# Chicken Salna Recipe – Tamil Nadu Style
Chicken Salna, often referred to as Chicken Chalna, is a mouthwatering and fragrant chicken curry that is a beloved side dish to South Indian style Parotta. This meal is frequently available at street stalls throughout Tamil Nadu, where it is served piping hot with flaky layered parottas, making it popular among locals and visitors alike.
## Ingredients
### For the Chicken Marinade:
– 500 grams of chicken, chopped into pieces
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
### For the Salna:
– 2 tablespoons oil (preferably coconut oil)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2-3 green chilies, split
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 2-3 shallots, finely diced
– 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
– 2 tablespoons roasted chickpeas (pottukadalai)
– 2-3 cups water (adjust for preferred consistency)
– Fresh coriander leaves for decoration
## Instructions
### Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Combine thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
### Step 2: Preparing the Salna Base
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and green chilies, sautéing until the onions reach a golden brown hue.
3. Introduce cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.
4. Add the chopped shallots and cook until they become tender.
### Step 3: Making the Curry
1. Incorporate the marinated chicken into the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides.
2. In a separate bowl, blend the grated coconut and roasted chickpeas with a little water until a smooth paste forms.
3. Add this coconut mixture to the chicken, alongside 2-3 cups of water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Adjust the water to achieve the desired consistency.
### Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
1. Once ready, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with parotta, biryani, appam, or chapati.
## Conclusion
Chicken Salna is a fragrant and savory dish that captures the essence of Tamil Nadu’s culinary tradition. Its distinctive mix of spices and ingredients produces a rich, aromatic curry that pairs wonderfully with various Indian breads. Whether enjoyed at a roadside vendor or prepared at home, Chicken Salna is guaranteed to be a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.