Few dishes in Indian cuisine capture the fiery essence and depth of southern flavors like chicken chettinad. Known for its bold spice blend, aromatic roasted masala, and rich texture, this South Indian delicacy from Tamil Nadu is a must-try for every food lover. At Shalimar Restaurant in Phuket, we bring this authentic recipe to life, balancing the traditional flavors of Tamil Nadu with our signature touch.
A Glimpse Into Chettinad Cuisine
Chettinad cuisine hails from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, home to the Chettiar community — traders known for their refined taste and culinary expertise. The dishes from this region are famed for their intricate spice combinations and bold flavors.
Chicken chettinad is one of the most popular dishes in South Indian cuisine. It stands out for its freshly ground masala made with roasted spices like coriander, cumin, fennel, peppercorns, and dried red chilies. The result? A dish that’s rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying.
At Shalimar Phuket, our chefs have mastered the art of blending these spices to create a perfectly balanced chettinad chicken curry that warms your soul with every bite.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Chettinad
To make authentic chicken chettinad, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients and roast the spices properly. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chettinad Masala:
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 4–5 dried red chilies
- 3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamoms
- 1 tbsp grated coconut
For the Curry:
- 500g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Curry leaves (optional, but highly recommended)
How to Make Chicken Chettinad
- Roast and Grind the Masala:
In a dry pan, roast coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and red chilies until fragrant. Add grated coconut at the end and toast until golden. Cool and grind into a fine paste using water. This is the heart of chettinad chicken gravy. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large pan. Add curry leaves, onions, and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and fry until the raw aroma disappears. - Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate. - Add the Masala Paste:
Stir in the freshly ground chettinad masala and mix well. Add chicken pieces and cook on medium heat, coating them evenly with the masala. - Simmer and Serve:
Add water for gravy consistency, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve your chicken chettinad hot with steamed rice, dosa, or paratha for a satisfying meal bursting with flavor.
Variations of Chettinad Chicken
Chettinad cuisine offers several delicious variations of this dish:
- Chettinad Chicken Gravy: The classic, saucy version perfect for pairing with rice or chapati.
- Chettinad Chicken Curry: Slightly spicier and thicker, great for those who love bold flavors.
- Chettinad Chicken Biryani: A flavorful twist combining the masala with fragrant basmati rice — a favorite at Shalimar Phuket.
Each variation brings out a different nuance of the traditional spice blend, allowing you to experience the versatility of chettinad chicken in new ways.
The Shalimar Phuket Experience
At Shalimar Restaurant in Phuket, we take pride in crafting authentic Indian dishes that celebrate regional flavors. Our chicken chettinad is a standout favorite — made using freshly roasted spices, premium chicken, and traditional South Indian techniques.
We believe in maintaining authenticity while presenting our dishes in a refined, modern way. The result is a chettinad chicken curry that captures the heat, aroma, and depth of Tamil Nadu cuisine, yet appeals to global palates.
It’s not just a meal — it’s a journey into South India’s culinary heritage, served right here in the heart of Phuket.
FAQs About Chicken Chettinad
1. How to cook chettinad chicken?
Roast the spices, make a masala paste, and cook it with chicken, onions, tomatoes, and curry leaves for a rich and spicy dish.
2. How to make chettinad chicken gravy in Tamil?
In Tamil-style cooking, the masala includes more black pepper and coconut, giving it a spicier and thicker gravy texture.
3. How to prepare chettinad chicken gravy in Tamil?
The process involves sautéing onions, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste with freshly ground masala, then simmering the chicken until soft.
4. How to cook chicken chettinad?
Use a blend of roasted spices and coconut paste with chicken, cooking it slowly to extract maximum flavor.
5. How to make chettinad chicken?
Combine roasted masala, curry leaves, and tender chicken in a slow-cooked gravy until the oil separates — that’s when you know it’s ready!