Chicken Chettinad Recipe
Chicken Chettinad Recipe: Chicken Chettinad is a dish that brings back memories of my mother’s cooking. The fragrance of the spices and the tenderness of the chicken always left me feeling satisfied and comforted. This traditional South Indian dish has a bold and complex flavor profile that never fails to impress. The combination of aromatic spices, succulent chicken, and a fiery heat make this dish a true taste sensation. If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then you’ll definitely love this dish!
What is Chicken Chettinad?
Chicken Chettinad is a popular South Indian dish made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce. The sauce is made with a mixture of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and cumin. The addition of coconut milk to the sauce gives it a creamy texture, which balances out the heat from the spices. This dish is usually served with steamed rice, which makes for the perfect comfort food meal.
Chicken Chettinad is a traditional dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is known for its complex flavor, fiery heat, and the use of traditional Chettinad masala. The dish is made by cooking chicken in a blend of spices and is traditionally served with rice or roti.
Variations of Chicken Chettinad
Chicken Chettinad can vary in heat and flavor depending on the ingredients and proportions used. Some variations include the use of different types of meat such as mutton, fish or prawns. Some variations also include the use of different types of cooking methods such as grilling or frying the chicken before adding it to the masala. Some variations include:
Chettinad Chicken Curry: This variation of Chicken Chettinad is made with a thicker sauce, making it ideal for serving with naan bread or roti. The sauce is made with a combination of tomatoes, spices, and coconut milk, which gives it a creamy and spicy flavor profile.
Chettinad Chicken Biryani: This variation of Chicken Chettinad combines the spicy chicken with fluffy basmati rice, creating a one-pot meal that is perfect for a large family gathering. The rice is flavored with saffron, cardamom, and other spices, which complement the spicy chicken perfectly.
Chettinad Chicken Kuzhambu: This variation of Chicken Chettinad is made with a thicker sauce that is served with steamed rice. The sauce is made with a mixture of spices, including coriander, cumin, and fennel, which gives it a complex flavor profile.
Chettinad Chicken Masala: This variation of Chicken Chettinad is made with a mixture of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, which give it a warm and comforting flavor profile. The chicken is simmered in a tomato and spice sauce, which makes it ideal for serving with steamed rice.
Nutrition – Chicken Chettinad
Chicken Chettinad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in fat and high in protein. The addition of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, provides a wealth of health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The coconut milk in the sauce provides healthy fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Overall, Chicken Chettinad is a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken used in the recipe. The dish also contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants thanks to the use of traditional Chettinad masala which is made of whole spices.
Step by Step Chicken Chettinad Recipe
Chicken Chettinad Recipe
Ingredients
For Marination
- 500 grams Chicken Breast / boneless chicken curry cuts
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ lime juice
- Salt
For Chettinad Masala
- 1 cup coconut grated
- 1 inch cinnamon
- 2 cardamom / Elaichi
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- water
- 1 tsp Fennel (Saunf)
- 3-4 dried red chilli
- Salt
For Gravy
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 2 tomato finely chopped
- 2 Onions finely chopped
- 6-8 curry leaves
- coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Marinate chicken with salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and lime juice. Keep in refrigerator 3-4 hours wrapped with cling sheet.
- Finely chop onion, tomato and cilantro.
Cooking
For Chettinad Masala
- To prepare chettinad masala, take a pan and add all the ingredients(except water).
- Saute until turns aromatic and light brown in color.
- Remove from the heat and cool down completely.
- Transfer to a blender jar and blend to a fine powder.
- We will add water only to the required masala. Rest of the chettinad masala, you can store in an airtight container for up to a month.
For Curry
- Heat oil in a pan or kadhai over medium to low flame.
- Add chopped onion and saute until light golden in color.
- Then, add ginger garlic paste and saute for few minutes till raw aroma goes away.
- Add chopped tomatoes in the pan. Mix with the onions and cook till soften.
- And now also add the marinated chicken.
- Saute for 3-4 minutes so that chicken incorporates well with onion and tomato.
- Now, add water to 1-2 tbsp prepared spice masala and form a thick consistency.
- Add the masala to the pan with 1 cup water.
- Cover the pan with the lid and cook until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Stir occasionally for evenly cooking.
- Finally, garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro.
- Serve Chicken Chettinad with roti or steamed rice.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Adjust the amount of dry red chillies according to your preference for heat.
- Some variations also include the use of coconut milk to give the dish a more creamy texture.
- The Chettinad masala powder can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can also add some freshly squeezed tamarind juice to the dish.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Chicken Chettinad Recipe:
What is Chicken Chettinad?
Chicken Chettinad is a traditional South Indian dish that is made with boneless chicken that is cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce and flavored with aromatic spices. This dish originates from the Chettinadu region of Tamil Nadu and is known for its bold flavors and rich, savory taste.
What spices are used in Chicken Chettinad?
The spices used in Chicken Chettinad can vary, but the most common spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Fresh herbs such as curry leaves and cilantro are also commonly used to add flavor and aroma.
What is the cooking process for Chicken Chettinad?
The cooking process for Chicken Chettinad involves sautéing the chicken in oil until it is lightly browned, and then adding in the tomato-based sauce and spices. The dish is then simmered until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
How long does it take to make Chicken Chettinad?
The total cooking time for Chicken Chettinad is about 30-40 minutes, with the majority of the time spent simmering the chicken in the sauce. Preparing the chicken and the sauce typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
What is the ideal temperature for cooking Chicken Chettinad?
The ideal temperature for cooking Chicken Chettinad is between medium to low heat, as this helps to slowly develop the flavors and prevent the chicken from overcooking.
What are some serving suggestions for Chicken Chettinad?
Chicken Chettinad is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, roti, or naan. It can also be served as part of a traditional South Indian thali meal.
Is Chicken Chettinad a gluten-free dish?
Chicken Chettinad can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free garam masala blend. However, it is important to double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free before serving.
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