Kozhi Varattiyathu – Chicken Stir Fry

Kozhi Varattiyathu is the name for any Kerala Chicken Dish which is made without gravy. The chicken is stir fried until it becomes completely dry. There are hundreds of variations of Kozhi Varattiyathu. I myself make 2-3 different kinds of Chicken Stir Fry. Here is a recipe for Spicy Kozhi Varattiyathu. I have used Chicken Drum Sticks for this recipe. You can make this dish using any chicken pieces which have considerable amount of fat. Chicken Breasts can also be used but they won’t be as flavorful as other pieces which have more fat. This Chicken Stir Fry tastes excellent with Rice or you can also serve it as a Starter.

Kozhi Varattiyathu - Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients

1. Chicken Drumsticks – 4 medium sized
2. Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp
3. Chopped Red Onions – 2 medium
4. Fresh Red or Green Chillies (Slit) – 2
5. Curry Leaves – A sprig
6. Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
7. Chicken Masala Powder – 2 tbsp
8. Coriander Powder – 1 tbsp
9. Kashmiri Chilly Powder – 1/2 tsp (Alter according to your Spice Tolerance)
10. Garam Masala Powder – 1/2 tsp
11. Oil – 3 tbsp
12. Salt – to taste
13. Water – 1 cup

For Marinade

1. Chicken Masala Powder – 1 tbsp
2. Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
3. Kashmiri Red Chilly Powder – 1 tsp (Alter according to your Spice Tolerance)
4. Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
5. Salt – to taste
6. Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp

Preparation Method

1. Remove the skin from the chicken drumsticks and wash it thoroughly.
2. Soak the pieces in water along with 1 tbsp lemon juice for 5-10 minutes.
3. Drain the water and pat dry the pieces with a paper towel. Make 2 or 3 deep slits on each piece.
4. Prepare a marinade using the above ingredients and rub it nicely on the chicken pieces. Refrigerate it for an hour.
5. Heat 3 tbsp oil in a wide non stick pan saute onions till translucent.
6. Add the slit chillies and curry leaves and continue sauteing until the onions begin to brown.
7. Reduce heat and add ginger garlic paste. Saute for 2 minutes.
8. Add chicken masala powder, kashmiri chilly powder, garam masala powder and coriander powder.
9. Saute for a few minutes on low heat until the spice masala turns a nice brown color.
10. Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the pan along with any left over marinade and salt to taste.
11. Add 1 cup of water to the pan and mix everything nicely so that the masala is coated on the chicken pieces.
12. Cover and cook on medium low heat for around 20-25 minutes stirring occasionally, till the chicken is almost cooked.
13. Remove lid and stir fry the chicken pieces for another 10-15 minutes until the masala is completely dry and well coated on the chicken.
14. If the masala begins to burn, then add a few teaspoons of oil. (This may be required for Chicken Breasts and other Low fat pieces).

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry