Spice up your meal with this delicious Chicken Chettinad recipe

Looking for a delicious and flavorful chicken recipe? Look no further than Chicken Chettinad! A blend of flavorful spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin give this traditional South Indian meal its rich and spiciness. You can easily produce a dish that is properly balanced and has the right amount of heat by following our simple recipe.

To make Chicken Chettinad, you'll need bone-in chicken pieces, coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. I will suggest you to marinate the chicken in spices for proper time so that the juices remain intact within the chicken. This dish is majorly served with roti, naan or steamed rice.

You can prepare this dish at your home and surely your friends and family will love this dish. It's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

About Chicken Chettinad:

Chicken Chettinad is a popular Indian dish that originates from the Chettinad region in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This region of chettinad is famous for its spices, culture and food. This dish is rich in taste and flavors which come from the whole spices used in preparation of this dish. Chicken Chettinad is majorly made on special occasions and festivals.

The dish typically involves marinating chicken in a blend of yogurt and spices before cooking it in a tomato and coconut milk-based sauce. As a result we get a spicy, tender and flavorful chicken and it is loved by people who like spicy and flavorful food.

Chicken Chettinad is usually served with rice or naan bread, and it can be a main dish or a side meal. It is a popular choice at Indian restaurants and is also often made at home for special events or family dinners.

Ingredients for Chicken Chettinad Recipe:

• 1 kg chicken, bone-in, skinless

• 1 cup yogurt

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 inch ginger, grated

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 2 tbsp oil

• Salt, to taste

For the spice blend:

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 tbsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 4-5 dry red chilies

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp paprika

Stepwise process to make yummy Chicken Chettinad at home:

• Firstly take a large mixing bowl. Then, mix together the chicken, yogurt, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

• Dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, fennel seeds, and dry red chilies in a pan until fragrant. Let it cool and then grind to a fine powder.

• In a pan, heat the oil and add the chopped onions. Cook until they turn translucent.

• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for a minute.

• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.

• Add the ground spice blend, turmeric powder, and paprika. Cook for a minute until fragrant.

• Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is browned.

• Add the coconut milk and stir well. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Enjoy the delicious and spicy flavors of Chicken Chettinad!

Expert Tips:

Here are some pro tips to help you make perfect Chicken Chettinad at home:

·         Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator will make it tender and flavorful.

·         Use freshly ground spices: Toasting and grinding the spices fresh will enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish. Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the spices.

·         Cook the onions and tomatoes well: Cooking the onions and tomatoes until they are soft and mushy will create a flavorful base for the dish. Be patient and let them cook on low heat for at least 10-15 minutes.

·         Adjust the heat level: Adjust the number of dry red chilies and black pepper to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili powder and black pepper.

·         Use coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy and rich texture to the dish. Use canned coconut milk or make your own by blending fresh grated coconut with water and then straining it.

·         Simmer the sauce: After adding the coconut milk, simmer the sauce for at least 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and thicken the sauce.

·         Let it rest: After cooking, let the Chicken Chettinad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop further. Serve it hot with rice or naan bread.

By following these pro tips, you can create a flavorful and delicious Chicken Chettinad that will impress your family and friends.

FAQ's:

What is Chicken Chettinad?

Chicken Chettinad is a popular South Indian dish that originated in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its rich and spicy flavor, thanks to a blend of aromatic spices and coconut milk.

What are the key ingredients in Chicken Chettinad?

The key ingredients in Chicken Chettinad are bone-in chicken, yogurt, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and a variety of spices such as coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, fennel seeds, and dry red chilies.

Is Chicken Chettinad spicy?

Yes, Chicken Chettinad is known for its spicy flavor. The amount of heat can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences by varying the amount of chili powder or black pepper.

What is the best way to serve Chicken Chettinad?

Chicken Chettinad is typically served with rice or naan bread. It can also be served as a side dish with other Indian curries and vegetables.

Can I make Chicken Chettinad ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Chettinad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

What are some common variations of Chicken Chettinad?

Some common variations of Chicken Chettinad include using different meats such as lamb or shrimp, adding vegetables such as potatoes or eggplant, or using a different blend of spices.

Can I make Chicken Chettinad without coconut milk?

Yes, you can make Chicken Chettinad without coconut milk by substituting it with heavy cream or cashew cream. However, the flavor and texture of the dish will be different.

How long does it take to cook Chicken Chettinad?

The cooking time for Chicken Chettinad varies depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the heat level. On average, it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook the chicken and another 20-25 minutes to simmer the sauce.

What are some side dishes that go well with Chicken Chettinad?

Some side dishes that go well with Chicken Chettinad include rice, naan bread, roti, paratha, or any Indian flatbread. You can also serve it with a salad or raita.

What type of yogurt should I use for the marinade?

You can use any type of plain yogurt for the marinade, such as Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or homemade yogurt. Make sure it is not flavored or sweetened.

Can I make Chicken Chettinad in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Chicken Chettinad in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on a stove top will give better results.