Chicken Pakoras

  • Chicken Pakoras
  • Chicken Pakoras

The first time I tasted Chicken Pakoras was about ten years ago, my sister had been visiting family outside of London and there was a local restaurant that had this dish on their menu. Of course when she returned home she had to bring back a batch for us to taste. It was awesome because they tasted like Pakoras but were so chicken-y! It never occurred to me to try making Chicken Pakoras, yes they were nice and something different to the bog standard Pakoras we were used to, but I wasn’t as keen on cooking back then as I am now. Yes, I’ve discovered cooking doesn’t have to be tedious and can be fun; running a food page has certainly inspired me to reconnect with the side of me that enjoys cooking and wants to experiment with food. The very first time I attempted this recipe (several years ago) I looked online for some guidance but couldn’t find much and so just went with my own instincts and used besan powder (gram/chickpea flour) and whole spices just like I did for my normal vegetable Pakoras. While they tasted nice, I didn’t like the end result much because I found they didn’t taste chicken-y enough, they just tasted like normal Pakoras and the whole spices (cumin and coriander seeds) overpowered the taste of the chicken. This time around I adjusted the recipe and shazam, perfection!

The batter for this recipe needs to be light in order for the dominant taste to remain that of the chicken. This is the reason why I used very little rice flour, which doesn’t taste of much and just a small amount of besan powder. The corn flour is something you may be able to replace with plain flour but I personally think it adds crispiness to the Pakoras without absorbing a lot of oil. As always if you want to add other vegetables like peppers, spinach etc…you may, but adjust the quantities of everything else accordingly. This has been a huge hit with my own family and extended family who have had the opportunity to taste it. Here’s hoping it’s a huge hit for you too.

You will need: for Chicken Pakoras

700g boneless chicken, washed and drained
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/3 of a bunch of coriander
1.5 large onions OR 2 small onions
3 dried chillies OR 3 green chillies
2 tbsp cornflour
1/3 cup rice flour
1/3 cup besan powder (gram/chickpea flour)
water as needed

Method:Chicken Pakoras

Start by measuring all your dry spices; 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp chilli powder, 1/2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder and 1/2 tsp cumin powder. This makes it easier adding the ingredients later on when your hands are messy without soiling your clean jars.

Peel and chop 1.5 large onions OR chop 2 small onions.

Chicken Pakoras

Finely chop 1/3 of a bunch of coriander. Crush or blitz in a food processor 3 dried chillies, alternatively use fresh green chillies if you aren’t able to get hold of dried ones.

Dice your boneless chicken, keep the pieces fairly large as shown in the photo as this will help keep your chicken tender/moist on the inside. Place all the diced chicken into a large mixing bowl.

Chicken Pakoras

Add 2 tbsp of cornflour and coat the chicken pieces using your hand.

Add 1/3 cup of rice flour, followed by 1/3 cup of besan powder. I sift my besan powder as I find storage creates a lot of lumps in the flour.

Chicken-Pakoras-5

Add the crushed dried chillies, spices, onion and coriander.

Chicken-Pakoras-6

Mix the dry ingredients by hand. Add water a little at a time till you can feel all the ingredients have become moist and ever so slightly wet, you want to avoid adding too much water as the pakoras won’t bind together otherwise.

The bottom photo shows you what the finished pakora mixture should look like. The ingredients will look like they won’t hold together when you fry them, but trust me when you drop them into the hot oil they hold together really well.

Chicken-Pakoras-7

Heat a deep pan with oil. Take a small amount of pakora mixture and when the oil is hot, carefully drop in. You’ll need to press the ingredients together as you drop them into the oil but once they start frying they will become firm. Fry for about 10 minutes over a medium – high flame to ensure the centre of each pakora cooks through properly, turn the pakoras during frying to ensure even browning. I’ve shown you a close up of what the mixture looks like (bottom left photo) before frying. Drain the cooked pakoras on tissue paper.

Chicken-Pakoras-8

Serve your hot Chicken Pakoras with a sweet chilli sauce or green chutney, be sure to eat one yourself before they disappear!

Bon Appétit!!

