Chicken Kassa Roll
Juicy, spicy chicken kassa wrapped in a flaky paratha with crisp onions and a tangy squeeze of lime. This iconic Kolkata street food is a flavor-packed meal on the go, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Paratha Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine maida, 0.5 tsp salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- c.Add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- d.Gradually add lukewarm water and knead for 8-10 minutes to form a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. It should not be sticky.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a separate bowl, combine the chicken cubes with curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and 0.75 tsp salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- d.Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken Kassa
- b.Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat until it's slightly smoking. This reduces its pungency.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium, add the sliced onions, and sauté for 10-12 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Increase the heat to high and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's browned on all sides.
- e.Stir in the tomato puree, slit green chilies, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the raw smell of the tomatoes disappears.
- f.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the chicken is tender and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- g.Uncover and cook for another 2-3 minutes if there is excess moisture. The filling should be thick and semi-dry.
- h.Stir in the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well, cook for one more minute, then turn off the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Parathas
- b.Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions and roll them into smooth balls.
- c.Lightly flour a work surface and roll out one ball into a thin circle, about 7-8 inches in diameter.
- d.Heat a tawa or flat skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rolled paratha on the hot tawa.
- e.Cook for about 30-45 seconds until small bubbles appear on the surface. Flip it over.
- f.Drizzle about 1 tsp of ghee or oil on and around the paratha. Press gently with a spatula and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden-brown spots appear.
- g.Flip again, apply another teaspoon of ghee, and cook the other side until it's golden and crisp.
- h.Remove from the tawa and keep it warm. Repeat for the remaining dough balls.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Rolls
- b.Lay a warm paratha on a clean surface or a piece of parchment paper.
- c.Spoon a quarter of the chicken kassa filling in a line down the center of the paratha.
- d.Top with a generous handful of thinly sliced raw onions.
- e.Sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala over the filling.
- f.Squeeze a wedge of lemon for a tangy finish.
- g.Fold the bottom edge of the paratha up slightly, then tightly roll it from one side to the other.
- h.Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or aluminum foil to hold it together.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the Chicken Kassa Rolls immediately while they are hot and the parathas are still crisp.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an authentic flavor, do not skip the mustard oil. Heating it until it just starts to smoke is key to mellowing its pungent flavor.
- 2Resting the paratha dough is crucial. It relaxes the gluten, making the parathas soft, pliable, and easy to roll without tearing.
- 3Ensure the chicken kassa filling is semi-dry. A watery filling will make the paratha soggy.
- 4For extra flaky 'lachha' style parathas, roll out the dough, brush with ghee, sprinkle with flour, and then fold it like a fan before coiling and rolling it out again.
- 5Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Kolkata Egg Roll Style
After cooking one side of the paratha, flip it and crack an egg onto the surface. Spread it evenly and cook until the egg is set. Then flip again, place the filling on the egg-coated side, and roll.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Use whole wheat flour (atta) instead of maida for the parathas to increase the fiber content. You can also grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
Vegetarian AlternativeVegetarian Alternative
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or a mix of sturdy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Add a SauceAdd a Sauce
For extra flavor, drizzle some green coriander-mint chutney or a bit of tomato ketchup over the filling before rolling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the maida paratha provide a quick and sustained source of energy, making this a filling and satisfying meal.
Rich in Essential Minerals
This dish contains iron from chicken, which is vital for blood production, and spices like turmeric and cumin offer various minerals and antioxidant properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single homemade Chicken Kassa Roll contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the amount of oil and ghee used. The paratha contributes significantly to the calorie count.
