Chicken Frankie
Tender, spiced chicken wrapped in a soft, egg-coated roti with tangy onions. This iconic Mumbai street food is a flavor-packed meal on the go, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Roti Dough & Tangy Onions
- b.In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, 0.5 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp of oil. Mix well.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water and knead for 7-8 minutes to form a soft, pliable dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- d.While the dough rests, prepare the tangy onions. In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced large onion, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside to pickle.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Chicken Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- d.Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the turmeric, red chili, coriander, and cumin powders. Sauté the masala for 3-4 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- e.Add the chicken pieces and 1 tsp of salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken in the masala.
- f.Cover the pan and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- g.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala, lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and set the filling aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Rotis
- b.Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a thin 7-inch circle.
- c.Heat a tawa or flat skillet over medium-high heat. Place a roti on the tawa and cook for 30-45 seconds per side until it's partially cooked with light spots. It should remain soft. Set aside and repeat for all rotis.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Egg-Coated Roti
- b.On the same tawa, add about 1 tsp of oil. Crack an egg directly onto the tawa, break the yolk, and spread it slightly.
- c.Immediately place one of the partially cooked rotis on top of the egg. Press down gently so the egg adheres to the roti.
- d.Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the egg is set. Flip and cook the other side for another 30 seconds.
- e.Remove from the tawa and place on a plate with the egg-side facing up. Repeat for the remaining rotis and eggs.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve the Frankie
- b.On the egg-coated side of the roti, place a generous portion of the chicken filling in a line down the center.
- c.Top the chicken with a spoonful of the tangy pickled onions.
- d.Sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala over the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- e.Roll the roti tightly into a cylinder. Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or aluminum foil to hold it together.
- f.Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the authentic taste of Mumbai street food.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the softest rotis, ensure your dough is well-rested and kneaded until smooth.
- 2Don't overcook the chicken filling, as it can become dry. It should be moist and tender.
- 3The egg wash is a signature step; it adds flavor and creates a barrier to prevent the roti from getting soggy.
- 4For a smokier flavor, you can char the chicken pieces over an open flame for a minute after cooking.
- 5Adjust the red chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- 6Frankies are best assembled just before serving to maintain the crispness of the roti and freshness of the filling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of crumbled paneer or boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with peas. Sauté the paneer or potato mixture with the same spices.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger-garlic paste for an extra kick of heat.
HealthierHealthier
Use 100% whole wheat flour (atta) for the rotis to increase the fiber content. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the chicken filling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of chicken and egg provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the whole wheat and all-purpose flour in the roti offer a steady release of energy, keeping you full and active for longer.
Rich in Flavorful Spices
Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander are not just for flavor; they contain antioxidants and compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single homemade Chicken Frankie contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the size of the roti and filling.
