Chicken Chettinad is a fiery and flavorful dish that originates from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, India. Known for its bold spices and aromatic ingredients, this South Indian curry features tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and a unique blend of spices such as red chili peppers, fennel seeds, and coconut. The result is a rich and creamy curry that tantalizes the taste buds and is perfect for serving with rice, dosa, or roti.
The key to an authentic Chicken Chettinad lies in its masala, which is made from freshly roasted and ground spices. Ingredients like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and poppy seeds are combined with aromatic elements such as garlic, ginger, and curry leaves. This spice mix creates a fragrant base that enhances the flavor of the chicken as it cooks. The dish’s complexity comes from the careful balance of spices, resulting in a robust gravy that is both spicy and satisfying.
Making Chicken Chettinad at home is easier than you might think! Start by marinating the chicken in yogurt along with spices to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Then prepare the masala by sautéing the aromatics before adding the marinated chicken. As it simmers, the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors from the spices, creating a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
In addition to its incredible taste, Chicken Chettinad also offers various health benefits. The use of lean chicken provides a good source of protein, while the spices contribute anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion. This makes it not only a delicious choice but also a nutritious one that fits well into a balanced diet.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, Chicken Chettinad is an excellent choice. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Plus, it can be easily adapted to suit your spice preferences—just adjust the amount of chili to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
So why not bring the flavors of Tamil Nadu into your kitchen with this authentic Chicken Chettinad recipe? Embrace the culinary traditions of South India and enjoy a dish that is both flavorful and fulfilling. Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful experience!
An Authentic and Flavorful Chicken Chettinad Recipe from Tamil Nadu!
Ingredients
For Chicken Marination
- 1 whole chicken
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 4 tsp lemon juice
For Roasting
- 2 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1/2 stick cinnamon
- 1 tbsp whole black pepper
- 1 star anise
- 6 whole kashmiri red chilies
For Spiced Paste
- ¼ cubed onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger
- 5-6 curry leaves
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut
For Curry Base
- 5-6 tbsp oil
- 5 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole kashmiri red chilies
- 5-6 curry leaves
- 3 finely chopped onions
- 1/2 inch chopped ginger
- 2 finely chopped tomatoes
Other
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
- fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Start by washing and cleaning the 1 whole chicken thoroughly.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with ½ tsp black pepper powder, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 4 tsp lemon juice, and salt to taste. Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it is well coated. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Make the Spice Paste
- In a small pan over medium heat, add the following spices: 2 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 4 cardamom pods, 1/2 stick cinnamon, 1 tbsp whole black pepper, 1 star anise, and 6 whole kashmiri red chilies. Roast these spices for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Once roasted, transfer them to a blender.
- To the blender with the roasted spices, add the ¼ cubed onion, 4 garlic cloves, 1 inch ginger (chopped), 5-6 curry leaves, 1 tbsp shredded coconut, and enough water to blend into a thick paste. Add more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Cook and Combine
- In a large pan over medium heat, heat about 5-6 tbsp oil. Once hot, add in the 5 cloves, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 cinnamon sticks, 1 whole kashmiri red chilies, 5-6 curry leaves, 3 finely chopped onions, 1/2 inch chopped ginger, and 2 finely chopped tomatoes. Mix well and sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan along with the prepared spice paste, salt to taste and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Stir well to combine everything. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes; this will help release juices from the chicken.
- After 5 minutes, check if more water is needed to adjust the gravy’s consistency. If so, add some water and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander leaves, mint or Shredded Ginger. Serve your delicious Chicken Chettinad hot with steamed rice, dosa, or roti.
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Notes
Calorie Estimates:
Please note that the calorie counts are estimates and may vary based on cooking methods, portion sizes, and specific ingredient brands. For the most accurate nutritional information, consider calculating based on your own measurements.We Want to Hear From You!
Have you tried making our Chicken Chettinad recipe? We’d love to know how it turned out for you! Feel free to share your thoughts, tips, or any variations you made in the comments below. If you enjoyed this flavorful dish, consider sharing it with your friends and family so they can experience the deliciousness too! Your feedback means a lot to us!