5.0 from 14 reviews
Chicken Pakoras
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 700g boneless chicken, washed and drained
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp chilli powder
  • ½ tsp curry powder
  • ½ tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • ⅓ of a bunch of coriander
  • 1.5 large onions OR 2 small onions
  • 3 dried chillies OR 3 green chillies
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • ⅓ cup rice flour
  • ⅓ cup besan powder (gram/chickpea flour)
  • water as needed
Method
  1. Start by measuring all your dry spices; 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp curry powder, ½ tsp coriander powder and ½ tsp cumin powder. This makes it easier adding the ingredients later on when your hands are messy without soiling your clean jars.
  2. Peel and chop 1.5 large onions OR chop 2 small onions.
  3. Finely chop ⅓ of a bunch of coriander. Crush or blitz in a food processor 3 dried chillies, alternatively use fresh green chillies if you aren't able to get hold of dried ones.
  4. Dice your boneless chicken, keep the pieces fairly large as shown in the photo as this will help keep your chicken tender/moist on the inside. Place all the diced chicken into a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add 2 tbsp of cornflour and coat the chicken pieces using your hand.
  6. Add ⅓ cup of rice flour, followed by ⅓ cup of besan powder. I sift my besan powder as I find storage creates a lot of lumps in the flour.
  7. Add the crushed dried chillies, spices, onion and coriander.
  8. Mix the dry ingredients by hand. Add water a little at a time till you can feel all the ingredients have become moist and ever so slightly wet, you want to avoid adding too much water as the pakoras won't bind together otherwise.
  9. The bottom photo shows you what the finished pakora mixture should look like. The ingredients will look like they won't hold together when you fry them, but trust me when you drop them into the hot oil they hold together really well.
  10. Heat a deep pan with oil. Take a small amount of pakora mixture and when the oil is hot, carefully drop in. You'll need to press the ingredients together as you drop them into the oil but once they start frying they will become firm. Fry for about 10 minutes over a medium - high flame to ensure the centre of each pakora cooks through properly, turn the pakoras during frying to ensure even browning. I've shown you a close up of what the mixture looks like (bottom left photo) before frying. Drain the cooked pakoras on tissue paper.
  11. Serve your hot pakoras with a sweet chilli sauce or green chutney, be sure to eat one yourself before they disappear!

If you like the recipe please share with friends and family, also follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Questions? Leave a comment below or message me on Facebook.

 

Comments 50

  1. Amina
    Reply

    Delicious. A fab batter recipe. My 11 year old did most of the work and I just fried them. Family kept asking for more. Will defo be making them again. Thank you.

    5 April, 2022
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      So pleased you liked the recipe and thanks for the feedback! 🙂

      6 April, 2022
  2. Skk
    Reply

    This recipe was a total hit with the family, super easy and super tasty.

    19 April, 2021
  3. Masa
    Reply

    Love how quick and easy your recipes r very self explanatory. Also the picture option as I love imagery I never enjoyed cooking made ur cheesy chicken pasta For dinner other day n first time I made the sauce myself they family went mad for it Jazallah Khair May Allah reward you !

    24 January, 2020
  4. Fahmida
    Reply

    Loved it Alhamdulillah. Was so quick and easy to make. My hub couldn’t stop eating it lol thank you again for another fab recipe. ❤

    23 May, 2019
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Amazing, thanks for letting me know! 🙂 xx

      25 May, 2019
  5. Ayesha Rahim
    Reply

    Made afelia’s chicken pakora yesterday for Ifter dinner and it was absolutely delicious. The whole family loved it. Thank you so much Afia for sharing your recipe.

    16 May, 2019
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You’re welcome…..they’re so delicious! 🙂

      17 May, 2019
  6. Diba
    Reply

    So easy amazing taste your biggest fan.😊

    25 May, 2018
    • Neha
      Reply

      After wondering for many years how to make the perfect chicken pakora with the correct mix of spices, I have finally found it here!

      29 January, 2019
      • afelia’s kitchen
        Reply

        Brilliant, I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂 x

        30 January, 2019
  7. Dil
    Reply

    I made Chicken Pokara for the first time for Iftar yesterday using your recipe. Although it was not as nice looking as yours but it tasted Amazing. Just want to say that not many bloggers or professional chef can write a clear and concise step by step receipe. Thank you for making it simple and motivating me to try something different. May Allah reward you for your efforts.

    21 May, 2018
    • Sabina
      Reply

      Thanks

      16 May, 2019
      • afelia’s kitchen
        Reply

        You’re welcome. x

        17 May, 2019
  8. Shajeda Haque
    Reply

    Salaam just wanted to say thank you for sharing this recipe. I have always wanted to make chicken pakoras as I am a huge fan. Finally made this and my family really enjoyed it. We added Mr Naga and little bit of pakora mix in it too and it was just so delicious. Thanks for sharing and I will be using some of your other recipes too inshallah.

    10 May, 2018
  9. Shumena
    Reply

    Made this over and over again in Ramadan. Never disappoints alhamdulillah. Thanks again for sharing xxx

    14 January, 2018
    • Ratiba
      Reply

      Gorgeous Pakora recipe – made these for the first time during Ramadan last year & became a staple throughout iftar. Well worth a try, you won’t be disappointed.

      25 February, 2018
      • afelia’s kitchen
        Reply

        Thank you, so happy you liked the recipe. xx

        27 February, 2018
  10. Tahmina
    Reply

    Absolutely delicious! Easy to follow with impressive results. Thanks sis xx

    16 December, 2017
  11. Munnie
    Reply

    I made these pakoras today and they came out delicious. My husband really enjoyed them and he is a really fussy person when it comes to food. Just want to say a huge thank you for sharing this recipe may Allah reward you immensely Ameen xx

    30 October, 2017
  12. Apsana
    Reply

    Great taste and crunch to this recipe, never would I have thought to put rice flour into pakoras! You put a great amount of detail and effort into your recipes which is so helpful, may Allah reward you for your efforts! I tried your Chicken Karahi recipe the other day and it was incredible so looking forward to trying more and more!

