Flavorful Tamil Nadu Chicken Chukka (Pan-Roasted Chicken)
40 minutes
1226 reads

About Flavorful Tamil Nadu Chicken Chukka (Pan-Roasted Chicken)
Chicken Chukka, a beloved dish from Tamil Nadu, India, is a fragrant and flavorful pan-roasted chicken recipe. This traditional method yields incredibly aromatic chicken, bursting with spices. Whether you use bone-in or boneless chicken, the result is equally delicious!My personal favorite version uses about a pound of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. The key is a flavorful marinade of simple spices, which infuses the chicken with incredible depth. Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Tamil Nadu with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total40 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 pound Chicken cut into 1-inch pieces; bone-in or boneless
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
Spices & Aromatics
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 4 Cloves
- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Cardamom Pods green
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 Star Anise
- 2 tsp Chili Powder adjust to your spice preference, red
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 4-5 Curry Leaves a few for garnish
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Oil vegetable or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup Water if needed to prevent burning
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and cumin seeds. Fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sauté Onions and Ginger-Garlic
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Chicken and Spices
- Add the marinated chicken (chicken pieces tossed with turmeric powder and salt), red chili powder, and garam masala. Sauté well for 2-3 minutes, until chicken is lightly browned.
Simmer the Chicken
- Add 1/4 cup water (optional, to prevent sticking and burning). Cover the pan and cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer until the masala is dry and the oil separates, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh curry leaves. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Chukka
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or longer in the refrigerator) allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in more flavorful chicken.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder based on your preference for heat. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Use good quality spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 14gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 77mgPotassium: 207mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 560IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 2mg
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I’m loving this recipe already!
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing.
What a delightful recipe! Thanks for sharing.