Chicken Fry

Servings: 4 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Chicken Fry pinit

Ever wished you could make a flavor-packed chicken fry just like home — without spending hours in the kitchen?

If you’re a beginner or living alone, this simple chicken fry recipe for bachelors is about to become your best friend. No fancy ingredients, no complicated prep, just bold South Indian flavors in under 30 minutes.

This dish brings together the comfort of homemade cooking with the kick of restaurant-style masala. Juicy chicken, caramelized onions, curry leaves, and a touch of spice, everything you need to turn a plain meal into a feast.

Pair it with rice, chapati, or enjoy it on its own, either way, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken fry recipe is a lifesaver for:

  • Beginners who want a foolproof chicken dish
  • Bachelor’s craving home-style comfort food
  • Busy professionals looking for a one-pan dinner
  • Anyone who loves spicy, masala-loaded chicken!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s break down what makes this dish work so beautifully:

  • Chicken – Choose bone-in pieces for more flavor. The juices enrich the masala as it cooks.
  • Curd – Tenderizes the meat and balances the spice.
  • Ginger-Garlic Paste – Adds depth and that unmistakable South Indian aroma.
  • Turmeric + Chilli Powder – A classic combination for warmth, color, and heat.
  • Onions + Tomatoes – Create the base of your masala; slow cooking gives it a natural sweetness.
  • Curry Leaves + Green Chillies – Add freshness and that signature southern touch.
  • Whole Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom) – Infuse aroma and elevate a basic fry into something special.
  • Coriander + Cumin Powder – Bind the flavors and give that earthy, masala finish.

Pro Tip: Always cook your masala on low flame after adding the spices — it helps the flavors release slowly without burning.

How It All Comes Together

Start by marinating your cleaned chicken with turmeric, chili powder, salt, curd, and a little ginger-garlic paste. Mix it well and let it rest — even 30 minutes will do wonders.

Then, transfer it to a pan and cook on a low flame. The chicken will release its own juices, so you don’t need extra water. After a few minutes, stir in more ginger-garlic paste and let it simmer until the meat turns tender and flavorful.

Meanwhile, in another pan, heat oil and toss in your whole spices — cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. As soon as they crackle, add chopped onions, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions are golden brown — this is where all the flavor builds up.

Add tomatoes next and cook till soft and mushy. Once that masala looks glossy, add your cooked chicken and toss everything together. Sprinkle cumin and coriander powder, and let it roast gently until the oil begins to separate. Finish with a handful of chopped coriander leaves. That’s it — your simple yet delicious chicken fry is ready to serve!.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon right before serving — it brightens up the entire dish.

What Goes Along

How to Serve

Serve it piping hot straight from the pan. If you’re plating it for guests, sprinkle some fried curry leaves or caramelized onions on top for that restaurant-style look.

For a bachelor-style meal, pair it with rice and papad — simple, filling, and satisfying.

Packing

Perfect for lunchboxes! Let the chicken cool slightly before packing to avoid moisture build-up. The masala thickens beautifully and tastes even better after a few hours — making it ideal for travel or office lunches.

Pro Tip: Reheat on low flame with a splash of ghee before serving — it revives the aroma instantly.

Party / Bulk Preparation

Planning for a group? This recipe scales up easily.

  • Marinate the chicken the night before — that’s where all the flavor develops.
  • Cook the masala base in bulk.
  • Just add the cooked chicken in batches and mix before serving.

Other Related Recipes you might like:-

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 50 mins
Servings: 4 Calories: 310
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Chicken Fry Recipe for Bachelors is all about keeping things simple yet absolutely delicious. It’s a quick, no-fail recipe perfect for anyone just starting to cook or living alone. With basic kitchen ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll get tender, flavorful chicken coated in a spicy masala that tastes like it came straight out of a home kitchen.

You don’t need fancy tools or years of cooking experience — just a few minutes of prep and a little patience while it cooks. The result? Juicy, golden chicken pieces that pair perfectly with rice, chapati, or even as a standalone snack.

Whether you’re a beginner, a student, or someone looking for a quick meal fix after a long day, this simple chicken fry will instantly become one of your go-to recipes. It’s easy, hearty, and packed with the classic South Indian flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

To make cooked chicken

To make chicken fry

Instructions

Prep Work

  1. Clean and marinate chicken

    Clean chicken pieces thoroughly and coat with turmeric, chilli powder, salt, and curd. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Chop onions and tomatoes

    Finely chop onions and tomatoes for the base masala.
  3. Slit green chillies

    Slit green chillies lengthwise.
  4. Prepare curry leaves

    Wash and pat dry curry leaves.
  5. Ready whole spices

    Keep cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom handy.

Method

  1. Cook marinated chicken

    Transfer the marinated chicken to a pan and cook on low flame. After some time, add ginger garlic paste and mix well. Cook for 10 minutes until done.turn off the stove and set it aside.

  2. Heat oil and add spices

    In another pan, heat oil. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté until aromatic.
  3. Sauté onions and chillies

    Add onions, green chillies, and curry leaves. Cook until onions turn golden brown.
  4. Add tomatoes

    Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
  5. Combine with cooked chicken

    Add cooked chicken to the masala. Mix well so the chicken is coated evenly.
  6. Add spice powders

    Sprinkle cumin and coriander powders. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
  7. Garnish and finish

    Turn off the flame and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Equipment

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 310kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 420mg18%
Potassium 410mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 2g
Protein 32g64%

Vitamin A 720 IU
Vitamin C 14 mg
Calcium 42 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
Magnesium 28 mg
Zinc 2.1 mg
Selenium 23 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Chicken Fry, Indian Chicken Fry, chicken recipe,
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Do I need to marinate the chicken for long?

At least 30 minutes helps the flavors soak in, but longer is even better.

Can I skip curd in marination?

Curd helps tenderize the chicken; you can substitute with lemon juice if needed.

Should I wash the chicken before marinating?

Yes, always clean chicken thoroughly before using.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless pieces cook faster too.

Can I chop onions and tomatoes ahead of time?

Yes, keep them refrigerated and covered until use.

How fine should the onions be chopped?

Finely chopped onions cook evenly and form a good base.

Can I use store-bought ginger garlic paste?

Yes, homemade or store-bought both work fine.

How long should I cook the chicken initially?

Until it’s soft and cooked through on low heat.

Why cook the chicken separately first?

It ensures even cooking and avoids raw spots.

Can I fry chicken directly without precooking?

For soft inside and crispy outside, precooking is ideal.

What oil works best for frying?

Any neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil works well

Why add spices early in oil?

It helps release aroma and enhances taste.

How do I know when onions are ready?

When they turn golden and slightly caramelized.

What if my masala sticks to the pan?

Add a splash of water to loosen it up

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, it stays great in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I make this dish less oily?

Use less oil or drain excess oil after cooking.

What goes best with chicken fry?

Serve it with rice, chapati, or even lemon rice for a full meal.

Hema Subramanian
Hema Subramanian Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I love to cook! And through Home Cooking Show, I hope to make cooking fun, easy, and approachable for everyone.

My way of sharing recipes is all about keeping it simple and delicious—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real home-cooked food that anyone can make. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find something here to inspire you. If you love good food made with love, then you’re in the right place!

- Hema Subramanian

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