How to Make Chicken Majestic: A Spicy Hyderabadi Chicken Starter

Chicken Majestic is a spicy, dry chicken starter that hails from the kitchens of Hyderabad. This Indo-Chinese inspired dish is known for its bold flavors, crispy texture, and rich coating of yogurt-spiced sauce. It’s commonly served in restaurants and special occasions across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. With thinly sliced chicken marinated and fried to perfection, then tossed in a flavorful yogurt-based masala, Chicken Majestic lives up to its name in both taste and appeal.

This recipe shows you how to make restaurant-style Chicken Majestic at home using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. It’s a fantastic option for dinner parties, festivals, or when you want to impress with something beyond regular chicken fry.

What Is Chicken Majestic?

Chicken Majestic is a dry appetizer made with thin strips of boneless chicken breast or thigh that are first marinated, then deep-fried and tossed in a spicy yogurt masala. The texture is juicy inside, crispy outside, and the coating is rich with ginger, garlic, green chillies, and tempered spices.

Unlike typical chicken fry recipes, Chicken Majestic uses curd (yogurt) as the base for the final mix, giving it a creamy yet spicy flavor. It’s a perfect example of Hyderabad’s fusion food culture, combining South Indian spices with a slight Chinese-style stir-fry method.

Ingredients for Chicken Majestic

For marination:

• 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into thin strips)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon corn flour
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon curd (plain yogurt)

For frying:

• Oil for deep frying or shallow frying

For tempering and masala:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 3 to 4 green chillies (slit or chopped)
• 10 to 12 curry leaves
• 1/2 cup thick curd (well whisked)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves or spring onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Chicken Majestic Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with turmeric, red chilli powder, salt, corn flour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, and a beaten egg. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Fry the chicken
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the marinated chicken pieces in small batches on medium-high heat until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels. You can also shallow fry in a wide pan with enough oil to crisp up the sides, flipping occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the tempering
In a separate wide pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds (if using). Once they start to crackle, add chopped garlic, ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté on medium heat until the garlic turns golden and aromatic.

Step 4: Add yogurt and spices
Lower the heat and add the whisked curd slowly while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add salt, pepper powder, and garam masala.

Step 5: Toss the chicken
Now add the fried chicken pieces to the yogurt masala. Mix gently to coat the chicken well. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat until the masala thickens and sticks to the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and serve
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or spring onions. Serve hot as a starter or side dish.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Majestic

• Cut chicken into thin strips for quick cooking and better texture
• Do not skip the marination time – it helps the chicken stay juicy
• Use thick curd to avoid the masala becoming watery
• Add more green chillies if you like it spicier
• Avoid overheating curd, which may cause it to split. Always stir while adding
• Shallow frying is a good option for lighter cooking but may require more time

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chicken Majestic hot as a starter at dinner parties
• Pair with naan, chapati, or jeera rice for a flavorful side
• Makes a great filling for kathi rolls or wraps
• Serve with onion rings and lemon wedges for added zing

Variations You Can Try

• Paneer Majestic: Use paneer strips instead of chicken for a vegetarian version
• Egg Majestic: Use halved boiled eggs in place of chicken
• Saucy Majestic: Add 2 tablespoons of cream for a richer coating
• No Fry Version: Bake or air-fry marinated chicken and then toss in the masala

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Majestic ahead of time?
Yes. Fry the chicken ahead and refrigerate. Reheat and toss in masala just before serving.

Is Chicken Majestic very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust red chilli and green chillies to your taste.

Can I use store-bought yogurt?
Yes, but use thick curd or hung curd to avoid watery masala.

Can I freeze the fried chicken pieces?
Yes. Store in a ziplock bag for up to a week. Re-fry or air-fry before using.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this dish?
Boneless thigh gives juicier results, but breast works well when marinated properly.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Majestic is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together bold South Indian flavors with a restaurant-style finish. Its spicy, tangy, and creamy character makes it stand out from typical chicken starters. With the right marination, fresh ingredients, and proper roasting of spices, you can recreate this Hyderabadi favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner or a festive spread, Chicken Majestic is guaranteed to impress. Let me know if you’d like a recipe for Apollo Fish or Veg 65 next.