    15 June, 2017
  13. Jamila
    Reply

    Tried these pakoras today for iftar and everyone absolutely loved them, was very nice and crispy. Tasted delicious will be making them again regularly. Thank you for the wonderful recipes keep it up.

    11 June, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Wonderful, I’m happy they were well received and you are most welcome! 🙂 x

      12 June, 2017
  14. Parbin
    Reply

    These are fantastic and have gone down a treat! I too used gram flour instead of the rice flour. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    10 June, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You’re welcome, and I’m glad you improvised! 🙂 x

      12 June, 2017
  15. sania
    Reply

    I have tried this recipe and they turned out sooo gooood! In fact i am going to make another batch today and give them out to my neighbours for iftar. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    10 June, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      What a thoughtful gesture and I’m so happy you liked the recipe, thank you. xx

      12 June, 2017
  16. Salma
    Reply

    Sorry, forgot yo rate them before! 5 stars x

    1 June, 2017
  17. Salma
    Reply

    This recipe was simple to follow & the results were absolutely brilliant, they’re delicious! Xx

    1 June, 2017
  18. Nazma
    Reply

    I made your chicken pakora’s, went a treat with the kids, definately will be making them again.

    29 May, 2017
  19. Shahima Begum
    Reply

    I made this for iftaari for my family and they absolutely loved it the plate was empty im not much of a cook but your recipes are so easy to follow and im starting to enjoy cooking xx

    28 May, 2017
  20. Fateha Kashim
    Reply

    It’s the first day of Ramadan so I thought I HAVE to try making this
    Recipe was so easy to follow also and the pakoras tasted delicious
    It was a big hit in my house and I’ve already got requests to make it again ?
    Thank you for sharing and keep it up
    Looking forward to what other recipes are coming our way

    27 May, 2017
  21. Reha
    Reply

    Made these awesome chicken pakoras for the first time.. they came out delicious! Not your usual greasy battered chicken pakoras… these were crunchy and had sooo much flavor! Thank you for your amazing recipes Afelia!

    10 March, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You are most welcome, I’m happy they went down SO well! 🙂 x

      10 March, 2017
  22. Ima Tarafdar
    Reply

    I have been eyeing ur chicken pakora’s for a long time now and finally made it today. Alhamdulillah my whole family, including myself LOVED IT. I can guarantee this will be a favourite snack in our family now.

    Thank you for sharing the recipe. It was really easy to follow… (some recipes are hard to follow). Much love xx

    11 February, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      I’m so glad you finally got round to making them and even happier they went down so well! I hope this will mean you’ll be giving some of the other recipes here a go. 🙂 xx

      11 February, 2017
  23. Halima
    Reply

    Hey, Thank you for sharing this recipe. I made your chicken pakoras during Ramadan. The recipe was so easy to follow and honestly the chicken pakoras tasted amazing. ❤️

    30 June, 2016
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You are most welcome, I hope you’ll be making them again this year for Ramadan insha Allah! 🙂 xx

      11 February, 2017
  24. Rumi
    Reply

    Hey
    I made the chicken pakoras, didn’t have any cornflour so used plain flour instead. They tasted amazing. Making it again today. Thanks for the recipe.

    24 April, 2016
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You’re welcome Rumi, thrilled to hear you’re making them again today! Hope you try out some of the other recipes on the website. Keep me posted if you do cook something else. ? xx

      24 April, 2016
  25. Shilpi Rashid
    Reply

    I made your chicken pakoras this morning. The recipe was so easy to follow.. The frying was perfect and you were right it does bind together even though it looks like it won’t.. They taste divine. A great hit at my house.. Can’t wait to try your other recipes. Thankyou! X

    16 April, 2016
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Chuffed you liked them so much! It’s those small details that sometimes makes all the difference between a good recipe and a bad one and so far everyone has found following the recipes very straightforward. Please do try out some of the other recipes and let me know how you get on. 🙂 x

      16 April, 2016
    • SK
      Reply

      Salaam sis
      I will be making these for the first time this weekend IA and looking forward to trying it out.
      Quick question – I will be making it for about 20 people in your opinion do you think quadrupling the recipe will be enough? X

      23 May, 2019
      • afelia’s kitchen
        Reply

        WS……I don’t think its necessary to quadruple the recipe, doubling or tripling will be more than enough tbh. x

        25 May, 2019
  26. Sufia
    Reply

    I love it afs! Can’t wait to make these soon ??

    11 April, 2016
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Hope you enjoy them Sufia! xx

      11 April, 2016
  27. Parul
    Reply

    Afia Apa I checked your website I will definitely be making your delicious chicken pokoras,

    11 April, 2016
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Thank you, I’d love to know how you get on and if you enjoy them! ?

      11 April, 2016
  28. Momina
    Reply

    I will be trying the chicken pokoras -no doubt. Thank you for giving me the motivation. Many Congrats on your website it rocks!!

    8 April, 2016
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Great, I’ll be waiting for your verdict! Thank you.

      8 April, 2016

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