Chicken 555 Recipe – Spicy Andhra-Style Chicken Starter

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@afsheenmushtaq

If you're a fan of spicy Indian chicken starters, then Chicken 555 needs to be on your plate. This fiery, crispy, and flavorful dry chicken dish is beloved in Andhra and Karnataka and has grown in popularity thanks to restaurants like Meghana Foods. But what is Chicken 555 exactly, and...

Chicken 555 Recipe – Spicy Andhra-Style Chicken Starter recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

For the Chicken

  • chicken breast, cut into small strips
    chicken breast, cut into small strips
    380g
  • salt
    salt
    1/4tsp
  • garlic paste
    garlic paste
    1/2tsp
  • ginger paste
    ginger paste
    1/2tsp
  • white pepper
    white pepper
    1/2tsp
  • egg white
    egg white
    1piece
  • cornflour
    cornflour
    2tbsp
  • all-purpose flour (maida)
    all-purpose flour (maida)
    2tbsp
  • baking soda
    baking soda
    1pinch
  • water
    water
    1tbsp
  • cooking oil
    cooking oil
    2tbsp

For the Sauce

  • unsalted butter
    unsalted butter
    1 1/2tbsp
  • garlic, finely chopped
    garlic, finely chopped
    1 1/2tsp
  • ginger, finely chopped
    ginger, finely chopped
    1 1/2tsp
  • dry red chilies, whole
    dry red chilies, whole
    2piece
  • green chilies, chopped
    green chilies, chopped
    3piece
  • cashew nuts, ground into powder
    cashew nuts, ground into powder
    1tbsp
  • Kashmiri red chili powder
    Kashmiri red chili powder
    1tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1tsp
  • tomato ketchup
    tomato ketchup
    2tbsp
  • soy sauce
    soy sauce
    1tsp
  • chili sauce
    chili sauce
    1tbsp
  • white vinegar
    white vinegar
    1tsp
  • plain yogurt
    plain yogurt
    2 1/2tbsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1pinch
  • salt
    salt
    1pinch
  • white pepper, for garnish
    white pepper, for garnish
    1pinch
  • cashew nuts, ground into powder, for garnish
    cashew nuts, ground into powder, for garnish
    1tbsp
  • fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
    fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
    1sprig

How to make Chicken 555 Recipe – Spicy Andhra-Style Chicken Starter

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a mixing bowl, add the chicken strips, salt, garlic paste, ginger paste, white pepper, egg white, cornflour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a bit of water. Blend the ingredients well to ensure the chicken strips are thoroughly coated with the cornflour mixture, giving them a crisp texture when cooked. This is an important step for a crispy texture in your chicken 555 recipe.

    Step 1.1: In a mixing bowl, add the chicken strips, salt, garlic paste, ginger paste, white pepper, egg white, cornflour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a bit of water
  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a frying pan and shallow fry the marinated chicken strips for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.Take out the fried chicken and set it one plate layered with paper towels with remove the excess oil. This step helps keep the coating crisp and is a key technique in an authentic chicken fry recipe Telugu style.

    Step 1.1: Heat oil in a frying pan and shallow fry the marinated chicken strips for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy

Make the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    In a wok or deep pan, heat cooking oil along with unsalted butter. Add finely chopped garlic, grated ginger, and whole dried red chilies to the pan. Sauté these ingredients until they release a fragrant aroma, a classic technique used in many restaurant chicken recipes.

    Step 2.1: In a wok or deep pan, heat cooking oil along with unsalted butter
  2. Step 2

    Next, toss in sliced green chilies and cashew nuts into the wok and sauté briefly. Continue sautéing for 30-40 seconds to enhance the flavors.

    Step 2.1: Next, toss in sliced green chilies and cashew nuts into the wok and sauté briefly
  3. Step 3

    Reduce the flame and add Kashmiri red chili powder along with a pinch of garam masala, stirring gently to blend the spices. Quickly add a splash of water to prevent the spices from burning while maintaining their robust flavor.

