Chicken Cigarette Roll
Lunch • India
How to Make Chicken Cigarette Roll (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Chicken Cigarette Roll is a delightful Indian snack reinvented for the health-conscious. Traditionally found at North Indian street food stalls and popular in tiffin boxes, these rolls combine a flavourful chicken filling with crisp, golden wrappers. The name "cigarette roll" comes from their thin, cylindrical shape, reminiscent of a cigarette, making them a fun and attractive option for lunch or as a party appetizer. The filling is mildly spiced with classic Indian masalas like garam masala, jeera (cumin), and coriander, wrapped in whole wheat atta-based wrappers, and then lightly pan-seared on a tawa. Unlike deep-fried versions, this healthier take uses minimal oil, preserving the authentic taste while being suitable for those tracking calories. Chicken Cigarette Rolls are perfect for festivals like Holi or Diwali, family gatherings, or as a special treat for kids. Their unique shape makes them a conversation starter and a visually appealing addition to any Indian meal spread.
Ingredients(for 2 rolls per person)
- 1 cup Whole wheat flour (atta) (for wrapper)
- 150 grams Boneless chicken breast (finely shredded (murgh))
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped (pyaaz))
- 1 Green chili (finely chopped (hari mirch)) - optional
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste (adrak-lehsun paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander powder (dhaniya powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon Cumin seeds (jeera)
- to taste Salt (namak)
- 2 teaspoons Oil (preferably mustard or sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped (hara dhaniya)) - optional
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper powder (kali mirch) - optional
- as needed Water (for kneading dough)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, mix whole wheat atta with a pinch of salt and enough water to form a smooth, soft dough. Cover and set aside.
5 minutes
Resting the dough for 10 minutes makes the wrappers softer.
- 2
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, let them splutter, then sauté onion and green chili until golden.
3 minutes
Sauté on medium flame to avoid burning the onions.
- 3
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till raw smell disappears. Add shredded chicken, coriander powder, garam masala, black pepper, and salt. Stir-fry on medium heat until chicken is cooked and dry.
6 minutes
Cook until moisture evaporates to prevent soggy rolls.
- 4
Stir in chopped fresh coriander leaves. Remove filling from heat and let it cool slightly.
2 minutes
Cooling the filling makes rolling easier.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This dish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried rolls since it uses whole wheat flour, lean chicken, and pan-searing instead of deep-frying. Using fresh, natural ingredients and minimal oil makes it ideal for calorie-conscious individuals. It supports weight management and is suitable for high-protein diets.
Chicken Cigarette Roll provides a good balance of protein from chicken and fiber from whole wheat atta. The use of minimal oil and fresh spices ensures essential micronutrients like iron, vitamin B6, and antioxidants. The inclusion of fresh coriander and green chili adds vitamin C and phytonutrients, making this roll nutritious for lunch or as a snack.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Roll wrappers as thin as possible for extra crunch.
- 💡Tip 2: Let the filling cool before rolling to prevent sogginess.
- 💡Tip 3: Serve with tangy green chutney for an authentic Indian touch.
Storage & Serving
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on a tawa or in an oven before serving to retain crispness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 180.0 kcal |
