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For instance, if you’re organising a lavish get-together, the dinner spread cannot miss out on one of the most important ingredients, which is chicken. A countless number of chicken dishes can be spread out on the platter for you to serve your guests. From main courses like chicken curries and chicken biriyani to starters like kabab and tikka, chicken takes over any party's or restaurant’s menu.
Chicken starters, falling under the beloved category of appetisers in diverse cuisine, tantalise the taste buds with their succulent flavours and varied preparations. From crispy chicken wings and tender skewers to aromatic tandoori bites and zesty fried pieces, chicken starters offer an array of textures and taste experiences. Marinated with care and seasoned to perfection, chicken starters showcase the art of infusing meat with a symphony of flavours before undergoing grilling, frying, or baking techniques that elevate their taste and texture. The best part of every recipe is that it is jam-packed with flavours and has a drool-worthy taste.
If you’re wondering about making some restaurant-style chicken starters at home, then the following list of 10 quick chicken starters in this article will be worthwhile. Take a look:
- Dry Chilli Chicken
This popular Indo-Chinese dish is a tantalising fusion of bold flavours and irresistible textures. Strips of tender chicken are marinated in a mixture of spices, soy sauce, and sometimes vinegar, infusing them with a medley of tastes. These marinated chicken pieces are then lightly battered and deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the succulent meat inside. The dish gets its name from the vibrant red chilli peppers that are sautéed with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions, creating a savoury and spicy flavour profile. Bell peppers and spring onions often join the mix, adding colour, crunch, and an extra layer of taste.
- Chicken Malai Kabab
If you’re in love with the combination of cheese and chicken, then this is the dish for you. This delectable dish features tender chunks of chicken that have been marinated in a velvety mixture of cream (malai), yoghurt, aromatic spices, and sometimes grated cheese. The marination not only imparts a rich and creamy texture to the chicken but also infuses it with a symphony of flavors. These marinated chicken pieces are then skewered and grilled or baked to perfection.
- Chicken Nuggets
This is one of the most beloved dishes among chicken lovers. These bite-sized delights consist of small pieces of chicken that are breaded and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Universally adored, chicken nuggets are known for their simplicity and satisfying flavor. They are often served with French fries and dips.
- Chicken And Rice Kabab
This is one of those dishes where you can happily make use of the leftover rice. The leftover rice and minced chicken were combined, flavoured with different spices and herbs, and given the shape of kababs. These are then deep-fried and consumed with mint-coriander chutney or ketchup.
- Dahi Lasooni Chicken Tikka
This flavorful and succulent Indian appetiser showcases the magic of marination. Tender chicken pieces are bathed in a mixture of yoghurt (dahi) and garlic (lasooni), along with an array of aromatic spices. The yoghurt lends a tangy creaminess, while the garlic infuses the meat with a distinctive, pungent flavour. Marinated for hours, the chicken absorbs these flavours deeply, resulting in a harmonious blend of tastes. Traditionally skewered and grilled, the tikka develops a delightful charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior.
- Chicken Fingers
Chicken fingers, a beloved comfort food, are a simple yet satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. These slender strips of chicken breast are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb or batter mixture and then fried until golden and crispy. The result is a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender and flavorful chicken inside. Often served with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard, chicken fingers offer a customizable experience.
- Chicken Wings In BBQ Sauce
It is a finger-licking delight that embodies the perfect marriage of savoury and sweet flavours. These succulent and meaty chicken wings are generously coated in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce, infusing them with a tantalising combination of tanginess, sweetness, and a hint of spiciness. The wings are typically grilled, baked, or fried to achieve a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside. These juicy chicken wings in BBQ sauce are served at get-togethers, picnics, or parties.
- Chicken Galouti Kabab
Meticulously crafted, the kabab features finely minced chicken that is marinated with a secret blend of spices, aromatic herbs, and tenderising agents. They are given the shape of delicate patties and gently pan-fried with utmost precision. This Awadhi-style kabab melts in the mouth and extends the flavours of saffron, cardamom, and a hint of smokiness.
- Chicken 65
This dish features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated in a vibrant mixture of spices like red chilli, ginger, garlic, and curry leaves, along with yoghurt and sometimes vinegar for a tangy kick. The marinated chicken is then deep-fried to achieve a crisp and fiery exterior, creating a harmonious contrast with the juicy and succulent meat inside. This dish has been recognised among the world’s top 10 fried dishes.
- Chicken Kabiraji Balls
This delightful appetiser from Kolkata features minced chicken that is spiced with a blend of aromatic seasonings, herbs, and sometimes grated cheese. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and coated in a thin layer of seasoned batter. The batter-coated chicken balls are deep-fried to achieve a delicate and crispy golden shell. The main attraction is the ball covered with a crispy egg net.
