The Chicken Kathi Kabab Roll is one of the most iconic street foods of India, originally hailing from Kolkata. Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are grilled or pan-seared into smoky, tender kababs, then wrapped in flaky paratha or roti, along with onions, chutneys, and sometimes a fried egg. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor – spicy, tangy, smoky, and savory – making it an irresistible treat.

What makes this dish so special is how it beautifully balances the heartiness of kababs with the convenience of a hand-held wrap. It’s a dish you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or as a filling snack. The contrasting textures of crispy paratha, succulent chicken, and crunchy onions create a mouthwatering experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Chicken Kathi Kabab Rolls because they’re the perfect harmony of Indian flavors wrapped in one neat package. The smokiness of the kabab, the richness of the paratha, and the zing from tangy sauces feel like a celebration of street food culture. It’s also a versatile recipe – you can customize the spice level, the fillings, or even swap the paratha with whole wheat roti for a healthier version.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s:

• Authentic & Flavorful – It brings the real taste of Kolkata’s famous kathi rolls right into your kitchen.
• Versatile – Can be enjoyed as a snack, meal, or even party food.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family gatherings, kids’ lunchboxes, or casual get-togethers.
• Customizable – You can play around with fillings – chicken, paneer, mutton, or even vegetables.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has captured hearts across India and beyond.

Time & Servings:

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Marination Time: 1 hour (recommended)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including marination)
• Servings: 4 rolls
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal (varies with sauces and paratha)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Snack
• Cuisine: Indian (Street Food / Mughlai-Inspired)

Ingredients

For Chicken Kabab Marinade

• Boneless chicken (thighs or breast) – 400 g, cut into cubes
• Yogurt – ½ cup
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
• Red chili powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Garam masala – 1 tsp
• Cumin powder – ½ tsp
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Mustard oil – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste

For Paratha / Wrap

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Water – as needed to knead dough
• Salt – ½ tsp
  (Alternatively, you can use readymade parathas, tortillas, or rotis.)

For Assembly:

• Onion – 1 large, thinly sliced
• Green chilies – 2, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Green chutney – 3 tbsp
• Tomato ketchup or chili sauce – 2 tbsp
• Egg – 2 (optional, for egg paratha rolls)
• Chaat masala – ½ tsp

Quick Directions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook chicken on a grill pan, tawa, or oven until charred and juicy.
3. Prepare parathas or use store-bought wraps.
4. Optionally cook parathas with a beaten egg spread on one side.
5. Assemble by layering chutney, chicken kabab, onions, and sauces inside the paratha.
6. Roll tightly, wrap in butter paper/foil, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, and mustard oil.
• Add chicken cubes, coat well, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for best results.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Kabab

• Heat a grill pan or tawa with a little oil.
• Cook chicken pieces on medium heat until golden brown and slightly charred.
• Alternatively, skewer and grill them in an oven or barbecue for smoky flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Paratha

• Knead dough with flour, salt, oil, and water. Rest for 20 minutes.
• Roll into discs and cook on a tawa with oil until golden.
• For egg paratha: beat an egg, spread over half-cooked paratha, and cook until set.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll

• Place paratha on a flat surface.
• Spread green chutney and ketchup.
• Add cooked chicken kabab.
• Top with onions, chilies, coriander, and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
• Roll tightly, wrap in foil or paper, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Kathi Kabab Rolls hot with:

• Mint chutney or tamarind chutney on the side
• A glass of chilled soda or masala chai for the ultimate street-food vibe
• Fresh salad for a balanced meal

Tips for the Recipe

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier kababs.
• Resting the dough makes parathas softer and easier to roll.
• Add a fried egg layer for authentic Kolkata-style rolls.
• Sprinkle lemon juice before rolling for extra zing.
• Wrap in butter paper or foil to hold everything together.

Variations:

• Paneer Kathi Roll – Substitute chicken with paneer cubes marinated and grilled.
• Mutton Seekh Roll – Use seekh kababs for a richer, meatier version.
• Veggie Delight Roll – Stuff with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and potatoes.
• Cheese Roll – Add grated cheese for a creamy twist.

Freezing & Storage

• Chicken Kabab: Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat before use.
• Paratha: Store cooked parathas in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 2 weeks.
• Assembled Roll: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 12 hours.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill pan / Tawa / Skewers (for kababs)
• Rolling pin (for parathas)
• Mixing bowls
• Foil / butter paper for wrapping

FAQ:

Q1: Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Use whole wheat parathas and grill chicken with less oil.

Q2: Can I skip the egg layer?
Absolutely, it’s optional. The egg adds richness but isn’t mandatory.

Q3: What’s the best chutney to use?
Mint-coriander chutney pairs best, but you can also try garlic chili chutney.

Q4: Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prep chicken and parathas ahead of time. Assemble just before serving.

Conclusion

The Chicken Kathi Kabab Roll is more than just food – it’s a whole experience that combines smoky kababs, flaky parathas, and zesty sauces into one portable delight. Whether you’re recreating the magic of Indian street food at home or serving it at a party, this recipe guarantees to impress. It’s versatile, flavorful, and easy enough to make even on busy days. Try it once, and it will surely become one of your favorite go-to recipes.