The Best Ever Parotta Salna

The Best Ever Parotta Salna is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Cookd on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $10.90 total, $2.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick (whole)
  • 4 pieces Cloves (whole)
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup Tomatoes, pureed (fresh or canned crushed tomatoes)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 cup Water (adjust for desired gravy thickness)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Trim any excess fat from the chicken, cut into bite‑size pieces, and set aside. Finely chop the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Whole Spices

    Heat 2 Tbsp oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Cook Onions, Garlic, and Ginger

    Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook another 1 minute.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Add Ground Spices

    Stir in red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Brown the Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat with the spice‑onion mixture. Cook 6‑8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑High heat

  6. Add Tomatoes and Simmer

    Pour in the pureed tomatoes and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy thickens.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low heat

  7. Finish with Garam Masala and Garnish

    Stir in garam masala and remove the cinnamon stick and cloves. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. Serve

    Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
28 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: March 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The Best Ever Parotta Salna

Recipe by Cookd

A fragrant Indian‑style chicken curry infused with cinnamon, cloves, and red chili powder. The dish balances warm spices with a rich tomato‑onion gravy, perfect for a comforting dinner.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
36m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.90
Total cost
$2.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sautéing whole spices without burning them
  • Browning the chicken to develop flavor
  • Simmering the curry long enough for the chicken to become tender and the gravy to thicken

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use a sturdy cutting board and keep fingers tucked while chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

Cinnamon and cloves are part of the traditional garam masala blend used in North Indian cooking. Adding these warm spices to chicken creates a festive, aromatic curry often served at celebrations and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

In the Punjab region, the curry is richer with butter or ghee and often includes yogurt. In South India, coconut milk may replace some of the water, and curry leaves are added for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or Indian flatbreads such as naan or roti, and accompanied by a side of fresh cucumber raita.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

The dish is popular during festivals like Diwali and Eid, as well as at weddings and family gatherings where a flavorful, aromatic main course is desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Substitutes can be ground cinnamon or cloves, ginger paste, and curry powder, though the depth of flavor may differ.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry?

A

Pair it with basmati rice, jeera rice, butter naan, or a simple cucumber raita. Side dishes like aloo gobi or dal tadka complement the rich curry nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry?

A

Common errors include burning the whole spices, over‑browning the chicken (which makes it dry), and adding too much water which results in a watery gravy. Follow the timing cues and keep the heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry recipe use whole cinnamon and cloves instead of ground spices?

A

Whole spices release their essential oils slowly when sautéed in oil, creating a deeper, more aromatic base. Ground spices can become bitter if cooked too long, so they are added later.

technical
Q

Can I make Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the curry improves after a few hours in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry is done?

A

The chicken should be tender but not falling apart, and the gravy should be glossy, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, with a deep reddish‑orange hue from the tomatoes and spices.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Spicy Cinnamon Chicken Curry is fully cooked?

A

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The meat will be opaque throughout, and the sauce will have reduced to the desired consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cookd specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cookd focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often emphasizing efficient techniques and minimal waste.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cookd's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Cookd presents Indian recipes in a concise, step‑by‑step format with clear visual cues, prioritizing pantry‑friendly ingredients and time‑saving shortcuts while still preserving authentic flavors, unlike many channels that use extensive ingredient lists and longer preparation times.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Malayali Style Layered Parotta (parota)
19

Malayali Style Layered Parotta (parota)

Soft, flaky, and buttery Kerala-style parottas made at home without the traditional tossing technique. This recipe walks you through precise hydration, extensive kneading, resting, and generous ghee‑oil layering to achieve restaurant‑quality parottas. Also known as parota.

4 hrs 37 minServes 4$3
Indian
Rottukadai Parotta Salna (Spicy South Indian Meat Gravy) (parota)
13

Rottukadai Parotta Salna (Spicy South Indian Meat Gravy) (parota)

A fiery South Indian style meat gravy (salna) traditionally served with parotta. The recipe builds three layers – a fresh coconut‑peanut paste, a fragrant tempering, and a dry spice blend – then simmers chicken or mutton until tender. Finished with a splash of the coconut paste for richness, this sauce packs deep, aromatic flavor and a pleasant heat. Also known as parota.

1 hr 38 minServes 4$9
Indian
Flaky Buttery Flatbread - Parotta
2

Flaky Buttery Flatbread - Parotta

Perotta, also called Barote, is a traditional Indian flaky buttery flatbread. This recipe uses a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and ghee, then stretches, pleats, and grills the bread to create delicate, layered sheets with caramelized brown speckles. Perfect as a snack or accompaniment to curries.

1 hr 11 minServes 4$13
Indian
Soft & Flaky Malabar Parotta Recipe
2

Soft & Flaky Malabar Parotta Recipe

Malabar Parotta is a flaky, layered flatbread from the Malabar coast of India, inspired by Arab influences. This recipe creates crisp, golden-brown parottas with a soft, pillowy interior, perfect for Onam sadhya or any Indian meal.

1 hr 25 minServes 4$9
Indian
Instant Pot Beef Stew
13

Instant Pot Beef Stew

A quick and comforting beef stew made in the Instant Pot, featuring tender chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, and a rich broth thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Served over toasted French bread for a hearty one‑pot dinner.

2 hrs 6 minServes 4$20
American
Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls)
12

Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls)

Traditional Romanian sarmale – slow‑cooked cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mix of pork, beef, smoked meats, rice and spices. Perfect for holiday meals or comforting family dinners.

8 hrs 20 minServes 8$19
Romanian