# Chicken Salna Recipe – Tamil Nadu Style
Chicken Salna, referred to as Chicken Chalna, is a mouthwatering chicken curry that serves as an ideal pairing with South Indian style Parotta. This dish is a common feature at street vendors across Tamil Nadu, especially in lively market spots and along roadways, where it is typically enjoyed with flaky, layered parottas. The pairing of Chicken Salna and Parotta is a gastronomic pleasure that many anticipate when visiting Tamil Nadu.
## 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
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2-3 green chilies, slit open
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 cup grated coconut
– 2 tablespoons roasted chickpeas (pottukadalai)
– 2-3 cups of water
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
## Instructions
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Combine thoroughly and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
### Step 2: Prepare the Salna
1. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they achieve a golden brown color.
2. Introduce the slit green chilies and ginger-garlic paste, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant.
3. In a separate dry skillet, toast the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns until they become aromatic. Grind these with the grated coconut and roasted chickpeas into a fine powder.
4. Mix the marinated chicken into the onion blend and cook until it is browned evenly.
5. Incorporate the ground spice and coconut mixture, adding 2-3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
6. Adjust the seasoning with salt as required and finish by garnishing with fresh coriander leaves.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken Salna is ideally served hot alongside South Indian style Parotta, but it also complements biryani, appam, or chapati beautifully. The fragrant and flavorful salna enhances the taste of the bread, making it a cherished dish for many.
This Chicken Salna recipe is an essential for anyone eager to dive into the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu. Its distinctive mix of spices and flavors is sure to become a favorite in your collection of recipes. Savor this delightful dish during festive celebrations or as a hearty meal any day of the week!