Chicken Cutlet Pav
Crispy, golden-brown chicken patties seasoned with Indian spices, tucked inside a soft, buttery pav. This popular street food snack is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or evening treat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Chicken and Potatoes
- b.In a saucepan, add the boneless chicken, 1/4 tsp of the salt, and enough water to cover. Boil for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- c.Drain the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or your hands. Set aside.
- d.Ensure your boiled potatoes are well-mashed and free of lumps. The mash should be relatively dry.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Cutlet Mixture
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, finely chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies.
- c.Add all the dry spices: turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and black pepper powder.
- d.Add the remaining 3/4 tsp of salt, chopped coriander leaves, and fresh lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a cohesive mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape and Coat the Cutlets
- b.Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round, slightly flattened patty (cutlet), about 3/4-inch thick. For firmer cutlets, you can chill the shaped patties for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- c.Prepare the coating station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with water to create a smooth, thin slurry. On a separate plate, spread out the breadcrumbs.
- d.Carefully dip each cutlet first into the flour slurry, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even, complete coating.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Cutlets
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, non-stick pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Gently place the coated cutlets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- d.Fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy.
- e.Once cooked, remove the cutlets with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Slit the pav buns horizontally, keeping one side attached like a hinge.
- c.Melt the butter on a tawa (griddle) or pan over low-medium heat. Toast the pav buns on both the inside and outside until they are warm and lightly golden.
- d.Place one hot, crispy chicken cutlet inside each toasted pav.
- e.Serve immediately, optionally with a side of green chutney, ketchup, and sliced onions.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a firmer cutlet, chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before coating and frying.
- 2Ensure the oil is moderately hot before frying. If it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is heated through.
- 3Make sure the potato mash is dry. Watery potatoes can make the cutlet mixture too soft to handle.
- 4For extra crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs or double-coat the patties: dip in slurry, then breadcrumbs, then back in the slurry, and finally in breadcrumbs again.
- 5Don't overmix the cutlet mixture after adding potatoes, as this can make them gummy.
- 6For added flavor, you can sauté the onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies before adding them to the mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 300g of crumbled paneer or a mix of boiled vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of shallow frying, bake the cutlets at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the amount of green chillies or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for an extra kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating and serve the cutlets in gluten-free buns or with a side salad.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Provides Energy
Carbohydrates from the potatoes and pav buns offer a quick and sustained source of energy, making this a filling and satisfying snack.
Contains Beneficial Spices
Spices like turmeric contain curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger and garlic are recognized for their immune-boosting benefits.
Frequently asked questions
A single Chicken Cutlet Pav contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the size of the cutlet and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.