How to Make 2 Chappati with One Bowl Chicken Curry and One Bowl of Curd (Traditional & Healthy Version)
This classic Indian lunch plate of 2 chappati, a bowl of chicken curry, and a bowl of curd (dahi) is a wholesome, balanced meal enjoyed across India. Chappati, made from whole wheat atta, is a staple in almost every Indian household, cooked fresh on a tawa and served hot. Chicken curry brings in rich protein and aromatic spices, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions from Punjab to Maharashtra, while homemade curd offers a cooling, probiotic-rich side that balances the spices. This combination is not only delicious but also deeply rooted in Indian food culture. It is a popular lunch option, light enough for everyday meals yet hearty enough for special occasions, including festivals and family gatherings. The synergy of soft chappatis, flavorful chicken curry, and creamy dahi represents the essence of Indian home cooking—simple, nourishing, and packed with taste and tradition. Perfect for calorie-conscious eaters, this meal provides satiety, nutrition, and authentic Indian flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole wheat atta (flour) (for chappati)
- as needed Water (to knead dough)
- 250 grams Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) (cut into cubes)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste (adrak-lahsun paste)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder (lal mirch)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder (dhaniya powder)
- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 cup Low-fat curd (dahi) (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- 1.5 tbsp Oil (preferably mustard or sunflower)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare the dough for chappati by mixing atta and water
Prepare the dough for chappati by mixing atta and water. Knead until smooth and soft. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2 · Heat oil in a kadhai
Heat oil in a kadhai. Add cumin seeds, let them splutter. Add chopped onions; sauté until golden.
Step 3 · Add ginger-garlic paste
Add ginger-garlic paste, sauté for a minute. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chili, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
Step 4 · Add chicken pieces
Add chicken pieces. Stir well to coat with masala. Cook on medium flame for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5 · Add half a cup of water
Add half a cup of water, cover, and simmer for 7-8 minutes until chicken is tender. Adjust salt if needed.
Step 6 · While chicken cooks
While chicken cooks, roll dough balls into flat discs. Roast each on a hot tawa until both sides have brown spots and are cooked through.
Step 7 · Serve hot chappatis with chicken curry
Serve hot chappatis with chicken curry, and a bowl of chilled curd garnished with coriander leaves.
Why this recipe is healthy
Combining whole grains, lean protein, and fermented dairy, this meal is heart-healthy and supports muscle repair, gut health, and sustained energy release. Low in saturated fat and rich in essential nutrients, it fits well into weight management and diabetic-friendly meal plans. Homemade preparation allows control over salt and oil, making it a truly healthy Indian lunch option.
A note on tradition
Chappati with chicken curry and curd is a pan-Indian lunch combination, seen on dining tables from Punjab to Karnataka. Chappati, also known as phulka or roti, is a daily staple, while chicken curry recipes change with spices and techniques across regions. Curd is considered auspicious and is often served during festivals like Holi and weddings for its cooling and digestive properties.