The spicy story of Chicken 65: A dish with a mysterious name

Craving something spicy? Dive into the sizzling story of Chicken 65 and discover its fiery origins, secret recipe, and the mystery behind its name. A must-read for foodies!

Chicken 65; Source: Times of India

"Sizzle, Sizzle, Sizzle!" The sound of chicken hitting a hot pan, the aroma of spices filling the air, and the sound of satisfied chewing—there's nothing quite like Chicken 65. But, have you ever wondered how Chicken 65 got its name?

Its etymology is shrouded in a patriotic legend that also describes its origin. In 1965, Chennai’s famous chef A.M. Buhari created this dish at his Buhari Hotel with the thought of serving delicious yet quick non-vegetarian food to Indian soldiers fighting in the war against Pakistan. He named this invention 'Chicken 65', owing to its year of origin.

However, its name is still mysterious due to the varied tales associated with it. Some believe that the dish got its name, not because of the year of its origin but because it was the 65th item listed on Buhari’s menu. But it seems impossible that a wartime menu would offer 65 dishes as options.

Another popularly held theory is that the chef used 65 chili peppers in the recipe, which gave Chicken 65 its name. There is another tale that says a 65-day-old chicken is used to prepare this dish, which could definitely be a health hazard. Some also believe that the item was made with 65 little pieces of chicken.

Nevertheless, regardless of its origin, one thing is certain: Chicken 65 is a dish that is loved by many. The dish itself is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that is typically made by deep-frying marinated boneless chicken pieces that are coated in a flavorful batter. The exact spices used for marination vary from place to place, but they typically include a mix of cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, and garlic, as well as a variety of other spices such as mustard powder, cumin, and coriander. This flavorful marinade gives the chicken a bold, spicy flavor that is sure to lure your taste buds.

Over the years, Chicken 65 has evolved, and many variations of the dish have been created. One popular variation is Chicken 65 Biryani, which is made by combining spicy chicken with fragrant basmati rice. Another variation is the popular "Chettinadu" chicken 65, which is made with special South Indian spices.

Though when it comes to finding the best versions of Chicken 65, it's all about personal preference. Some foodies swear by the traditional recipe, while others prefer the more modern variations. But if you're looking for the ultimate Chicken 65 experience, head to the Buhari restaurant in the city of Chennai, where it all began.

With its unique blend of spices, crispy coating, and bold flavor, it's sure to be a hit. And next time you're ordering it, you'll know why it's called Chicken 65!

Main ingredients for Chicken 65; Source: All Ways Delicious