Why We Love This Chicken Pakora Recipe
Pakora is a snack food found all over India, as well as in other parts of Asia. When most westerners see Chicken Pakora for the first time, they immediately think of fried chicken nuggets. Chicken Pakora is very popular indeed, and does resemble chicken nuggets, because it consists of chicken pieces dunked in breading and then deep-fried. However, a good Chicken Pakora Recipe offers a dynamic flavor laced with spices, is gluten-free made with chickpea flour, and is most often served with Green Chutney and/or Raita Yogurt Sauce for dipping. It should also be stated that Pakora does not always include chicken. In fact, most Pakora found on the streets of India is made with vegetables, so it is more like fried vegetable fritters (or veggie tempura) than nuggets. Although there are many intricate Pakora recipes online that include hard-to-find ingredients, at least hard to find here in the United States, today I’m sharing my simplified home-cook version. Let me be clear… There are still quite a few ingredients in this recipe, and it does involve deep frying and making two sauces. I do not want to mislead you. However, this process is still much easier than traditional Indian Pakora Recipes, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Also, most of the ingredients (like the spices) are pantry staples that you probably have on hand if you cook on a regular basis. I think you will find our Easy Indian Chicken Pakora with Green Chutney and Raita is fun and satisfying to make, and even better to eat! The chicken pieces are ultra-crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with exotic flavor. The two sauces offer both the option to brighten the Pakora with spicy-herb Green Chutney and cool it down with Raita yogurt sauce.
Ingredients You Need
For the Chicken Pakora –
Chicken breast – boneless breasts or chicken thighs Salt – enhances the vibrant flavors Kashmiri chile – Added for color and spice, if you cannot find it, you can use a mixture of paprika and cayenne pepper Garam masala – garam masala is a common Indian spice blend that should be in the spice aisle at your local market, you can also make your own garam masala at home Spices – cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, turmeric Egg whites – makes the chicken nuggets more crispy Lemon juice – brightens and balances the spices Cilantro – adds fresh flavor Chickpea flour – chickpea flour (or garbanzo bean flour) would most likely be found in the baking section with other wheat flour alternatives Oil – I like peanut oil for this recipe
For the Raita Sauce –
Plain Greek-style yogurt – the base for the sauce Onion – balances the coolness of the yogurt Lemon juice – cuts through the richness and creaminess of the yogurt Granulated sugar Cilantro – adds fresh flavor Spices – cumin and salt
For the Green Chutney –
Cilantro – the base for the chutney Onion – adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor Mint leaves – use fresh Lemon juice – brightens and balances Plain Greek-style yogurt – makes the chutney more smooth and luxurious Serrano pepper – adds a spicy kick Spices – garlic, ginger, salt
As mentioned, you will probably have most of the spices in your pantry. Most of the other ingredients can be found easily at the grocery store. The only items that could potentially be considered hard-to-find are:
Ground Kashmiri Chile Garam Masala Chickpea Flour
All three of these ingredients can be found online. (Links in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.) However, if you have a grocery chain in your town with a good international section, you should be able to find them.
How to Make This Easy Chicken Pakora
The Dipping Sauces: Green Chutney and Raita Recipe
You do not have to make these dipping sauces to enjoy the Chicken Pakora Recipe. However, they are very easy to whip up in the blender and add a LOT to the overall experience and flavor. If you plan to make just one sauce, I would personally go with the Green Chutney. The vibrant flavor of pureed cilantro, mint, ginger, and lemon really lifts the heavy spice essence of the Pakora breading. Just be sure to watch the spice levels… My family loves both the Chicken Pakora and the Green Chutney with lots of spicy-heat. Yet you can reduce the heat in one or both of these recipes.
Looking for More Indian-Inspired Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Perfect Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Madras Chicken Curry Recipe Authentic Chai (Tea) Recipe Crockpot Chickpea Curry Recipe Creamy Saag Paneer Recipe Yakhni Pulao Recipe (Meat and Rice Dish) Easy Naan Recipe See ALL our Indian Recipes!
See The Recipe Card Below For How To Make An Easy Chicken Pakora Recipe + VIDEO. Enjoy! Share This Recipe With Friends!
