Tamil Nadu Chettinad Chicken
Chettinad Chicken is a spicy and aromatic dish from Tamil Nadu, featuring tender chicken simmered in a richly flavored masala made with roasted spices and coconut. This gluten-free delight is perfect for a hearty dinner, bursting with authentic South Indian flavors.

45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
480 kcal
Ingredients
- Chicken, bone-in pieces - 500 grams
- Coconut oil - 2 tablespoons
- Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium
- Tomato, chopped - 1 medium
- Garlic, minced - 4 cloves
- Ginger, minced - 1 inch
- Green chilies, slit - 2
- Curry leaves - 10 leaves
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper powder - 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder - 2 teaspoons
- Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
- Fennel seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Coconut, grated - 1/4 cup
- Water - 1 cup
Steps
- Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric, coriander, cumin, and black pepper powder, and mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces and salt, stirring to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is slightly browned.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the grated coconut and curry leaves, stir well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Total Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Water: 0.25 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Contains spices like turmeric and cumin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Tags
IndianGluten-FreeDinner