Chettinad Chicken Curry Recipe (செட்டிநாடு சிக்கன் கறி செய்வது எப்படி)
Chettinad cuisine is one of the most famous and flavourful food styles from Tamil Nadu. The spicy and aromatic Chettinad Chicken Curry is loved across India for its rich masala, roasted spices, and bold taste. This dish originates from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu and is traditionally prepared with freshly ground spices, coconut, and curry leaves.
If you enjoy spicy South Indian food, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients Required
For Marinating the Chicken
500 g chicken (cleaned and cut)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt – as required
For Chettinad Masala
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
6–8 dry red chillies
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
2 tablespoons grated coconut
For the Curry
2 tablespoons oil
2 onions (finely chopped)
1 tomato (chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 sprig of curry leaves
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt – to taste
Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
Step-by-Step Chettinad Chicken Curry Preparation
1. Marinate the Chicken
First, take the cleaned chicken pieces in a bowl. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and allow it to marinate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb the flavours.
2. Prepare the Chettinad Masala
Heat a pan and dry roast the following ingredients on medium flame:
Coriander seeds
Cumin seeds
Fennel seeds
Dry red chillies
Black pepper
Cloves
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Roast until aromatic. Then add grated coconut and roast lightly.
Allow the mixture to cool and grind it into a smooth paste using a little water.
3. Cook the Curry Base
Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. Add curry leaves and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
Next, add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until the mixture becomes soft and the oil starts separating.
4. Add Chicken and Masala
Now add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and mix well.
Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken begins to release juices.
Add the prepared Chettinad masala paste and mix thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
5. Simmer the Curry
Add about 1 to 1½ cups of water, depending on the gravy consistency you prefer.
Cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes on medium flame until the chicken becomes tender and the curry thickens.
Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
6. Garnish and Serve
Switch off the flame and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Your delicious Chettinad Chicken Curry is ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Chettinad Chicken Curry
Always use freshly ground masala for an authentic taste.
Adding black pepper gives the dish its signature Chettinad heat.
Use country chicken (நாட்டு கோழி) if available for a richer flavour.
Cooking in a clay pot (மண் சட்டி) enhances the taste.
Best Dishes to Serve With
Chettinad Chicken Curry tastes amazing with:
Steamed rice
Idiyappam
Dosa
Parotta
Chapati
The spicy gravy pairs especially well with soft parotta or idlis, making it a perfect South Indian meal.
Social Plugin