How to Make Spicy and Flavorful Chicken Kondattam: A Perfect Starter or Side Dish

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Chicken Kondattam

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful chicken dishes, then Chicken Kondattam is a must-try! This dish is a delightful blend of crispy fried chicken tossed in a tangy, aromatic masala, making it perfect as a starter, side dish, or even a main course. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Chicken Kondattam is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe!

What is Chicken Kondattam?

Chicken Kondattam is a spicy and tangy chicken dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a flavorful masala made from shallots, curry leaves, and aromatic spices. The dish gets its unique taste from the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and sweetness, making it a versatile option for any meal. Whether you serve it with rice, chapati, or as a standalone starter, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Here’s what you’ll need:

For Marinating the Chicken:

  • 1 kg chicken (cut into small pieces and cleaned)

  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder (or ½ tablespoon regular chili powder)

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

  • 1½ teaspoons salt

  • 2 tablespoons cornflour (or all-purpose flour)

  • 1½ tablespoons lemon juice

For Frying the Chicken:

  • 1 cup oil (for deep frying)

For the Masala:

  • 4 tablespoons oil (leftover from frying)

  • 5 dried red chilies

  • A handful of curry leaves

  • 30 shallots (sliced, or 1 medium-sized onion)

  • 2-3 sprigs of curry leaves

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon crushed red chili flakes

  • 3-4 tablespoons tomato ketchup (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces and all the marinade ingredients: turmeric powder, red chili powder, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, salt, cornflour, and lemon juice.

  • Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

  • Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

2. Fry the Chicken

  • Heat 1 cup of oil in a deep pan over high heat.

  • Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

  • Fry on high heat for the first minute, then reduce to medium-high.

  • After 2 minutes, gently separate any pieces that may stick together.

  • Fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.

  • Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat for the remaining batches.

3. Prepare the Masala

  • In the same pan, remove 4 tablespoons of the leftover oil and heat it again.

  • On low heat, add the dried red chilies and a handful of curry leaves. Stir-fry until the chilies turn brown, then remove and set aside for garnishing.

  • In the same oil, add the sliced shallots (or onions), curry leaves, and salt. Sauté on medium heat until the shallots turn golden brown.

  • Add the ginger-garlic paste and stir for 1.5 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

  • Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and crushed red chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute.

  • Add the tomato ketchup and ¼ cup water. Mix well and let the sauce boil for a few minutes.

4. Combine Chicken and Masala

  • Add the fried chicken pieces, along with the fried red chilies and curry leaves, to the masala.

  • Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

  • Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Serve Chicken Kondattam hot as a starter, side dish, or with rice or chapati.

  • Garnish with additional curry leaves or fried chilies if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Kondattam

  • Cut Chicken into Small Pieces: This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and crispiness.

  • Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder and ketchup to suit your taste.

  • Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes enhances the flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Chicken Kondattam is a flavor-packed dish that combines the crunch of fried chicken with the tangy, spicy masala. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a spicy, tangy, and utterly delicious chicken dish, Chicken Kondattam is a must-try. With its crispy texture and bold flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Until next time, keep experimenting with flavors and enjoying the magic of homemade meals. Cheers! 🎵


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