than the store-bought variety. Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best results.
Garnish Generously: Fresh coriander leaves add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Don't be shy with the garnish – it really elevates the overall presentation and taste of the Chilli Chicken 65.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of Chilli Chicken 65 is that it's incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations and adaptations to try:

Vegetarian Chilli 65: If you're a vegetarian, you can easily adapt this recipe by using cauliflower, paneer (Indian cheese), or mushrooms instead of chicken. Simply follow the same recipe, substituting the chicken with your preferred vegetable or protein.
Dry Chilli Chicken 65: For a drier version of the dish, reduce the amount of sauce and cook the chicken until it's crispy and coated in the spices. This is a great option for a snack or appetizer.
Chilli Prawns 65: Substitute the chicken with prawns for a delicious seafood version of the dish. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as prawns cook much faster than chicken.
Gluten-Free Chilli Chicken 65: This recipe is already gluten-free if you use cornflour and rice flour for the marinade. However, be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients, such as soy sauce and chili sauce, to ensure that they are also gluten-free.
Vegan Chilli 65: To make a vegan version of Chilli Chicken 65, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and replace the egg in the marinade with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water). Be sure to use vegan-friendly soy sauce and chili sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Chilli Chicken 65 is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:

As an Appetizer: Serve Chilli Chicken 65 as a starter at your next dinner party. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to kick off the meal.
With Rice and Dal: Pair Chilli Chicken 65 with rice and dal for a complete and satisfying meal. The spicy chicken complements the mild flavors of the rice and dal perfectly.
With Noodles: Serve Chilli Chicken 65 with stir-fried noodles for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of spicy chicken and savory noodles is simply irresistible.
In a Wrap: Wrap Chilli Chicken 65 in a roti or naan bread with some shredded lettuce and a dollop of yogurt for a delicious and portable meal.
As a Snack: Enjoy Chilli Chicken 65 as a snack on its own. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying bite between meals.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A delicious and authentic Chilli Chicken 65 recipe that you can easily make at home. With its bold flavors, crispy texture, and versatility, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and adaptations to suit your taste preferences. Happy cooking, and enjoy the spicy goodness of Chilli Chicken 65!