Kerala Chicken Roll
Spicy, stir-fried chicken tossed with aromatic Kerala spices, wrapped in a soft, warm flatbread. A beloved street food snack from the Malabar coast, perfect for a quick lunch or evening bite.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- d.Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Roti Dough
- b.In a separate mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp vegetable oil.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water while mixing to form a dough.
- d.Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and pliable.
- e.Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken Filling
- b.Heat coconut oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and mushy, and oil starts to separate from the masala.
- e.Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onion-tomato base.
- f.Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically, until the chicken is opaque and cooked through.
- g.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Set the filling aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the Rotis
- b.Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions and roll them into smooth balls.
- c.Lightly flour a clean surface and roll each ball into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- d.Heat a tawa (flat griddle) over medium-high heat. Place a rolled roti on the tawa.
- e.Cook for about 30 seconds until small bubbles appear, then flip. Cook the other side for about 40-50 seconds.
- f.Flip again and gently press with a spatula to help it puff up. Cook until light brown spots appear on both sides. Repeat for all rotis and keep them warm in a cloth.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Rolls
- b.Place a warm roti on a plate or clean surface.
- c.Spoon a quarter of the prepared chicken filling in a line down the center of the roti.
- d.Top the filling with a few fresh onion rings for crunch.
- e.Fold in one side of the roti slightly, then roll it up tightly from the other side to form a secure wrap.
- f.Serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more tender and flavorful filling, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 2For an authentic street-food experience, use Malabar Parottas instead of whole wheat rotis as the wrapper.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure it stir-fries properly rather than steams.
- 4A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors.
- 5If the filling seems too dry, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or coconut milk and mix well.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 250g of paneer cubes, sautéed mushrooms, or boiled and mashed potatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
Add 2 tablespoons of thick coconut milk to the filling at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier consistency.
Kerala Egg Chicken RollKerala Egg-Chicken Roll
Place a freshly cooked, thin omelette on the roti before adding the chicken filling for an extra layer of protein and flavor.
Different WrapperDifferent Wrapper
Use store-bought tortillas, chapatis, or even lettuce wraps for a quicker or low-carb alternative.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The chicken in this roll provides high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Anti-inflammatory Spices
This recipe uses traditional Kerala spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, which are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting overall health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The whole wheat roti is a great source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. This helps in providing a steady release of energy and aids in better digestion.
Frequently asked questions
One Kerala Chicken Roll contains approximately 350-420 calories, depending on the size of the roti and the amount of oil used in the filling.
