Introduction: Why We Love Chicken Kathi Kabab Rolls

The Chicken Kathi Kabab Roll is not just a dish—it’s a burst of flavor wrapped in warm, soft paratha, making it the ultimate street food from Kolkata that has found fans across the globe. This recipe combines the smokiness of grilled chicken kebabs, the richness of Indian spices, and the freshness of chopped onions and chutneys, all rolled into a comforting flatbread.

Originally from the bustling streets of Kolkata, the word “Kathi” refers to the skewer or stick (kathi) used to cook the kebabs. Over the years, this street-style wrap has evolved and spread across India and beyond, with multiple variations that cater to all kinds of palates.

Why do we love it?

• It’s perfectly spicy, tangy, and savory.
• A great on-the-go meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• You can prep ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
• Easy to customize with different proteins, chutneys, and fillings.

This is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Indian street food or fusion cuisine. It offers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen—perfect for dinners, lunches, or parties.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Calories

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Marination Time: 1 hour (minimum)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 4 Rolls
• Calories per Roll: Approximately 420–450 kcal

Ingredients

For Chicken Kathi Kabab Marinade:

• Boneless chicken (thigh or breast) – 500 g, cut into small cubes
• Thick yogurt – 3 tbsp
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Red chili powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Garam masala – 1 tsp
• Cumin powder – ½ tsp
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) – 1 tsp
• Mustard oil – 1 tbsp (optional but authentic)

For the Dough (Paratha):

• Whole wheat flour – 2 cups
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Water – as needed
• Oil – 2 tsp + for cooking

For Egg Wash (Optional):

• Eggs – 2
• Salt – a pinch
• Oil – for frying

For Filling & Garnishing:

• Onion – 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Cucumber – ½, julienned (optional)
• Green chilies – 2, finely chopped
• Chaat masala – ½ tsp
• Fresh coriander – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Green chutney – 4 tbsp (coriander-mint chutney)
• Mayonnaise or yogurt sauce – 4 tbsp (optional)
• Lemon wedges – for serving

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, all spices, mustard oil, and salt.
2. Add chicken pieces, mix well, and coat thoroughly.
3. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight in the fridge for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Pan-fry

• Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are fully cooked and slightly charred (12–15 minutes).

Option 2: Oven

• Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).
• Thread chicken on skewers and grill for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Step 3: Prepare the Parathas

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add water gradually to form a soft dough. Knead for 5–6 minutes.
3. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
4. Divide into 4 balls, roll each into a circle.
5. Heat a tawa or skillet, cook parathas with a little oil until golden on both sides.

Step 4: Optional Egg Coating

1. Beat eggs with a pinch of salt.
2. Pour a little beaten egg on the hot tawa, place cooked paratha on top to bind.
3. Cook for 1 minute until the egg sticks.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

• Toss sliced onions, green chilies, coriander, and chaat masala.
• Keep chutneys and sauces ready.

Step 6: Assemble the Rolls

1. Lay egg-coated paratha on a plate.
2. Spread 1 tbsp of green chutney and mayo/yogurt sauce.
3. Add cooked chicken kebabs in the center.
4. Top with onion salad and cucumber.
5. Roll it tightly and wrap in foil or parchment paper.

How to Serve Chicken Kathi Rolls

• Serve hot with extra green chutney, pickled onions, and lemon wedges.
• Pair it with a chilled drink like masala soda, chaas (buttermilk), or even iced tea.
• Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or party appetizers.

Tips & Variations

Tips:

• Use thigh meat for juicier kebabs.
• Don’t skip mustard oil in marination for authentic flavor.
• You can pre-cook parathas and reheat while assembling.

Variations:

• Paneer Kathi Roll – Replace chicken with paneer cubes.
• Beef or Lamb – Use minced or diced meat with similar marinade.
• Vegan Roll – Use tofu or mushrooms, and eggless parathas.
• Add cheese for a fusion-style cheesy roll.
• Use store-bought tortillas if short on time.

Freezing & Storage

Storing:

• Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Parathas can be refrigerated for 2–3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Freezing:

• Freeze marinated chicken in ziplock bags for up to 2 months.
• Fully assembled rolls are not ideal for freezing, but components can be frozen separately.

Reheating:

• Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave.
• Reheat parathas on a tawa or dry pan.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill pan or Tawa – For cooking kebabs and parathas.
• Mixing bowls – For marination and dough.
• Rolling pin and board – For paratha.
• Skewers (wooden or metal) – Optional, for traditional kebab-style cooking.
• Spatula and tongs – For handling hot parathas and chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this roll without eggs?

Yes, skip the egg coating. The paratha will still taste great.

Q2: Can I use store-bought tortillas instead of making paratha?

Yes, tortillas or wraps can be used for a quicker version, but parathas offer a more authentic taste.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free wraps and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q4: Is it spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted easily. Just reduce red chili powder or use milder chutneys.

Q5: What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work too if cooked properly.

Conclusion

The Chicken Kathi Kabab Roll is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying dish that brings the spirit of Indian street food to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a festive gathering, it promises bold taste and joyful bites in every roll.

It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill your stomach—it excites your taste buds and wins over even picky eaters. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to wrap recipe!