Chicken al Baik is a popular fried chicken dish commonly found in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. While the exact recipe used by the Al Baik restaurant chain is a closely guarded secret, here’s a general recipe that mimics the flavours of Chicken al Baik:
Ingredients
Chicken marinade:
– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons yogurt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Coating:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ground ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, yogurt, and vegetable oil to make the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make the coating mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it in the coating mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating.
6. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer or pot. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy your home-made Chicken al Baik!
Note: You can adjust the seasoning’s according to your taste preferences. Additionally, you can also try using a pressure fryer for a crispier texture similar to the one found in Al Baik’s chicken.
