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.
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.
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
To make cooked chicken
1kg chicken (cleaned)
1tsp turmeric powder
2tsp chilli powder
1tsp salt
2tbsp curd
2tsp ginger garlic paste
To make chicken fry
cooked chicken
4tbsp oil
cinnamon (small piece)
cloves (few)
cardamom (few)
3onion(finely chopped)
4green chilli (slit)
curry leaves (as needed)
2tomato(chopped)
1tsp cumin powder
2tsp coriander powder
coriander leaves (chopped)
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 tomatoesFinely chop onions and tomatoes for the base masala.
3
Slit green chilliesSlit green chillies lengthwise.
4
Prepare curry leavesWash and pat dry curry leaves.
5
Ready whole spicesKeep cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom handy.
Method
6
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.
7
Heat oil and add spicesIn another pan, heat oil. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté until aromatic.
8
Sauté onions and chilliesAdd onions, green chillies, and curry leaves. Cook until onions turn golden brown.
9
Add tomatoesAdd chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
10
Combine with cooked chickenAdd cooked chicken to the masala. Mix well so the chicken is coated evenly.
11
Add spice powdersSprinkle cumin and coriander powders. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
12
Garnish and finishTurn off the flame and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories310kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat18g28%
Saturated Fat5g25%
Cholesterol95mg32%
Sodium420mg18%
Potassium410mg12%
Total Carbohydrate8g3%
Dietary Fiber1.5g6%
Sugars2g
Protein32g64%
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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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!