10+ Chicken Starter Recipes to Kick Off Your Delicious Meal
Chicken starter recipes are a great way to kick off any meal or gathering. These dishes are often packed with flavor and can be simple to make at home.
Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or something a bit more elaborate, you can find a chicken starter that suits your taste.
Using chicken as a base ingredient provides versatility in flavors and cooking methods. From spicy to mild, there are many creative ways to prepare chicken starters that will impress your guests.
So, get ready to explore delicious options that will elevate your dining experience!
1) Spicy Garlic Chicken
Spicy Garlic Chicken is a tasty starter that many people love. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner. The combination of garlic and spices brings a delicious flavor that you can’t resist.
To prepare this dish, you will need some simple ingredients. The cooking process is quick, so you can have it ready in no time.
Enjoy it with rice or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 teaspoons chili garlic oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, julienned
- 1 red chili, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- A few pieces of bell pepper
- Spring onion for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat chili garlic oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Mix in chopped onions and bell peppers.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with spring onion and serve hot.
2) Chicken Majestic
Chicken Majestic is a popular starter from Hyderabad. This dish features tender chicken strips that are marinated and fried or baked for a delicious crunch. It is often enjoyed as a flavorful appetizer.
For making Chicken Majestic, you will need a few simple ingredients. The chicken is typically coated in spices and corn flour, making it crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
You can serve it with a tangy dip for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 200 gm chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- Salt to taste
- Ginger garlic paste
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the chicken strips with salt, ginger garlic paste, and buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix in coriander powder, cumin powder, and corn flour.
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
- Fry the chicken strips until golden brown. Enjoy your Chicken Majestic!
3) Butter Garlic Chicken
Butter Garlic Chicken is a simple and tasty dish you can make quickly. This recipe features juicy chicken cooked with garlic and butter, creating a rich flavor you’ll love.
To start, you’ll need just a few ingredients. This dish is perfect as a starter or a main course to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy this quick and delicious dish!
4) Chicken 65
Chicken 65 is a tasty and spicy starter from South India. You can serve it as an appetizer or a side dish. This dish is known for its crispy texture and bold flavors.
To prepare Chicken 65, you’ll be marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixture of spices. The chicken is typically deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Curry leaves and green chilies add unique flavor.
You can also find healthier versions using air frying. This keeps the chicken crispy while reducing oil use.
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless chicken
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- Salt to taste
- Curry leaves
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and rice flour for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (180°C).
- Deep fry the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish with curry leaves and serve hot.
5) Tandoori Chicken Wings
Tandoori chicken wings are a delicious choice for a starter. They are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. You can make them in an air fryer or an oven.
To start, marinate the wings with yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors soak in.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your air fryer to the same temperature. Then, cook the wings until they are crispy and fully cooked. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Combine yogurt, tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Add chicken wings and coat them well.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or set the air fryer.
- Bake or air fry wings until cooked through (about 25-30 minutes).
- Serve and enjoy!
6) Crispy Chicken Fry
Crispy chicken fry is a delicious starter that’s sure to impress your guests. It has a crunchy outer layer and tender chicken inside, making it perfect for any occasion.
To start, you will need chicken pieces, which you can marinate in spices for extra flavor. You can use salt, pepper, chili powder, and ginger to make it pop.
For the coating, dip the marinated chicken in a mix of flour and breadcrumbs before frying. This will give you that desirable crunch.
Heat the oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken until golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate chicken in salt, pepper, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare a coating by mixing flour and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
7) Chicken Satay Skewers
Chicken satay skewers are a delicious and fun starter. They are made with marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers. The marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger for extra flavor.
To enjoy these tasty skewers, serve them with a creamy peanut dipping sauce. The combination of the savory chicken and the rich sauce is simply irresistible.
You can easily make chicken satay at home. Just thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill them until they are cooked through.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ cup coconut milk
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, curry powder, and coconut milk.
- Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning until cooked through.
8) Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic butter chicken bites are a quick and tasty starter you can easily make at home. These tender pieces of chicken are perfect for any occasion.
To start, sear bite-sized chicken pieces in a skillet until they turn a nice golden brown. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Next, toss the cooked chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce. The sauce adds a delicious flavor that everyone will love.
These bites are not only simple to prepare but also great for serving at gatherings or as a meal for your family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add butter and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until chicken is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Toss chicken in garlic butter and serve warm.
9) Zesty Chicken Kababs
Zesty chicken kababs are a delicious starter that can impress your guests. The marinade is key to making these kababs flavorful and juicy. You’ll use fresh garlic, citrus, and bold Mediterranean spices.
Start with bite-sized pieces of chicken. Marinade them for at least an hour to soak in all that flavor. Grill the kababs until they are golden brown and cooked through.
These kababs are perfect for serving with a tangy sauce or fresh salad. Enjoy them hot off the grill for a tasty treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Cooking Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill kababs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
10) Chilli Chicken Starter
Chilli chicken is a tasty and popular starter in Indo-Chinese cuisine. It features tender chicken pieces that are crispy on the outside and flavorful inside. The dish is made spicy with a mix of sauces and seasonings.
To make chilli chicken, first, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and spices. After marinating, fry the pieces until they are crispy. Then, sauté them with onions and bell peppers for extra flavor.
Chilli chicken is perfect for parties or just as a snack. It pairs well with fried rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless chicken pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Chili sauce (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
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Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
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Mix cornflour and all-purpose flour in a bowl.
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Coat the marinated chicken with the flour mixture.
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Heat oil in a pan. Then, fry the chicken until it turns golden brown at 350°F (175°C).
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Remove the chicken. In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers.
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Add the chicken back. Then, mix it with chili sauce and cook for a few more minutes.