Top 7 South Indian Chicken Dishes You Must Try

South India is a paradise for spice lovers- a world of feasts for the senses.

If you think butter chicken encapsulates the true taste of chicken masala, get ready to give your taste buds a real wake-up call. From coastal coconut gravies to dry-roasted masalas and tangy tamarind kicks, these dishes showcase chicken as you have never tasted before.

In this blog, we have enlisted seven must-try South Indian chicken delicacies that enhance the essence of chicken masala to new levels of heat and heart.

Top 7 South Indian Chicken Dishes You Must Try

Andhra Chicken Curry- Fiery, Fragrant, and Unforgettable

A signature dish from Andhra Pradesh, this chicken curry is packed with red chillies, fresh curry leaves, and a garlic-onion base. The chicken masala used to prepare this curry is dry-roasted with peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon. It creates layers of smoky depth. Pair it with hot rice or ghee-roasted chapatis for a soul-satisfying meal.

Chettinad Chicken Masala- Tamil Nadu’s Fiery Export

Chettinad chicken masala is one of the most iconic South Indian dishes. It is characterized by bold, spicy, and aromatic flavor, and is prepared with stone-ground spices, fennel, black pepper, and coconut. This masala-based curry is thick, rich, and full of bite. It can be relished with flaky parottas or idiyappam (string hoppers).

Kerala Chicken Roast- A Dry Masala Delight

Originating from Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’, the chicken roast is a semi-dry chicken masala dish, pan-roasted to perfection. It is coated in black pepper, green chilies, and shallots, and sautéed in coconut oil. Kerala chicken roast has a deep, dark masala that sticks to each piece, making it succulent. Squeeze lime for the perfect coastal taste and relish it.

Kori Gassi- Mangalorean Chicken Masala Curry

This dish comes from the coastal city of Mangalore. It is a creamy, coconut-based chicken masala curry, simmered in a mix of roasted spices and tamarind. It is mellow and robust, and is often relished with kori rotti- crispy rice wafers that soak up the curry.

Natu Kodi Pulusu- Tangy Tamarind Chicken from Telangana

This is a village-style country chicken masala curry. It uses local spices and a sour tamarind broth to create a rustic, homestyle flavor. The Natu Kodi Pulusu is slow-cooked for hours to create a deeply spiced, juicy chicken stew that tastes delicious with steamed rice or ragi mudde.

Kozhi Varuval-Spicy Chicken Masala Fry from Tamil Nadu

A dry-fried chicken masala dish, the Kozhi Varuval has a crackling crust. It is made with fennel, dry red chilli, and fresh ground masala. It is pan-tossed until the meat is crisp and golden. It can be relished as a starter or side dish with rasam and rice.

Chicken Sukka- Mangalorean Dry Masala Chicken

Chicken sukka, another Managalorean dish, is a coarse, fried masala preparation. It is made with coconut, poppy seeds, and a hint of tamarind. It is made by roasting until the oil separates, creating a toasty, earthy aroma. It is a must-have with neer dosa or rice.

Final Thoughts- Why South Indian Chicken Curry So Different?

What makes South Indian chicken masala so unique is the balance of fresh ground spices, regional ingredients like coconut and tamarind. Additionally, fresh ground spices, regional ingredients like coconut and tamarind, and the love for slow-cooked flavor makes these chicken dishes more appealing. 

Preparing any of these dishes at home, having a readymade chicken masala handy can speed up the cooking process. This makes Surya chicken masala a must-have spice mix. Shop with us today and dive into the scrumptious world of South Indian chicken dishes.