The History Of Chicken 65: An Interesting Story

Introduction

Get ready to dive into the spicy and succulent world of Chicken 65- the dish that has tantalized taste buds and left people longing for more. Chicken 65 is a spicy, crispy, and savoury dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers all over the world. 

It's a staple in Indian cuisine and can be found in almost every Indian restaurant.

But have you ever wondered where it came from and how it got its unique name? Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that will uncover the juicy history behind this beloved dish. 

From its mysterious origins to its rise to fame, join us as we unravel the fascinating story of Chicken 65!

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The Origin of Chicken 65: The Different Theories

As mentioned already, Chicken 65 is a dish that has been enjoyed by food lovers for generations. But despite its widespread popularity, the origin of this dish remains shrouded in mystery. 

Over the years, several theories have emerged, each with its unique twist on the story of how this dish came to be. But don’t worry, we will steer clear of that confusion for you.

So the real origin of Chicken 65 and the reason for its name is that the dish was made at the Buhari Restaurant in Chennai in the year 1965, by its founder- A.M. Buhari. It was created as a welcome gesture for Indian soldiers returning home.

Chicken 65 and Chicken 90 are still sold at Buhari Hotel, priced at Rs 265 and Rs 285, respectively.

Now that we’ve got this cleared, let’s discuss some of the other popular theories surrounding the origin of Chicken 65.

According to one legend, the dish was named after the 65 chillies used in the recipe, which were meant to symbolize the 65 days it took for the chicken to mature.

Additionally, there are some far-fetched theories such as the chicken being cut into 65 pieces or being 65 days old when it was used in the dish. 

One story claims that in the Chennai canteen, soldiers were presented with a lengthy menu that listed the dish under serial number 65, hence the name "Chicken 65". It is believed that due to the language barrier in the canteen, the soldiers found it easier to remember the dish by referring to its numerical name.

Another theory states that Chicken 65 was invented in the state of Andhra Pradesh and was named after the year 1965. This theory claims that the dish was created as a tribute to the Indian victory in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965.

And some people also believe that this dish has roots in China, which is definitely not true!

Evolution of the dish

Chicken 65 has been a staple of Indian cuisine for decades, but the dish has evolved over time to suit different regional tastes and preferences.

In its early days, Chicken 65 was primarily a South Indian dish that was made using a specific blend of spices. Over time, the dish gained popularity in other parts of India, and regional variations started to emerge. 

In some areas, the dish was made with a sweeter and milder sauce, while in others, it was made spicier and more flavorful. These regional variations have contributed to the diversity of Chicken 65, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different forms.

From Kerala Roast Chicken to Kori Sukka from Karnataka, the dry chicken recipe has got its own fanbase in different parts of South India for its special recipes close to the specific region’s culture and taste preferences.

Despite these regional variations, Chicken 65 remains a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. 

Its combination of crispy, juicy chicken and flavorful spices makes it a perfect snack or appetizer, and its versatility allows for endless variations that can cater to different tastes and preferences.

Making the classic Chicken 65 at home 

Cuisine: South Indian

Time: 25 mins

Servings: 2

Calories: 566 kcal

Ingredients:

• Chicken - 333.33 grams
• Lemon Juice - 0.67 tbsp
• Ginger Garlic Paste - 0.73 tbsp
• Red Chili Powder - 0.75 tbsp
• Garam Masala Powder - 0.38 tsp
• Coriander Powder - 0.75 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder - 0.19 tsp
• Cumin Powder - 0.19 tsp
• Corn Flour - 1.33 tbsp
• Rice Flour - 0.67 tbsp
• Eggs - 0.67 no
• Salt - 1.10 tsp
• Sunflower Oil - For Deep Frying custom
• Green Chilli - 1.50 no
• Curry leaves

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken by cleaning and cutting it into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, cornflour, rice flour, egg, green chilli, curry leaves, and salt. Mix thoroughly and allow the chicken to marinate in the mixture for 60 minutes.

Step 3: Heat oil in a deep frying pan and deep fry the marinated chicken in small batches for 5-6 minutes. 

Step 4: Serve the crispy and juicy chicken hot, garnished with lemon slices and onion rings.

Nutritional information:

Protein- 39g

Fat- 41gm

Carbs- 9.2gm

Sugar- 0.4gm

Fiber- 0.9gm

Conclusion

And there you have it- the history behind this much-loved dish along with an added bonus of our simple and yummy Chicken 65 recipe! Its combination of spices, flavours, and textures has made it a beloved dish for generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.

So, the next time you sink your teeth into a plate of Chicken 65, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this dish. Who knows, you may just discover a new appreciation for this spicy, crispy, and succulent delicacy.

So, here's to Chicken 65 – a dish that will always hold a special place in our hearts and stomachs!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Who introduced Chicken 65?
Chicken 65 was first served in Chennai's famous Buhari restaurant in 1965. The restaurant also serves Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90 which were introduced in 1978, 1982, and 1990, respectively.

2. Does Chicken 65 have another name?
Chicken 65 is called different names in different regions of South India as it has many variations in its recipe. One popular alternative to Chicken 65 is the Mangalorean-styled chicken dish called Kori Sukka.

3. What does 65 in Chicken 65 mean?
Chicken 65 was named after its first widely accepted version, which was created in 1965 at the Buhari Hotel.

4. What does Chicken 65 taste like?
The dish is typically made with a spicy masala sauce, which is a blend of chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and other spices. The finished dish has a crispy exterior and a juicy, spicy flavour profile, with a balance of heat and tanginess.

5. How long does Chicken 65 last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken will last in the refrigerator for three to four days and in the freezer for two to three months. Eating cooked chicken long after it’s cooked can result in foodborne illnesses.