Savory curry smothered with coconut and onion, with the rich flavors of different spices from South India, this Chettinad chicken recipe is one of most popular and most ordered South Indian chicken dishes in restaurants. It goes great with white basmati rice.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (1) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (1)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-chicken6.jpg)
Disclosure: This Page May Contain Affiliate Links, Which May Earn Me A Commission, With No Additional Cost To You. Each Of These Links Are Referenced With The Asterisk Symbol * Next To It, At All Places It Is Posted.
Chettinad chicken is originally from Chettinad region of the southern state of Tamil Nadu but it has definitely become popular in other parts of India owing to its rich flavor from the different spices that are used.
Traditionally Chettinad chicken is made with fresh ground spices which gives the best flavor. You can clearly tell the difference between the curry made from fresh ground spice and one made from packaged spices.
I get it that it might not very convenient to freshly grind all the spices in your kitchen. So if you use store bought, don’t worry. It will still turn out awesome!
Ingredients Used
There is not a lot of substitutes for the ingredients for this recipe. To get the right flavor there are very few things you can skip out.
Chicken:Goes without saying, you don’t want to skip this. Make sure you get bone-in chicken pieces for the curry, as bones are packed with a lot of flavor. If you are not a fan of bone-in pieces, like my wife, then have at least half bone-in and half chicken breasts.
Chettinad masala: What makes the Chettinad masala different from others are the freshly ground spices along with freshly grated coconut. If you are able to grind your own spices, that will go a long way! If not, don’t worry. Packaged spices will still get you good results
Onion:Traditionally, shallots are used for Chettinad chicken, so I would highly recommend that. In case your local market does not supply them, then white onions are a good alternative.
Other ingredients:Poppy seeds*, coriander seeds*, grated coconut, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, pepper corn, dried Kashmiri chillies (or red chillies), green cardomoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, curry leaves, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder. We also used mace, but this optional. Lastly, coriander leaves for garnishing.
Equipments Needed
You will need a powerful food processor to get a good puree of the masala. We previously tried with a 250 Watts one and it was a mess. Nothing got pureed properly.
We recently bought a Hamilton Beach* 450 Watts one at that does the trick.
If you want to take the extra step, you can also use a spice grinder such as the Fresh Grind 4.5oz Electric Coffee Grinder* for grinding all the roasted spice mix and add to the roasted coconut (you will need to roast coconut separately).
How to Make a Perfect Chettinad Chicken
Below are detailed steps that goes into making Chettinad chicken. I would highly suggest going through this before getting started.
Marinating chicken
- You can do this step up ahead overnight or just do when you do it last minute for about 15 minutes.
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for best taste since the bone adds a lot of flavor into the curry. In the off chance you are not a big fan of bone-in pieces, use 50 % bone-in pieces or 100% chicken breast pieces. It will still taste really good
- In a medium sized bowl*, add the chicken, turmeric, curd, salt, chilli powder and ginger garlic paste. Mixed well till all the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Let is sit aside while you are get started one the curry.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (2) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (2)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/marinating-chicken-1-1.jpg)
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (3) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (3)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/marinating-chicken-2.jpg)
Preparing the Chettinad Masala
- First we start dry roasting some spices. On low heat, add coriander seeds and red chillies and dry roast them until it gives off a good fragrance.
- Its not easy to describe the smell or tell you how long you need to roast them but I would say about 2 to 3 minutes. You might have to do some trial and error here.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (4) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (4)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-1.jpg)
- Make sure you do not burn the spices.
- Add cumin, fennel, cardamom seeds, black pepper corn, cinnamon, cloves and mace. Roast till the spices give off their fragrance. Again, ensure you not burn the spice blend.
- Add in poppy seeds and roast it.
- Add in grated coconut and roast it till you can smell the roasted coconut.
- Again, make sure you don’t burn the masala. Let the mix cool down for a bit.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (5) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (5)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-6.jpg)
- Add the mix to a food processor and add little water. Run the food processor on ‘puree’ mode. Run it till you get a smooth paste. If it looks too dry, add some more water and run it again.
- Add tomatoes. Puree again.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (6) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (6)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-9.jpg)
Preparing the curry
- In a deep pot, add oil on medium heat. You can use the same pot you used before.
- When the oil is heated up, add bay leaves and onions.
- Roast them till translucent. If you end up burning the onion, you might end up with a slightly burnt/bitter after taste. I have been there, so this is a heads up.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (7) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (7)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-10.jpg)
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot. Stir the chicken and onion for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add turmeric, chilli powder and salt. Mix well and fry till you see the oil separate.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (8) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (8)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-13.jpg)
- Add the prepared Chettinad masala blend and mix well.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (9) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (9)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-14.jpg)
- Add 1/2 cup water and mix again.
