Step-by-Step Guide to Classic Chennai-Style Chicken 65

Chicken 65 is a spicy snack sold on the streets of Chennai and various other parts of Tamil Nadu. Marinated, tangy, and spicy pieces of the meat are deep-fried until they are crispy and brown. The local eateries serve it on the side with biryani or cocktails. What was once a humble street food now graces eloquent menus of restaurants and has also made it to global kitchens and culinary competitions.

It is believed that the dish was introduced in the iconic Buhari Hotel, Chennai, in 1965. The place opened in 1951, and the dish got its name from the year it came into existence. Other legends point to the fact that the dish includes 65 ingredients; therefore, it was named Chicken 65. One tale points to the fact that soldiers created the dish as a quick snack.

As Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in the name?”, when your taste buds can have a party while relishing a symphony of bold notes. What started was a simple preparation of boneless chicken marinated in ginger, garlic, red chilli powder, and curry leaves. It was deep-fried and served with dips on the side, but regional chefs and culinary maestros have experimented with it, modified it, and adapted it to suit an array of tastes.

For example, the Hyderabadi version calls for sauteing the fried meat in a sauce of curry leaves, yoghurt, and green chillies to amp up the fiery notes and deliver a saucy finish. In Andhra Pradesh, spice level is amped up using dried red chillies and hot spice mixtures. The street food variant comes with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala to complement the heat of spices. And in some modern versions, chicken 65 is added as a topping over pizzas, encapsulated in wraps, or added to rolls to give a new look to the dish.

Today, chicken 65 is the soul of many menus in fine-dining restaurants, especially if they are hosting pop-ups highlighting the regional food of Tamil Nadu or South Indian cuisine. It has transformed the street food culture and made it easy for working professionals to enjoy a satiating and delicious meal without spending hours making a meal. The best part? Pack it in a lunch box and share it with your friends at work.