Chicken 65

Chicken 65 is a deep-fried legend from Chennai, served at bars and parties across the country. Bite-size chicken is marinated, fried crisp, and tossed with curry leaves and chilies in a final, explosive finish. The name is debated, but nobody argues about the flavor, and it has been a crowd favorite for decades.

Fiery, crisp, and fiercely addictive

Every piece is crunchy outside and juicy inside, coated in a spiced batter with a serious kick of red chili and black pepper. The last-minute toss with fried curry leaves gives it a bitter, herbal edge that keeps you reaching for more, while the crisp onion adds a fresh bite. It is the snack that turns a quiet evening into a party, and it never survives long on the plate. Some versions get a spoon of yogurt or a final squeeze of lime; a squeeze of lemon over the top is always welcome, too.

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