    Step 2.1: Reduce the flame and add Kashmiri red chili powder along with a pinch of garam masala, stirring gently to blend the spices
  4. Step 4

    Mix in tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce, and white vinegar, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients well.

    Step 2.1:  Mix in tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce, and white vinegar, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients well
  5. Step 5

    Finally, add plain yogurt and keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, giving the dish a rich and creamy texture typical of popular Andhra chicken fry recipes.

    Step 2.1:  Finally, add plain yogurt and keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, giving the dish a rich and creamy texture typical of popular **Andhra chicken fry recipes**
    Step 2.2:  Finally, add plain yogurt and keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, giving the dish a rich and creamy texture typical of popular **Andhra chicken fry recipes**

Combine and Garnish

  1. Step 1

    Season the sauce with salt and sugar to taste, balancing the flavors for that perfect bite.

    Step 3.1: Season the sauce with salt and sugar to taste, balancing the flavors for that perfect bite
  2. Step 2

    Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, mixing thoroughly so each piece is well-coated with the spicy, tangy sauce.

    Step 3.1: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, mixing thoroughly so each piece is well-coated with the spicy, tangy sauce
  3. Step 3

    Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chicken 555, a delicious starter that embodies the best of Andhra-style spicy chicken dishes.

    Step 3.1:  Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chicken 555, a delicious starter that embodies the best of Andhra-style spicy chicken dishes

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

278.1kcal (13.91%)

Protein

24.3g (48.64%)

Carbs

13.3g (4.85%)

Sugars

2.0g (4.04%)

Healthy Fat

9.6g

Unhealthy Fat

3.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.

  2. To make it spicier, toss in more green chilies or black pepper

  3. You can use store-bought garlic and ginger paste to save time.

  4. Use boneless chicken strips for uniform frying

  5. Avoid using too much liquid in the marinade, as it may lead to a soggy coating on the chicken.

  6. Use cornflour and besan in equal proportion to keep the chicken crispy

  7. For a restaurant-style chicken recipe, use Meghana-style tempering with a splash of vinegar

FAQS

  1. Is Chicken 555 the same as Chicken 65?

    No, Chicken 555 is different from Chicken 65. While both are popular Indian appetizers, Chicken 555 usually involves more ingredients in the tempering stage, giving it a richer, more complex flavor. On the other hand, Chicken 65 is often deep-fried and has a simpler spice profile.

  2. Is Chicken 555 a dry dish?

    Yes, Chicken 555 is traditionally a dry chicken starter. It’s stir-fried with spices, curry leaves, and chilies, making it crisp and flavorful. However, some restaurants may serve it with a light coating of sauce for added moisture.

  3. What does Chicken 555 taste like?

    Chicken 555 has a bold, spicy taste with layers of garlic, green chilies, curry leaves, and sauces. It is known for its punchy flavor and slightly crispy texture, making it one of the most loved Andhra chicken starters.

  4. Can I make Chicken 555 without egg?

    Absolutely. If you prefer an egg-free version, just omit the egg from the marination step. To keep the flour mix together, add a few teaspoons of water. This ensures that the coating still sticks to the chicken, resulting in the same crispy texture.

  5. What can I serve with Chicken 555?

    You can enjoy Chicken 555 alongside flavorful options like fried rice, naan, or roti for a satisfying and well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with non-alcoholic beverages like mocktails for a perfect restaurant-style meal at home. It’s a versatile starter that fits into both casual and festive menus.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts – Ready to Try Chicken 555?

Now that you know what Chicken 555 is, how to make it, and how to customize it, it's time to bring restaurant flavors into your kitchen. Whether you’re craving spicy Andhra-style chicken or want to try the Meghana Foods version at home, this recipe is your go-to. Don’t forget to try other starters like Chicken Majestic or Dragon Chicken too!

Leave a comment if you made it. Share your dish on social media and be sure to tag us!

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afsheenmushtaq's profile picture

@afsheenmushtaq

I am not a professional chef, but I love cooking....

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