Chicken Bara Kebab
Juicy, melt-in-the-mouth minced chicken patties infused with warm spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of green chili. These pan-fried Mughlai kebabs come together in minutes and make a stunning appetizer or side for a celebratory meal.
For 4 servings
- roast · ~3 min
Dry roast the gram flour.
In a small pan over low heat, dry roast the gram flour for 2-3 minutes until it turns a shade darker and smells nutty. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
TIPRoasted gram flour absorbs moisture and binds the kebabs better — don't skip this step. - saute · ~6 min
Cook the aromatics.
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in the same pan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until the raw smell fades. Spread the mixture on a plate to cool completely.
TIPCooling the cooked onion mixture completely prevents it from releasing water into the kebab mix. - mix · ~5 min
Make the kebab mixture.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince with the cooled onion mixture.2.Add chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, roasted gram flour, beaten egg, lemon juice, and all spice powders including salt.3.Mix thoroughly with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns slightly sticky and uniformly blended. - rest · ~20 min
Rest the kebab mixture in the refrigerator.
Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and firms up the mixture for easier shaping.
- prep · ~5 min
Shape the kebabs into patties.
1.Divide the rested mixture into 8 equal portions.2.With lightly oiled palms, shape each portion into a smooth round patty about half an inch thick.3.Make sure the patties are even in thickness so they cook uniformly. - fry · ~9 min
Shallow fry the kebabs until golden.
1.Place a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil.2.Once the oil is hot but not smoking, gently slide in the patties in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan.3.Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep golden crust forms.4.Flip carefully using a flat spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.TIPDon't flip too early — a well-formed crust releases easily from the pan when ready. - garnish
Serve the kebabs hot.
Transfer the fried kebabs to a serving platter. Garnish with onion rings and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with mint chutney or a tangy yogurt dip.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Press out excess liquid from the chicken mince for a firmer texture.
- 2Roast the gram flour until nutty to improve binding and flavor.
- 3Cool the onion mixture completely before adding to avoid a sloppy mix.
- 4Mix the kebab dough by hand for 2-3 minutes until sticky for better cohesion.
- 5Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm up and meld flavors.
- 6Use slightly oiled palms when shaping to prevent sticking.
- 7Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches for a crispy crust.
Adapt it for your goals.
Oven-baked
Shape into patties, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. A lower-fat option without sacrificing the crust.
gluten freeGluten-free
The recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gram flour. Ensure all spice powders are certified gluten-free if needed.
airy softAiry-soft
Add 1 tablespoon of hung yogurt to the mix for extra tenderness and a subtle tang, ideal for those who prefer a softer kebab.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Using chicken thigh mince provides high-quality animal protein and B vitamins, supporting muscle maintenance and energy.
Low in Unnecessary Fats
Pan-frying with minimal oil and using gram flour instead of breadcrumbs keeps the dish lighter than traditional deep-fried kebabs.
Digestive-Friendly Spices
Ingredients like ginger, cumin, and coriander powder aid digestion and add anti-inflammatory properties.
Rich in Iron and Zinc
Chicken and gram flour both contribute iron and zinc, important for immune function and oxygen transport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but breast mince is leaner and can make the kebabs drier. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or yogurt to the mix to compensate.



