If you love bold, spicy dishes, you’re in for a treat. Andhra Chicken Fry (or Kodi Vepudu, for the purists) is one of those plates that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. It’s a classic from Andhra Pradesh, known for flavors that are fiery and aromatic—just like the region itself.

This recipe is simple, authentic, and packs a punch. It’s all about tender chicken, a mix of spices, crispy curry leaves, and the goodness of ghee or oil. Perfect as a side with rice and rasam or even as a standalone appetizer. Let’s dive into how you can make this at home effortlessly.

What You Need to Know

Prep time: 30 minutes (including marinating the chicken)
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-5 people
Difficulty: Easy-ish

Tools You’ll Need

A sturdy pan or wok for stir-frying
A mixing bowl for marinating
Optional: A small pan for tempering (if you’re feeling fancy)

A Quick Tip:

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time—up to 24 hours. That way, it’s ready to cook whenever you are!

Ingredients

Main Players:

1.5 lbs chicken (bone-in adds flavor, but boneless works too!)
2 tbsp oil or ghee (pro tip: ghee takes the flavor up a notch)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1-2 green chilies (slit lengthwise—Indian or Thai chilies are best)
1 sprig curry leaves
10-15 cashews, halved (optional but worth it)
1 large onion, diced (roughly 2 cups)
Salt, to taste
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp red chili powder (adjust the heat to your liking)
½ tsp garam masala (optional but adds depth)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

For Marination:

2 tsp ginger-garlic paste (a must for that authentic flavor)
1 ½ tsp salt
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
4 tbsp coconut powder or grated fresh coconut

Optional Add-On (Tempering):

1 tsp ghee
A sprig of curry leaves
2 green chilies (slit lengthwise)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Clean the chicken and chop it into medium pieces (if it’s bone-in) or cubes (for boneless).
In a bowl, mix the marination ingredients with the chicken. Coat it well so the flavors seep in. Cover and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes—or overnight if planning ahead.

Step 2: Start Cooking

Grab your pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium flame, and toss in the cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and cashews. Let it cook until the cashews are golden. Smells amazing already, right?

Step 3: Add Onions & Spices

Stir in the onions with a pinch of salt (the salt helps them brown faster). Cook until they’re golden and soft—this should take about 7 minutes.
Add the coriander powder and red chili powder. Stir for about 30 seconds to bring out those lovely aromas.

Step 4: Time for the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix it with the onion-spice base.
Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be mostly cooked by now.
Uncover the pan and turn the flame up to medium-high. Let it cook until the moisture evaporates and the chicken is coated in a thick, spicy masala. This part takes around 10 minutes.

Step 5: The Final Touch

Sprinkle a bit of garam masala if you’re using it. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that pop of color and freshness.

Want to go the extra mile? Do a quick tempering in a small pan with ghee, curry leaves, and green chilies. Pour this over the chicken right before serving. Game changer!

Pro Tips & Tweaks

Milder Heat? Use Kashmiri red chili powder instead of regular—it’s less spicy but still adds a beautiful color.
No Cashews? Swap them with almonds or skip them entirely.
Low-Carb? Double the ghee and skip the nuts.

Serving Ideas

Serve it hot with steamed rice and rasam or sambar. Want a bit of crunch? Add fryums (papads)!
It’s equally amazing as an appetizer with some fresh lime wedges on the side.

Storing Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet with a splash of water or ghee to keep it moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s quick, full of flavor, and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or just a spice fix on a weekday, this Andhra Chicken Fry hits the spot every time.