Experience the essence of South Indian spice with Andhra Chilli Chicken. Originating from Bangalore, this vibrant dish combines green chilli paste and Indian spices, making it a perfect side for rice dishes at lunch or dinner.
In a bowl, combine cleaned, bite-size bone-in chicken pieces with turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
To Prepare Green Chilli Paste
Place ginger, garlic, green chilies, coriander leaves, and water into a blender.
Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste, then set it aside for later use in your recipe.
To Prepare Andhra Green Chilli Chicken
In a pan over medium heat, pour oil. Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and green chili. Sauté until the spices release their aroma, becoming fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the dish's foundational flavors.
Add finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, ensuring they don't brown. Softened onions will add a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
Incorporate the marinated chicken into the pan. Stir well to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the spices and onions.
Cover the pan with a lid and allow the chicken to cook for 10 minutes. This slow cooking process helps the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
Open the lid, give the chicken a quick stir, then add the green chili paste. Mix until the paste is fully incorporated, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
Let the chicken cook until you see oil starting to separate from its sides. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Gently mix in the whisked curd, ensuring it's thoroughly combined. The curd not only introduces a creamy texture but also balances the robust spiciness of the chili. Whisking the curd beforehand is essential to prevent curdling when it's added to the hot mixture.
Continue roasting the chicken for 5 to 7 more minutes. This helps the chicken to absorb all the flavors from the curd and green chili paste, enhancing the depth of the dish.
Add cumin seeds and fresh curry leaves for an additional layer of flavor and aroma. Give everything a good mix to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Your Andhra Green Chilli Chicken is now fully prepared, bursting with flavors, and ready to be enjoyed.
To Serve
Enjoy this delicious Andhra Green Chilli Chicken hot, paired perfectly with ghee rice, jeera rice, or plain white rice. For more creative pairing ideas, check out the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Follow the tips below for perfect Andhra Chilli Chicken:
Ingredients and Flavor Adjustments:
Quality of Chicken: Opt for fresh, preferably bone-in chicken for superior flavor absorption and a tender, juicy texture that elevates the dish.
Flavor and Spice Adjustment: Adjust the green chilli paste and the number of green chilies in the recipe according to your taste preferences and spice tolerance. The green chilli paste is crucial for the dish's distinctive flavor, while the amount of green chilies determines its spice level, making it suitable for a wider range of palates, including children.
Balancing the Flavors: To counterbalance the heat from the green chilies, consider adding a touch of jaggery or brown sugar. This subtle sweetness can round off the flavors beautifully.
Use of Curd: If you're using curd, ensure it's fresh and not too sour. Curd helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
Cooking Process and Techniques:
Roasting Duration: For a well-coated, masala-rich green chilli chicken, roast the chicken longer. This step is crucial for achieving the desired dry texture.
Paste Usage: While the green chilli paste is added during cooking in this dry version, feel free to use it for marinating the chicken too. Although this doesn't significantly alter the flavor, it's an option for variation.
Consistency of the Paste: Ensure your green chilli paste is finely ground for a smooth, even coating on the chicken. A little water can be added to achieve the right consistency.
Enhancing Flavor with Ghee: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a bit of ghee at the end of cooking. This can enhance the overall taste and richness of the dish.
Serving Temperature: Serve the Andhra Chilli Chicken hot to enjoy its full flavor and aroma.