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Authentic Chicken Chettinad Recipe - A Spicy Delight from Tamil Nadu

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Chicken Chettinad is a renowned dish hailing from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its bold flavors and fiery spices. This traditional South Indian dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu, where each bite is a burst of complex flavors and intense heat.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

Spices and Ingredients:

  • Chicken (Kozhi)
  • Shallots (Small Onions)
  • Tomatoes
  • Curry Leaves
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Cumin Seeds
  • Coriander Seeds
  • Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
  • Black Peppercorns
  • Dry Red Chillies
  • Fresh Coconut
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Turmeric Powder
  • Tamarind
  • Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • Oil
  • Salt

✨ What Makes It Special

Chicken Chettinad showcases a unique blend of spices that sets it apart from other Indian chicken dishes. The use of black pepper, fennel seeds, and curry leaves gives this dish its distinctive flavor profile. While the traditional recipe calls for a fiery heat level, adjustments can be made to suit individual preferences.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken, cut into pieces
  • 10-12 Shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped
  • Handful of Curry Leaves
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 2 tbsp Coriander Seeds
  • 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds
  • 10-12 Black Peppercorns
  • 6-8 Dry Red Chillies
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Coconut, grated
  • 1-inch Ginger, grated
  • 6-8 cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • Lemon-sized Tamarind, soaked in water
  • 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the Chettinad masala:

  1. Dry roast coriander seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and dry red chillies until fragrant.
  2. Grind the roasted spices along with fresh coconut, ginger, and garlic to a fine paste.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat ghee and oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
  2. Add chopped shallots and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add the ground masala paste and turmeric powder. Cook until the oil separates.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  5. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat them with the masala.
  6. Extract tamarind pulp and add it to the chicken along with salt.
  7. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well blended.
  8. Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or dosa.

⏰ Timing Guide

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chettinad pairs beautifully with steamed rice, dosa, or appam. The fiery flavors of this dish are balanced by the mildness of these accompaniments.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • Adjust the number of dry red chillies to control the heat level of the dish.
  • For an authentic touch, use a clay pot (manchatti) for cooking.
  • Marinate the chicken in yogurt and turmeric for added tenderness and flavor.

📦 Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop to retain the flavors.