Chicken Gatte Fry
Tender, spicy dumplings made with minced chicken and chickpea flour, boiled and then stir-fried with aromatic spices. A delicious Rajasthani-inspired fusion dish that's perfect as an appetizer or a unique main course.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Chicken Gatte Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, besan, curd, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, garam masala, ajwain, and hing.
- Add 0.75 tsp salt, 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, and 2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly and knead for 2-3 minutes to form a firm, non-sticky dough. If it's too sticky, add a tablespoon of besan; if too dry, add a teaspoon of curd.
Shape and Boil the Gatte
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth, cylindrical log about 1-inch thick.
- In a wide pot, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Carefully slide the gatte logs into the boiling water. Cook on a medium-high flame for 15-18 minutes.
- The gatte are cooked when they become firm and float to the surface. To check, you can pierce one with a knife; it should come out clean.
Cool and Slice the Gatte
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked gatte from the pot and place them on a plate to cool down for at least 10 minutes.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the water the gatte were boiled in; this flavorful stock can be used later.
- Once cooled, slice the gatte logs into ½-inch thick rounds.
Prepare the Fry Masala
- Heat the remaining 3 tbsp of oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown.
- Add the remaining 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste and the slit green chilies. Sauté for one minute until the raw aroma disappears.
Cook the Masala and Fry Gatte
- Add the chopped tomatoes, the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 0.5 tsp salt. Mix well.
- Cook the masala for 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes turn pulpy and oil begins to separate from the sides.
- Add the sliced chicken gatte to the pan. Gently toss to coat them evenly with the masala. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the gatte are heated through.
- If the mixture looks too dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved gatte water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the dish and add the remaining 2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves.
- Give it a final gentle toss.
- Serve the Chicken Gatte Fry hot as an appetizer or as a side dish with roti or paratha.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the gatte dough is firm and not sticky. This is crucial for them to hold their shape while boiling.
- 2Let the boiled gatte cool completely before slicing. Slicing them while hot can cause them to crumble.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pot while boiling the gatte. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- 4Be gentle when tossing the sliced gatte in the masala to prevent them from breaking.
- 5The reserved gatte water is full of flavor. Don't discard it! It can be used to adjust the consistency of the fry or saved for other curries and soups.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken mince with 200g of crumbled paneer or 2 boiled and mashed potatoes to make a delicious vegetarian version.
Gravy VersionGravy Version
To make 'Chicken Gatte ki Sabzi', add 1 cup of whisked yogurt or the reserved gatte water to the masala after it's cooked. Simmer for 5-7 minutes before adding the gatte.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
This recipe also works well with minced mutton (lamb) or turkey for a different flavor profile.
SpicierSpicier
For extra heat, add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the other spices or increase the amount of green chilies.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Combining chicken and besan (gram flour) provides a high-quality protein boost, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety.
Rich in Fiber
Besan is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from besan release energy slowly, keeping you feeling full and energized for longer compared to simple carbs.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chicken Gatte Fry contains approximately 375-400 calories, making it a substantial appetizer or part of a main meal. The exact count can vary based on the type of oil and fat content of the chicken used.



