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    Home » Recipes » Chicken » Chicken Sukka

    Chicken Sukka (Chukka Varuval)

    Published: October 26, 2020 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: June 29, 2024 4 Comments

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    Get ready to taste the flavors of my hometown, Tamil Nadu! I'm excited to introduce you to Chettinad Chicken Sukka, also known as Chukka Varuval—a local favorite that's bursting with flavor. This classic Chettinad dish is famous for its bold spices and incredible aroma, similar to Chicken Chettinad. What sets it apart is the special blend of spices, carefully roasted to bring out their rich, robust flavors.

    Final output of Authentic chettinad chicken chukka varuvalPin
    What You’ll Find On This Page
    • Chicken Sukka (Chukka Varuval)
    • Recipe Video
    • Chef's Notes and Tips
    • Nutrition Info

    You'll love its versatility—enjoy it as a spicy, semi-dry dish or add a bit of water to transform it into a delicious gravy. It pairs perfectly with roti, rice, or biryani, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. I always enjoy serving this dish because it never fails to impress with its authentic taste and flavor!

    Discover More Indian Curries & Chicken Recipes:

    • Chicken Chinthamani
    • Andhra Chilli Chicken
    • Chicken Ghee Roast
    • Karahi Chicken
    • Chicken Vindaloo
    • Chicken Curry
    • Chicken Tikka Malasa
    • Butter Chicken

    To make Chettinad Chicken Sukka at home, follow our simple recipe below. We’ve included clear photos and a video tutorial to help you easily cook this classic dish. Let's begin!

    Pin

    Chicken Sukka (Chukka Varuval)

    Chettinad Chicken Sukka, also known as Chukka Varuval, is a flavorful and spicy dish from Chettinad cuisine in Tamil Nadu, South India. This versatile side dish pairs perfectly with rice, biryani, chapati, dosa, or roti.
    5 from 6 votes
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
    Save This Recipe! print (text-only) pin
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    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Chettinad, Indian
    Diet: Halal
    Prep: 15 minutes mins
    Cook: 25 minutes mins
    Adjust 3 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1.66 lb Chicken
    • ¼ cup Oil
    • ¼ cup Sesame oil
    • 1 tsp Urad dhal
    • 1 tsp Fennel seeds
    • 6 Cinnamon stick, small
    • 4 Cloves
    • 4 Cardamom
    • ¼ cup Cashew nuts
    • ½ cup Onion, small onion preferred
    • 6 Dry Red Chili
    • 1 sprig Curry leaves
    • 8 cloves Garlic, crushed
    • 2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
    • ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
    • 1 ½ tsp Chili powder
    • 1 Tomato, chopped
    • 1 tsp Cumin Pepper Powder, 1:1 (pepper : cumin)
    • ½ cup Water
    • 1 tbsp Ghee
    • Coriander leaves, to garnish
    • Salt, as needed
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    Instructions
     

    • Begin by heating oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add urad dal, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cashews, and curry leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the cashews turn golden.
      Adding dhal, seeds and nuts in a pan
    • Next, mix in the onions and keep sautéing until they're soft and translucent.
      Adding onion and saluting
    • Now, add the crushed garlic. Keep sautéing until it's completely cooked and the raw smell is gone.
      adding ginger garlic and saluting
    • Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears and it becomes aromatic.
      adding ginger garlic paste and sautéing
    • Add turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything well so the spices are evenly distributed.
      adding turmeric powder, salt and mixing
    • Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they soften and form a mushy consistency.
      Adding chopped tomatoes and sautéing
    • Pour in the water and give the mixture a good stir to combine everything.
      Adding water and mixing
    • Gently add the chicken pieces into the pan, making sure they're fully coated with the spicy mix.
      Adding chicken and combining well
    • Cover the pan and let the chicken cook on medium heat for about 7 to 10 minutes.
      Closing the pan and cooking
    • Remove the lid and continue sautéing, allowing the chicken to cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes.
      Opening the pan and mixing gravy
    • Sprinkle cumin and pepper powder into the pan and stir them in well.
      Adding cumin pepper powder
    • Lower the heat and let the curry simmer gently. Watch for the gravy to thicken and oil to appear on the surface, which is a sign that the dish is cooked and the spices are well integrated.
      Mixing gravy
    • For a final touch of richness, optionally drizzle in some ghee. Stir it through the dish until well blended, adding a silky finish and a complex flavor to the dish.
      Adding ghee and mixing
    • Finish off by sprinkling chopped coriander leaves over the dish just before turning off the heat. This adds a fresh, herby touch to your Chicken Chukka. Now, your delicious chicken chukka is ready to be savored!
      garnishing with coriander leaves

    Serving

    • Enjoy your Chettinad Chicken Chukka alongside fluffy white rice, fragrant biryani, soft chapatis, or warm rotis for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
      Final output of chettinad chicken chukka

    Save This Recipe!

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    Save This Recipe!

    We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!

    Recipe Video

    Chef's Notes and Tips

    Here are some helpful tips to perfect your Chicken Chukka:
    • Sesame Oil: Preferably use sesame oil for its unique flavor; however, other cooking oils can substitute if needed.
    • Ghee: Adding ghee is optional but recommended for a richer, more authentic flavor.
    • Chili Powder: Use chili powder in moderation since the blend of spices, dry red chilies, pepper, and cumin already delivers substantial heat.
    • Gravy: If you prefer your Chicken Chukka with gravy, simply adjust the water amount to achieve the desired consistency.
    • Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices as they greatly enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Fresh ingredients truly make all the difference in elevating your cooking.
       

    Nutrition Info

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 752kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 855IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 3mg

    Disclaimer

    We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.

    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

    Comments

    1. Betty says

      August 21, 2023 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      Loved it, flavorful and easy. Thank you for sharing !

      Reply
      • Sangeetha Vel says

        August 21, 2023 at 5:33 pm

        I'm really glad you liked it, Betty! Thanks for your feedback, really appericiate it.

        Reply
    2. Supriyo Roychowdhury says

      October 14, 2021 at 9:57 pm

      Excellent recipe.

      Reply
      • Sangeetha Vel says

        October 15, 2021 at 9:57 pm

        Thanks Supriyo. Thanks for your feedback and I am glad you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    Sangeetha Vel Yellow Chili's

    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

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