Chicken Kathi Roll
Flaky parathas wrapped around spiced chicken, soft onions, and a swipe of tangy sauce make this Kolkata favorite deeply satisfying. It is messy in the best way and perfect for a hearty snack or light meal.
For 4 servings
- knead · ~25 min
Knead the paratha dough.
Mix all-purpose flour, 1 pinch salt, 1 tbsp oil, and water into a soft dough. Knead for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth, then cover and rest 20 minutes.
TIPA slightly soft dough gives a more pliable paratha that rolls without cracking. - mix · ~15 min
Marinate the chicken.
1.Add chicken breast, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, 0.25 tsp salt, and lemon juice to a bowl.2.Mix well until every piece is coated.3.Set aside for 15 minutes while the dough rests. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the filling and sauces.
1.Toss the onion with green chili and coriander leaves in a bowl.2.Mix tomato ketchup and green chutney in a small bowl.3.Keep both ready for assembling the rolls. - saute · ~10 min
Cook the chicken filling.
1.Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.2.Add the marinated chicken and spread it out in the pan.3.Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is lightly charred in spots and fully cooked, 8 to 10 minutes.4.Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F or 74°C and any extra moisture dries up.TIPKeep the pan fairly hot so the chicken sears instead of stewing. - prep · ~8 min
Divide and shape the dough.
1.Divide the dough into 4 equal balls.2.Roll each ball into a small disc.3.Brush lightly with the remaining 1 tbsp oil from the dough portion, fold, and roll again into a thin round paratha. - fry · ~12 min
Cook the parathas.
1.Heat a skillet over medium heat.2.Cook one paratha at a time until light brown spots appear on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.3.Use a little of the remaining 1 tbsp oil as needed while cooking all 4 parathas. - fry · ~5 min
Set the egg layer on the parathas.
1.Heat the same skillet over medium heat.2.Pour a little beaten egg onto the skillet, place one cooked paratha on top, and cook until the egg sets, about 30 to 40 seconds.3.Flip briefly so the egg side sticks to the paratha.4.Repeat with the remaining parathas and egg.TIPWork with a thin layer of egg so the roll stays easy to fold and eat. - assemble · ~5 min
Assemble the kathi rolls.
1.Place each egg-coated paratha on a work surface with the egg side facing up.2.Spread a little ketchup-chutney sauce over the center.3.Add a portion of chicken filling and top with the onion mixture.4.Roll tightly into a wrap. - serve
Serve the chicken kathi rolls hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rest the dough fully so the parathas roll thin without springing back.
- 2Keep the chicken strips thin and evenly sized so they char quickly before drying out.
- 3Cook the chicken in a wide pan and avoid overcrowding, or the marinade will release water and stew.
- 4Let the cooked chicken sit 2 minutes before filling so steam does not soften the paratha.
- 5Slice the onions very thin so the rolls stay easy to bite and don’t burst open.
- 6Use only a thin smear of the ketchup-chutney sauce; too much makes the wrap soggy.
- 7Wrap the bottom half in butter paper or foil to keep the hot roll tight and less messy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use a nonstick skillet, brush instead of pour oil, and make slightly drier chicken filling for a lighter roll with less greasiness.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add an extra egg layer or increase the chicken filling in each roll for a more filling, protein-forward version.
spicierSpicier
Increase green chili and red chili powder, or add a little chili sauce to the chutney mix for a sharper heat.
paneerPaneer
Swap the chicken for paneer strips marinated the same way for a vegetarian kathi roll with similar flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Filling
Chicken breast and egg make the rolls satisfying and help turn them into a hearty snack or light meal.
Herb and Onion Freshness
The onion, green chili, and coriander add crunch and fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the paratha and egg.
Spice-Forward Flavor
Ginger-garlic, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala build deep taste without relying only on heavy sauces.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Cook the chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat until hot and fairly dry before assembling so the rolls do not turn soggy.



