Kerala Chicken Roast Recipe: A Flavorful Feast for Your Taste Buds
If you’re craving something rich in flavor and bursting with spices, then Kerala Chicken Roast is just the recipe you need. This aromatic chicken curry, cooked in a sumptuous onion-tomato gravy, is a classic from the coastal state of Kerala. The combination of marinated chicken, sautéed onions, spices, and curry leaves gives this dish its signature fiery red color and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weekday dinner or a dish to impress guests over the weekend, Kerala Chicken Roast will undoubtedly take center stage on your table.
Kerala Chicken Roast – A Quick Overview
- Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Serves: 4-6
Ingredients for Kerala Chicken Roast
For Marination:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into pieces) | 500 grams |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Masala:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 3 large |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2-1/2 teaspoons |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes (thinly sliced) | 3 medium |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coconut Oil | 2 tablespoons (or as required) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
Instructions to Make Kerala Chicken Roast
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Start by thoroughly washing and cleaning the chicken pieces. This is essential to ensure that your chicken is clean and free of any residual impurities.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces along with the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, lemon juice, and salt. Massage these spices into the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Once well-mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken absorb the flavors and become tender.
Step 2: Shallow Fry the Chicken
- After the chicken has marinated, heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add a little coconut oil to it.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Shallow fry the chicken until both sides are golden brown and just about cooked through.
- Once done, remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala
- In the same pan, add a bit more coconut oil if necessary. Once heated, add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown, which should take about 10 minutes. This slow cooking process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Now, add the finely chopped ginger and garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the raw smell of the garlic disappears.
- Sprinkle in the coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and fennel powder. Cook these spices for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the masala is well-cooked and aromatic.
- Add the thinly sliced tomatoes and curry leaves, and mix well. Let the tomatoes soften and break down, which will create a nice base for the curry gravy.
- Season the masala with salt, and add a tablespoon or two of water to get a thick paste-like consistency. Stir everything together until the masala is rich and well-blended.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Masala
- Once the tomatoes have softened, it’s time to add the shallow-fried chicken back into the pan. Stir the chicken pieces into the masala, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the spice mix.
- Continue to stir-fry the chicken in the masala for 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is to let the chicken absorb the flavors and get fully cooked while the masala thickens further and clings to the meat.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Once the chicken is tender and well-coated with the masala, turn off the heat. Transfer the Kerala Chicken Roast to a serving bowl.
- Serve hot with Malabar Parotta, Steamed Rice, Pineapple Rasam, and a side of Cabbage Thoran for an authentic Kerala meal that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Tips for the Perfect Kerala Chicken Roast
- Marination is Key: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes helps in tenderizing the meat and infusing the flavors deeply into the chicken.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the level of Kashmiri red chilli powder based on your spice tolerance. This recipe uses a moderate amount for a balanced heat.
- Use Fresh Curry Leaves: Fresh curry leaves lend a distinctive fragrance and flavor to the dish, so try not to skip them.
- Coconut Oil for Authentic Flavor: Coconut oil is a staple in Kerala cuisine, and it adds a distinct richness to the curry. If possible, avoid substituting with other oils.
Why You’ll Love Kerala Chicken Roast
This Kerala Chicken Roast is not only rich in flavor but also easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and the aromatic masala will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Kerala. Whether paired with a warm parotta or fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. Make it your new go-to recipe for a comforting and flavorful meal that your whole family will love.
Serving Suggestions
Kerala Chicken Roast is best enjoyed with:
- Malabar Parotta – A flaky, soft flatbread perfect for scooping up the delicious gravy.
- Steamed Rice – A simple, comforting base that complements the bold flavors of the curry.
- Pineapple Rasam – A tangy and spicy soup made with fresh pineapple and tamarind.
- Cabbage Thoran – A light, sautéed cabbage dish with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut.
Each of these sides enhances the overall experience of the Kerala Chicken Roast, creating a full, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Now, enjoy your Kerala Chicken Roast, a flavorful, aromatic dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
