Crispy South Indian Chicken Drumstick Fry with Rich Gravy

1 hour

1281 reads

4.60 from 5 votes

About Crispy South Indian Chicken Drumstick Fry with Rich Gravy

Experience the comforting warmth of South Indian home cooking with this irresistible Chicken Drumstick Fry and Gravy recipe. Succulent chicken drumsticks are marinated in a vibrant blend of ginger, garlic, chili powder, and coriander, delivering bold aromatic flavors in every bite.
This recipe achieves the perfect balance: crispy fried chicken with a luxuriously rich and flavorful gravy. It's a show-stopping centerpiece for any lunch or dinner, equally delicious served with steamed rice or soft rotis.
The spicy, peppery notes and tender chicken will leave you craving more! Prepare to be transported to the heart of South India with each delicious mouthful.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep30 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total1 hour
Calories43 kcal
Serves4
Served AsDinnerLunch

Ingredients
 

For the Chicken Marinade

For the Gravy

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Clean the chicken drumsticks and make 2-3 slits in each.
  • In a bowl, combine ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
  • Marinate the chicken in this mixture, ensuring it's coated evenly.
  • Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

  • Finely chop the onions and tomatoes.
  • Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai. Add cloves and cardamom pods. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
  • Add sliced onions and curry leaves; sauté until onions become translucent.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened and slightly mushy.

Cook the Chicken

  • Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until lightly browned.
  • Pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and place a heavy object on top to maintain even cooking.
  • Simmer over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through (about 20-25 minutes).

Thicken the Gravy and Finish

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid. Increase the heat slightly to reduce the gravy.
  • Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency and the chicken is slightly browned and crispy.
  • Be careful not to break the chicken pieces while stirring.

Serve

  • Serve the chicken drumsticks hot, either with the rich gravy on the side or poured over the chicken. Enjoy with steamed rice or roti!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Drumstick Fry:

  • For extra crispy chicken, you can briefly pan-fry the marinated drumsticks before adding them to the gravy.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, simmer uncovered for a longer time after the chicken is cooked.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish.
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4.60 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 43kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.8gSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Madraasi Deepa
Madraasi Deepa

Full-time blogger, mother, food reviewer, product reviewer, and lover of exploring historical places and fashion.

Articles: 146
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4.60 from 5 votes

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