# Chicken Salna Recipe – Tamil Nadu Style
Chicken Salna, often referred to as Chicken Chalna, is a delicious dish that perfectly complements South Indian style Parotta. This dish is a favorite at roadside eateries throughout Tamil Nadu, particularly in vibrant market zones and along highways, where it is typically savored with flaky layered parotta. The pairing of Chicken Salna and parotta is a culinary treat that many seek, making it a must-try for those visiting the area.
## Ingredients
### For the Chicken Marinade:
– 500 grams chicken (cut into portions)
– 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)
– 1-2 tomatoes (diced)
– 1/4 cup coconut (grated)
– 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas (pottukadalai)
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1-2 bay leaves
– 1-2 sprigs curry leaves
– 2 cups water
– Fresh coriander leaves (for garnishing)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
### Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
1. In a pan, dry roast the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns until they release a pleasant aroma. Let cool, then grind into a fine powder.
### Step 3: Cook the Salna
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden.
2. Incorporate the slit green chilies and chopped tomatoes. Continue cooking until the tomatoes become tender.
3. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken browns.
4. Mix in the grated coconut and roasted chickpeas. Stir thoroughly.
5. Pour in the water and include the ground spice mix, bay leaves, and curry leaves. Stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors blend together.
### Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with parotta, biryani, appam, or chapati.
## Conclusion
Chicken Salna is a aromatic and tasty curry that captures the essence of Tamil Nadu’s culinary traditions. Its distinctive combination of spices and ingredients makes it an exceptional dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of breads. This recipe is simple to prepare and is sure to be a favorite at any festive celebration or family meal. Enjoy the deep flavors of Chicken Salna and include it in your recipe collection!