- Add curry leaves and mix again.
- Cover and let is cook until the chicken is well done and soft.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (10) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (10)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-masala-15.jpg)
- Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with white rice.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (11) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (11)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-chicken8.jpg)
Commonly Asked Questions
Is Chettinad chicken spicy?
It definitely has a lot of spices in them but it does not necessarily have a lot of heat. If you use Kashmiri chilli instead of red chillies, it could dial down the heat. If you are someone who cannot handle any heat at all, then be sure to have a cool glass of water on the side.
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (12) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (12)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-chicken1.jpg)
LOOKING FOR MORE CHICKEN RECIPES?
Here are some of my favorite ones, that I am sure you would love –
- Louisiana Rub Wingstop Chicken Wings (Copycat Recipe)
- Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken
- Olive Garden’s Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Servings 6 servings
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric*
- 0.5 tsp Chilli powder*
- 2 tbsp Yogurt (curd)*
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste* or 4 garlic cloves + 1 inch ginger
- Salt to taste
Chettinad Masala Blend
- 2 inch Cinnamon stick*
- 8 pieces Cloves*
- 1/2 cup Coconut* Grated
- 2 tbsp Coriander seeds*
- 2 tsp Fennel seeds*
- 2 tbsp Poppy seeds*
- 1.5 tsp Cumin seeds*
- 1 tsp Pepper corn*
- 8 pieces Whole red chillies* or 1 tsp chilli powder
- 6 g Whole Cardamom*
Others
- 4 tbsp Oil*
- 490 g Shallots (or white onion) Around 8 shallots finely chopped
- 4 pieces curry leaves*
- 2 pieces bay leaf*
- 286 g tomatoes diced
Instructions
Marinating the chicken
In a medium sized bowl, add the chicken, turmeric, curd, salt, chilli powder and ginger garlic paste. Mix well till the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade.
Let it rest.
Preparing The Chettinad Masala
Heat up a deep pan in low heat
Add coriander seeds and red chillies and dry roast them till you get a good fragrance from them.
Add cumin, fennel, cardamom seeds, black pepper corn, cinnamon, cloves and mace. Roast till the spices give off a strong smell of all the spices.
Next, roast the poppy seeds and then the grated coconut. Let the whole mix cool down
Add the mix
Add the mix to a food processor and add little water. Run the food processor on 'puree' mode. Run it till you get a smooth paste. Add water and puree till you get the consistency shown in the video.
Add tomatoes. Puree again.
Preparing the Curry
Heat up the pot to medium and add oil.
When the oil is heated up, add bay leaves and onions. Roast them till translucent.
Add the marinated chicken to the pot. Stir and mix with the onions for 3 to 4 minutes
Add turmeric, chilli powder and salt. Mix well and fry till you see the oil separate.
Add the prepared Chettinad masala blend and mix well.
Add 1/2 cup water and mix again.Add curry leaves and mix again.Cover and let is cook until the chicken is well done and soft.
Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with white rice.
Video
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Did you find this recipe helpful ?? Leave me a star rating & let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share with family and friends!
If you like the recipe, PIN the image below to your ‘Chicken recipes’ board!
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (23) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (23)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/chettinad-chicken-pin-2.jpeg)
Join Sugar Spice Community:
Facebook Group|Pinterest|Instagram|YouTube
Looking for more recipes? Sign up for our Sugar Spice newsletterand ourYouTube Channelfor weekly videos. Also rate, comment and share this article!
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which may earn me a commission, with no additional cost to you. Each of these links are referenced with the asterisk symbol * next to it, at all places it is posted.
About the Author
![Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (24) Easy Chettinad Chicken Recipe - Sugar Spice 'N Everything Nice (24)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarspiceneverythingnice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Screenshot_20210215-095703-01-1014x1024-1-297x300.jpeg)
Hi! Aksh*ta & Midhun here! Welcome to our blog where we show simple yet awesome recipes for your cravings.
Aksh*ta being allergic to egg, we are committed to providing egg-free recipes along with some vegan friendly options. Read more about ushere!
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 3.3 / 5. Vote count: 7
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
As you found this post useful...
Follow us on social media!
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Let us improve this post!
Tell us how we can improve this post?
Related Posts:
- Authentic Chicken Salan Recipe
- Cuban Chicken Fricassee (Fricase de Pollo)
- Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
- Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken? A Comprehensive Guide
- Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse (Copycat Recipe)
- Crispy Chicken Costoletta Cheesecake Factory Recipe