Samosas are a classic snack loved by many, known for their crispy outside and tasty filling. This authentic chicken samosa recipe will help you make samosas that are crunchy and full of flavor right in your own kitchen. With a few simple steps, you can prepare samosas that taste just like the ones from your favorite restaurant. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious crispy chicken samosas easily.
What Are Chicken Samosas?
Chicken samosas are fried pastries filled with a spiced chicken mixture. They have a thin, crispy dough on the outside and juicy chicken inside. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, samosas are now enjoyed worldwide as snacks or appetizers. While some samosas are made with vegetables, chicken samosas add a meaty twist, making them extra filling and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Chicken Samosas
To make crispy chicken samosas, you will need a few basic ingredients. For the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour, oil, salt, and water. For the filling, you will need boneless chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Fresh cilantro and lemon juice add freshness and balance to the flavors.
Using fresh ingredients and the right amount of spices will make your samosas taste authentic and delicious.
Preparing the Perfect Chicken Filling
Start by finely chopping the onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the onions until they turn soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies and cook for a minute.
Next, add the spices and stir well. Add the minced chicken and cook until the chicken is done. Be careful not to overcook the chicken so it stays juicy. Add salt and lemon juice to taste. Finally, mix in fresh chopped cilantro. Let the filling cool before using it to fill the samosas.
How to Make Samosa Dough From Scratch
In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add water and oil while mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting makes the dough easier to roll and less likely to tear.
Rolling and Shaping Samosas Like a Pro
After the dough has rested, divide it into small equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle and cut it in half. Take one half, and shape it into a cone by folding the straight edges and sealing with a little water.
Fill the cone with the chicken filling, but don’t overfill it. Use your fingers or a fork to seal the open edges tightly. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
The Secret to Extra Crispy Samosas
To get crispy samosas, the oil temperature is very important. Heat enough oil for deep frying to about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the samosas will soak up oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the samosas will burn outside but stay raw inside.
Fry the samosas in batches so they cook evenly. When they turn golden brown and crisp, remove them and drain on paper towels to get rid of extra oil.
Frying Chicken Samosas – Step-by-Step
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Once hot, carefully add a few samosas without crowding the pan. Fry on medium heat, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
Once they are a nice golden color, remove the samosas using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels. Let them cool slightly before serving so the filling sets and the samosas stay crisp.
Baking or Air Frying Chicken Samosas – Healthier Options
If you want a lighter option, you can bake or air fry the samosas instead of deep frying. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), brush samosas lightly with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
For air frying, set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Both methods make delicious samosas with less oil, though they won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried ones.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
Chicken samosas are great on their own, but serving them with dipping sauces makes them even better. Tamarind chutney offers a sweet and tangy flavor, while mint-cilantro chutney adds a fresh, herby touch. You can also try yogurt-based raita or spicy chili sauce.
You might also enjoy other tasty snacks like chicken spring rolls for a delicious appetizer variety.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Samosas
Store leftover samosas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep them crispy when reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
You can also freeze raw samosas and cook them straight from frozen when you want a quick snack.
Variations on the Classic Chicken Samosa Recipe
You can easily change the filling to suit your taste. For example, try vegetable samosas with potatoes and peas, or add cheese for a richer flavor. Some people like adding nuts or dried fruits for a sweet twist.
Feel free to adjust the spices too—add more chili for heat, or use mild spices if you prefer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Samosas
Avoid making the dough too soft or sticky, as it will tear when rolling. Knead well and rest the dough before rolling. Don’t overfill the samosas, or they might burst while frying.
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. Frying in too cold oil will make samosas greasy, while too hot oil will burn them outside and leave them raw inside.
Why Homemade Chicken Samosas Taste Better Than Store-Bought
Homemade samosas use fresh ingredients and the right spices. You can control the flavor and texture, making them taste better than store-bought frozen ones. Also, homemade samosas don’t have preservatives or extra oil used in commercial products.
Making them at home is satisfying and you can customize them exactly how you like.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Info of Chicken Samosas
Chicken samosas provide protein from the chicken and vitamins from added herbs and spices. Using homemade dough means no preservatives or additives.
For a healthier option, bake or air fry samosas instead of deep frying and add more vegetables to the filling for fiber and nutrients.
FAQs About Crispy Chicken Samosas
Can I make samosas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape samosas in advance. Freeze them raw and cook straight from frozen when needed.
How long do samosas last?
Cooked samosas keep well for about 2 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze raw or cooked samosas?
Both raw and cooked samosas freeze well. Freeze raw ones on a tray before putting in a bag so they don’t stick together.
What is the best oil for frying samosas?
Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
How to make samosas less oily?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain samosas on paper towels after frying.
Making crispy chicken samosas at home is simple and fun. With fresh ingredients and a little patience, you’ll get golden, crunchy samosas that everyone will love. Try this easy chicken samosa recipe on khalilsfood.com and enjoy a tasty snack anytime!
