Whole Chicken Fry

Whole chicken fry is a popular and flavourful dish enjoyed by many. The preparation typically involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of local spices and tamarind juice for added tenderness and flavour. The marinated chicken is then pan-fried or deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Whole chicken fry is often served with any kind of rice, roti, or bread and accompanied by curries or sambols for a delicious and satisfying meal. 

This is my fool-proof recipe for whole chicken fry with a beautiful, juicy tender meat and loads of flavour. Not only is a chicken super impressive when placed on a dinner/lunch table, but it's also the perfect recipe for every special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fancy feast with endless curries or need something for simple meal prep, you can't go wrong!

Ingredients 

1 whole chicken (skinless)

2 tbsp red chilli powder

1 tbsp pepper powder 

1 tsp roasted curry powder

1 tsp cumin and fennel seed powder 

1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste

1/4 cup tamarind juice/pulp

1/4 lime/ lemon juice

2 tsp salt (or as per taste)

2 tbsp sunflower oil

750ml oil for deep frying 

Lettuce, Onion, lemon and tomoto slices for garnishing

Instructions 

1. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove any giblets from the cavity if they are included. Make some cuts on the breast part and leg. 
2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, 2 tbsp oil, lime juice, tamarind and all the spices to create a seasoning blend.
3. Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. You can also massage the chicken and rub some seasoning directly onto the meat for extra flavour. 
4. Tie the chicken legs with a thread. 
5. Marinate the chicken in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for at-least 6 hours or overnight is best. 
6. Now place the chicken in a non stick pan and cook for around 10 minutes in medium flame until the water in the chicken comes out. We are slightly cooking the chicken here prior to deep frying. (Do not over cook)
   
   
   
7. Discard the chicken water and prepare to deep fry. 
8. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the slightly cooked whole chicken breast-side down in the frying pan. 
9. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and thoroughly fried. 
   
   
   
10. Once the chicken is cooked through, take it out of the frying pan and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. (Remove the thread tied to the chicken legs) Garnish with Salad leaves, onion, lime and tomato slices. Enjoy your delicious whole chicken fry!