Chettinad Pepper Chicken

Name: Chettinad Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g chicken; 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt; 2 teaspoons black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 tablespoon cumin seeds; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 large onion; 2 green chilies; 10-12 curry leaves; 1 tomato; 1 teaspoon red chili powder; Salt; Fresh coriander leaves

Spicy South Indian Chicken Curry

A fiery and aromatic chicken curry from the Chettinad region of South India, packed with bold flavors and spices.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

500g chicken

bone-in, skinless pieces

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt

to taste

For the Spice Mix

2 teaspoons black peppercorns

freshly ground

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

For the Curry

2 tablespoons oil

preferably mustard or coconut

1 large onion

finely sliced

2 green chilies

slit

10-12 curry leaves

1 tomato

chopped

1 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt

to taste

Fresh coriander leaves

for garnish

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine ingredients

Mix chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.

Refrigerate

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Check marinade

Ensure the chicken is marinated evenly.

Preparing the Spice Mix

Roast spices

Dry roast black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds in a pan until golden brown.

Don’t over-roast the spices as they can turn bitter.

Grind spices

Grind the roasted spices to a fine powder.

Set aside

Set aside the spice mix for adding to the curry.

Make the spice mix in advance for ease.

Cooking Process

Sauté Onions and Spices

Heat oil in a large pan, add onions, and sauté until golden brown. Add green chilies and curry leaves.

Cook Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Sear until they change color.

Add Tomatoes and Spice

Add chopped tomatoes and red chili powder, and cook until the tomatoes are soft. Stir in the spice mix and salt.

Plating & Serving