
Chicken Chapli Kababs are an excellent choice of the south asian community—they are very tasty and at the same time flat minced chicken patties loaded with spices, herbs and textures. Coming from the Peshawar region, these kababs through their strong taste and pleasant crunch have turned into a staple appetizer all over India and Pakistan.
The way of frying kababs has been changed and now they are a bit more crunchy, but the main idea still remains the same plus they are served with a rich variety of chutneys or naan.
In the following recipe, we merge the traditional practices with the modern day convenience provided by the usage of premium spice blends like BMC meat masala and BMC garam masala. These blends will provide your chicken chapli kababs with a deep aroma, well-rounded heat and balanced seasoning that will make them irresistible every time.
What Makes This Recipe Successful?
In contrast to the simplest grilled kababs, chapli kababs use a combination of coarsely ground spices and fresh ingredients that give a strong taste and a crispy texture.
Key Elements Include:
Coarse Spices- for aromatic complexity and mouthfeel.
Tomato and herbs- add moisture and freshness
Egg binders and flour- to hold the patty together during frying
BMC spice blends- for steady, restaurant-style seasoning.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
Main Ingredients
500 grams ground chicken (with a little fat preferably)
1 large onion finely chopped
1 small tomato, diced very finely (cut the seeds out)
2-3 green chillies minced
½ cup chopped coriander leaves
½ tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 egg beaten
2-3 tablespoons flour or fine cornmeal
Spices and Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon BMC meat masala richly spiced blend perfect for meats
½ teaspoon BMC garam masala for warm aromatic finish
1 teaspoon chilli flakes or BMC red chili powder
1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
3-4 tablespoons cooking oil for shallow-frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Blend the flavors
In a big bowl mix the ground chicken with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander. Also, add ginger-garlic paste and beaten egg- this serves as a binder for the mixture.
Spice it up
Put BMC meat masala, BMC garam masala, chili flakes or BMC red chili powder, crushed coriander seeds, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt. These spices give rich aroma and balanced heat to the patty-the hallmark of authentic Chapli Kababs.
The Binding Base
Add gram flour or cornmeal. This not only helps bind the Kababs but also adds a slight crispiness when shallow-fried. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the Kababs
Using hands that are a bit wet, grab the mixture and make a patty in the shape of a disc about ½ inch thick. The traditional Chapli Kababs are not thinner and bigger than the common patties made from meat; this form helps them to be cooked equally throughout and to develop crispy sides.
Heat the Pan
Put a non-stick or cast-iron skillet on medium heat and pour in oil enough to cover the bottom, which is the preheating step for the kababs. A pan with moderate heat assures the kababs are well cooked and at the same time a golden outer crust is formed.
Fry to Crispy Perfection
Put the patties into the hot oil. They should be cooked for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. It is advisable to press gently with the spatula so the crisping of edges is even. The chicken though should be juicy inside.
Rest Before Serving
When done cooking, Kababs are to be moved to a plate which has paper towels on it for excess oil to be absorbed. The rest for 2 mins is for the spices and juices to settle.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Do not mix the mixture a lot- Just mix it enough so that the kababs remain soft
Very finely chop the tomatoes and take out the extra seeds- juicy but not watery
Use a flat spatula to change sides for clean edges
Serve hot- Chapli Kababs are best to eat when fresh from the pan
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Chapli Kababs are very adaptable. The least one can do is to serve them with:
Warm naan or roti
Mint-yogurt chutney
Sliced onions and lemon wedges
A crisp green salad
These combinations not only make the spicy and fresh flavors more pronounced but also provide a complete meal.
Health and Nutrition Tip
Chapli Kababs are traditionally shallow-fried, giving them a crisp mixture. For a lighter version, you can air-fry them at 180 degrees for 10-12 minutes per side, brushing lightly with oil- still rich in flavour but with less fat.
With their roots in Pashtun cuisine and a growing fan base across South Asia, Chicken Chapli Kababs are a celebration of bold spices and textures. Using premium blends like BMC meat masala and BMC garam masala ensures every bite is well seasoned, aromatic, and restaurant quality- right from your kitchen.
Whether you are planning a weekend feast or an impressive starter for guests, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Serve hot, enjoy the crunch with every bite, and relish the rich heritage of Peshawari flavours!