Chicken 65

About Chicken 65

Deep-fried chicken chunks marinated in a spicy batter made with red chili, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and curry leaves, creating a fiery red appetizer. The chicken is cut into small pieces, marinated, coated in a spiced batter, and fried until crispy. It's garnished with fried curry leaves and often served with lemon wedges and onion rings. The dish is intensely flavorful, spicy, and has a distinctive red color from Kashmiri chili powder. It's a popular bar snack and restaurant starter across India.

History & Origin

Chicken 65 was invented in 1965 at the Buhari Hotel in Chennai by A.M. Buhari, though the exact reason for the name '65' is debated - some say it was the 65th item on the menu, others that it was created in 1965. It quickly became popular in Tamil Nadu and spread across India as a beloved appetizer.

Taste & Flavour

The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and explosively spicy with layers of flavor from ginger, garlic, and chili. The curry leaves add an aromatic, slightly bitter note that balances the heat, creating an addictive, fiery snack that pairs perfectly with cold beverages.