Chicken Baida Roti
Crispy, flaky parcels of flatbread stuffed with a savory mixture of minced chicken, eggs, and aromatic spices. This popular Mumbai street food is a complete meal in itself, perfect for a hearty snack or dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough (10 mins + 30 mins resting)
- b.In a large bowl, combine maida, 0.5 tsp salt, sugar, and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. Rub the oil into the flour with your fingertips until it has a crumbly, breadcrumb-like texture.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water and knead for 8-10 minutes to form a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. It should be soft but not sticky.
- d.Coat the dough with a little oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a pliable dough that can be rolled very thin.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Chicken Filling (15 mins)
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- d.Add the chicken mince. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up lumps with a spatula, until the chicken is no longer pink.
- e.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt. Mix well.
- f.Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the mixture is completely dry. Any moisture will make the roti soggy.
- g.Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped coriander leaves, and transfer the filling to a bowl to cool down completely. This is important to prevent the egg from scrambling prematurely.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Baida Roti (5 mins per roti)
- b.Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- c.On a lightly oiled surface (not floured), take one dough ball and roll it out as thinly as possible into a large rectangle, approximately 8x10 inches. The dough should be almost translucent.
- d.In a small bowl, crack one egg and whisk it lightly. Add one-fourth of the cooled chicken filling to the egg and mix well.
- e.Carefully pour this egg-chicken mixture into the center of the rolled-out dough, spreading it into a small square, leaving a 2-3 inch border on all sides.
- f.Fold the dough over the filling like an envelope. First, fold the top and bottom flaps towards the center, slightly overlapping. Then, fold the left and right flaps over to create a sealed square parcel.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Roti (8 mins per roti)
- b.Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a wide, flat pan or tawa over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Gently lift the prepared parcel and place it seam-side down into the hot oil. Be careful as the filling is liquid.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crisp. Use a spatula to gently press down on the roti to ensure even cooking.
- e.Carefully flip the roti and fry for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it's equally golden, crisp, and the egg inside is fully cooked.
- f.Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Repeat the assembly and frying process for the remaining dough and filling.
- c.Once fried, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the hot Baida Roti into smaller squares or triangles.
- d.Serve immediately with green chutney, tomato ketchup, and a side of sliced onions sprinkled with lemon juice for an authentic street food experience.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra crispy texture, roll the dough as thin as you can without tearing it. An oiled surface is better than a floured one for this.
- 2Ensure the chicken filling is completely cool before mixing with the egg. A warm filling will start to cook the egg prematurely.
- 3Do not overstuff the roti. This can cause it to tear during folding or burst open while frying.
- 4Fry on a consistent medium heat. High heat will burn the outside before the egg inside is cooked, while low heat will make the roti oily.
- 5To save time, you can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken mince with 300g of crumbled paneer, spiced mashed potatoes, or a mixture of finely chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas.
Mutton KeemaMutton Keema
For a richer flavor, substitute chicken mince with mutton mince (keema). The cooking time for the filling may need to be increased by 5-7 minutes to ensure it's fully cooked.
Cheesy Baida RotiCheesy Baida Roti
Add a slice of cheese or a tablespoon of grated mozzarella over the filling before folding the roti for a gooey, cheesy center.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of chicken mince and eggs provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
With a balanced mix of carbohydrates from the flour, and protein and fats from the filling, this dish offers a significant and lasting energy boost, making it a very satisfying and filling meal.
Frequently asked questions
Baida Roti (which translates to 'Egg Bread') is a popular Indian street food, especially in Mumbai. It's a square-shaped, shallow-fried parcel made from a thin dough, stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat (like chicken or mutton) and egg.
