Pallipalayam Chicken Fry – A Kongunadu Special
Tamil Nadu is known for its diverse culinary traditions, and among them, Kongunadu cuisine holds a special place. Popular in regions such as Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Karur, Salem, and Namakkal, one standout dish is the famous Pallipalayam Chicken Fry.
This chicken fry is a classic example of traditional village-style spicy cooking. With its distinctive taste and simple preparation method, it pairs excellently with rice, chapati, dosa, or biryani. Especially during rainy days, this dish served with hot rice offers an unforgettable experience.
What makes this recipe special is its ability to deliver intense flavor with just a handful of ingredients. All you need are shallots, dried red chilies, and optionally a little chili powder. It’s important to note that this recipe avoids regular onions for best results.
The cooking process is so straightforward that once you try it, you’ll be tempted to make it again. Even leftover rice finds its perfect match in this fry. It works wonderfully as a side dish for curd rice, dal rice, sambar rice, or rasam rice. In places like Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore, this rustic chicken fry is a local staple. Without heavy masalas, this recipe focuses on authenticity and natural flavor.
If your usual chicken dishes aren’t hitting the mark, give this Erode-special Pallipalayam Chicken Fry a try — it might just become your favorite.
Preparation Time
35 Minutes
Serve
3–4 People
Ingredients:
- Chicken – ½ kg (cleaned)
- Shallots – 15 (finely chopped)
- Dried red chilies – 6 to 8 (de-seeded)
- Curry leaves – 1 handful
- Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
- Chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Sesame oil – 3 tbsp
- Coconut pieces – ¼ cup
Required Cooking Equipments:
- Heavy-bottomed kadai or iron pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Cooking spoon/spatula
- Chicken skin remover (optional)
- Lid for pan
Cooking Instruction :
- Heat Oil & Sauté:
- In a thick-bottomed kadai, heat 3 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add chopped shallots, de-seeded dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté on low flame until aromatic.
- Brown the Shallots:
- Continue sautéing until the shallots turn golden brown. This step is key to the dish’s flavor.
- Add Chicken:
- Add cleaned chicken pieces. Stir until the chicken begins to shrink from the heat.
- Add Spices:
- Mix in turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Stir well so the chicken absorbs the spices evenly.
- Cook Covered:
- Cover and cook on medium flame for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender and oil starts to separate.
- Add Coconut:
- Add chopped coconut pieces. This adds a unique Kongunadu touch to the dish. Sauté briefly to enhance flavor.
- Dry-Fry:
- Continue frying until the chicken is fully dry and coated with the masala. If needed, increase the flame slightly.
- Taste Test:
- Check if the chicken is well-cooked and adjust salt or chili if necessary. A final touch of pepper powder or lemon juice can be added if preferred.
Serving Method:
- Serve hot with plain rice (especially rasam/sambar rice)
- Pairs well with curd rice, dal rice, or ghee rice
- Excellent with chapati, dosa, idiyappam, and even biryani
- Great as a snack on rainy evenings
- A must-serve in small family gatherings as a "village-style special"
Cooking Tips :
- Use only shallots for authentic taste – regular onions will make it too sweet
- Fry coconut pieces well to enhance aroma
- Add turmeric, salt, and chili powder after adding chicken for better absorption
- No need for extra water – the moisture from chicken is enough
- A final drizzle of ghee enhances richness
- Add crushed pepper or lemon juice for a taste twist (optional)
This Erode-special Pallipalayam Chicken Fry is a treasure from traditional Kongunadu cuisine. Made with simple ingredients like shallots and coconut, this dry-style fry is full of flavor and perfect for any meal. It’s a great alternative to regular masala-heavy chicken dishes. Once you try it, this dish will likely become a regular in your kitchen, winning the hearts of everyone at the table.
May every bite of this rustic delicacy bring warmth and happiness to your family meals!
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"Vannakkam! Cooking Signal was born from my love for cooking and for sharing Recipe with family and friends. My goal is to inspire and empower you to cook with confidence and to enjoy quality time with your loved ones."
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