Inspired by Ayam Goreng (Indonesian and Malaysian fried chicken), there is a 2-stage cooking process involved in this easy turmeric chicken recipe. This is the perfect fried chicken for those who don’t like batter or breading. The bonus of this is that the marinade is able to flavor both the chicken skin and the flesh, resulting in amazingly crispy chicken.
Delicious marinade
It’s not often done, but the chicken is first cooked in a very tasty blended marinade of shallot, garlic, ground coriander, ground turmeric (fresh turmeric can also be used), garam masala, fresh ginger, and brown sugar.
Spicy dipping sauce
The chicken is delicious on its own, but even better when served with a slightly sweet and spicy sauce for dipping. A delicious combination of chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and ginger.
Low carb/keto fried chicken
Because there is no breading or batter, this makes it suitable for low carb and ketogenic diets, as well as being gluten-free and lower in calories (if you’re counting, it’s approximately 472 calories for 2 pieces of chicken).
Double cooked fried chicken
The method for this dish involves a 2-step cooking process where the chicken is first cooked in the marinade and then fried. While it may seem like a lot of work to cook the chicken twice, it serves two purposes. The first cooking step seals the flavors into the chicken and cooks the sauce. The frying step crisps up the chicken and further seals in the flavors.
Best chicken for Turmeric Spiced Fried Chicken with Spicy Chili Sauce
Any combination of chicken pieces can be used for this dish. I chose drumsticks, but chicken wings or a combination of both can also be used.
Skinless fried chicken
If you prefer not to eat chicken skin, you can use skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs. I call this chicken ‘spiced’ because there are spices added, but it is not inherently spicy. It is served with a chili dipping sauce that adds a delicious, sweet and spicy kick, allowing you to control how much spice you want in every bite. Alternatively, you can leave it out for the kids.
Serving turmeric fried chicken
This dish can be a finger-licking good appetizer or served with simple white rice, brown rice, toasted coconut rice, grilled mushrooms, edamame salad, or low-carb cauliflower rice.
Turmeric fried chicken in the air fryer
Cook the chicken up to step 4 of the recipe (cooking in the marinade), then transfer it to the air fryer (instead of frying in oil) in a single layer without overlapping. Cooking time will depend on your air fryer (set to 390°F/200°C for about 15-20 minutes). Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reads 165°F/75°C. Turmeric is a very vibrantly colored spice. Turmeric stains, including skin, white counter tops, plastic and clothing so please be mindful when blending the marinade. If you’ve made this Turmeric Spiced Fried Chicken with Spicy Chili Sauce, leave a comment, star rating or a question below. Spicy chili garlic sauce makes 1 ½ cups (354 m)
