Indian Fried Chicken with Yogurt Sauce

I'd been eyeing this chicken for so long because frankly, there are so many good chicken recipes it can be hard to decide what to make.

If you're in that position let me just stop you right here. This is the chicken recipe you've been waiting for.

On its own it's a perfectly spiced wonder. With the yogurt sauce it adds another dimension of flavor that works well the spice of the breading and marinade.

New Politic "Harlem"

From Food52

Ingredients

For the chicken and the marinade:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder or Hungarian hot paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more as desired

2 cloves garlic, crushed

One 1-inch piece ginger, grated

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

For the seasoned coating:

4 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons rice flour

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder or Hungarian hot paprika, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt and fresh ground black pepper, or to taste

1 egg, beaten

Neutral oil, for deep-frying

For the yogurt sauce:

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 clove garlic, crushed

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a shallow container. Set aside. 

To make a marinade for the chicken, whisk together the chili powder, ground coriander, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper. Taste and add more lemon juice as desired. Rub into the chicken pieces and marinate for at least an hour, ideally overnight. 

To make the seasoned coating, stir together the cornstarch, flours, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt and pepper. Set aside. 

Heat the oil in a deep pot to 375º F. Dredge the chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then through the seasoned flours. Carefully deep-fry the pieces, four to five pieces at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the hot oil, using a slotted spoon, and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. 

To make the yogurt sauce, whisk together the yogurt, cumin, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, garlic, and salt and pepper. 

Serve the chicken pieces warm with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Usually this recipe is served as an appetizer, but it also make for a great entrée.