To begin making the Karnataka Style Chicken Saaru Recipe, we will first make the masala for the saaru. 

Heat a small skillet on medium-low flame, add the poppy seeds and dry roast them. 

Once the poppy seeds are roasted, add in the cloves, cinnamon and dry red chilli and roast them well. Turn off the flame and keep it aside.

Heat another pan on medium flame, add a tablespoon of oil, add ginger, garlic, onions and saute until the onions turn translucent.

Add grated coconut and saute well till they turn light brown. Turn off the flame.

In a mixer-jar, combine the dry roasted spices along with ginger-garlic-onion mixture, grind to a smooth paste along with some water. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 

Heat oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat, add the chicken, turmeric powder,salt and red chilli powder. Roast the chicken in the pan for about 5 minutes until the chicken begins to get a roasted texture and is getting partially cooked. 

After 5 minutes of roasting the chicken, add the ground saaru masala (onion coconut & spices paste) and give it a stir. Check for salt and add 1 cup of water and pressure cook for about 3 to 4 whistles until the chicken is cooked and turn off the heat.

Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the cooker and check for spices and salt and adjust accordingly.

Serve the Karnataka Style Chicken Saaru Recipe along with Ragi Mudde, Akki Roti or Jolada Rotti to enjoy it for your lunch.