This recipe reimagines the beloved fried chicken and mashed potatoes combo with a wellness-forward twist. The chicken is marinated in probiotic-rich yogurt and coated in a spiced chickpea flour crust, then shallow-fried or air-fried to golden perfection. The mashed potatoes are infused with turmeric, garlic, and olive oil, offering anti-inflammatory benefits and creamy texture without heavy cream. This dish is high in protein, fiber, and flavor—perfect for family meals, community sharing, or a nourishing indulgence that doesn’t compromise your wellness goals.
🧺 INGREDIENTS:
For the Chicken:
- 8 pieces bone-in chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Coating:
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- ½ cup crushed oats or almond flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Olive oil for shallow frying or brushing for air-frying
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes (preferably red or sweet potatoes for lower glycemic impact)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
🔪 INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor and tenderization.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a separate bowl, combine chickpea flour, crushed oats, paprika, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes.
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge each piece in the coating mixture.
- Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes to allow the crust to adhere.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Option A: Shallow Fry
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken pieces for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Drain on paper towels.
Option B: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Place chicken in basket and brush lightly with oil.
- Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes).
- Drain and return to pot. Add olive oil, almond milk, garlic, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the golden chicken alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
- Add a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs.
- Serve warm with a side of cucumber raita or mint yogurt dip for balance.
🍽️ WELLNESS NOTES:
- Chickpea flour and oats offer fiber and protein, lowering glycemic impact.
- Yogurt marinade tenderizes meat and adds probiotics.
- Turmeric and garlic reduce inflammation and support immune health.
- Sweet potatoes provide complex carbs and antioxidants.
- Olive oil adds healthy fats that stabilize blood sugar.
🌱 VARIATIONS:
- Use tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
- Add fenugreek leaves to the mashed potatoes for digestive support.
- Serve with a side of aloe vera-infused chutney for cooling contrast.