Kerala Chicken Fry (Ularthiyathu)

For those nights when you want some authentic tasting South Indian food, but you don’t feel like adding in a ton of ingredients, this Kerala Chicken Fry (Ularthiyathu) is perfect. What really makes this dish taste extra special is the use of good coconut oil; it’s just not the same dish without it!

Looking for some options to go along with this Kerala Chicken Fry? Try my other recipes like my Sambar (a south indian vegetable stew), Carrot Thoran, or Kerala Fried Rice.

If you decide to make this Kerala Chicken Fry or have any questions about how to make it, head over to my instagram @thefamiliarkitchen so we can connect and I can see how it turned out for you!

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken, boneless or thighs, 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch chunks
• Red Onion, 2 medium, thinly sliced
• Ginger-Garlic Paste, 2 tbsp (mince or blend 10 garlic cloves and 2 inch piece of ginger if you don’t have paste or follow my recipe here) 
• Meat Masala or Garam Masala, 2 tbsp
• Coriander Powder, 1 tbsp
• Red Chili Powder, 1/2 tbsp
• White Vinegar, 1 tbsp
• Salt, 1 tbsp
• Curry Leaves, 2 sprigs or 10-12 leaves
• Coconut Oil, 2 tbsp

HOW TO MAKE IT

To prep the chicken, wash it with fresh lemon juice and drain well then pat dry. We want to reduce as much moisture as possible because chicken naturally has a lot of water content in it.

Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch chunks if using boneless. If using thighs, cut the meatiest portion of the thigh, leaving a little bit of meat on the bone.

Now, in a mixing bowl, add in the prepped chicken and mix with all of the remaining ingredients along with half the amount of coconut oil. Cover and let this marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight.

In a frying pan on medium-high, heat the remaining coconut oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add in the marinated chicken, mix, then cover for about 6-8 minutes. After the time is up, you will see a lot of the natural water come out of the chicken. Fry the chicken until the liquid is just about gone and the chicken forms a light golden brown color. A  subtle gravy coating should form on the chicken. Done!