Chicken Cheese Paratha: A Delicious and Nutritious Flatbread

Chicken cheese paratha is a popular Pakistani flatbread made with a filling of shredded chicken, spices, and cheese. It is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

History and Origin

The exact origin of chicken cheese paratha is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is likely that the dish was developed as a way to use leftover chicken and cheese. Chicken cheese paratha is now popular all over India and Pakistan and is also enjoyed in other parts of the world.

Nutritional Value

Chicken cheese paratha is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and zinc.

Ingredients

For the Paratha Dough:

o   2 cups whole wheat flour

o   1/2 teaspoon salt

o   Water for kneading

For the Chicken Filling:

o   1 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded or minced

o   1 small onion, finely chopped

o   1 green chili, finely chopped

o   1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

o   1/2 teaspoon garam masala

o   1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

o   1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

o   Salt to taste

o   1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

o   Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

o   Ghee or oil for cooking

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paratha Dough

o   In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.

o   Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. Cover it with a damp cloth and set it aside to rest for 15-20 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling

o   Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.

o   Add chopped onions and green chili. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

o   Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute or until the raw smell disappears.

o   Add the cooked chicken, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the chicken is well coated with the spices and heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

o   Once the chicken mixture has cooled down, add grated cheese and chopped coriander leaves. Mix everything well.

3. Make Chicken Cheese Parathas

o   Divide the rested dough into equal-sized balls, slightly smaller than a tennis ball.

o   Take one dough ball and roll it into a small circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.

o   Place a spoonful of the chicken and cheese mixture in the center of the dough circle.

o   Gather the edges of the dough to enclose the filling and form a ball. Flatten this ball with your hands.

o   Roll out the flattened ball into a paratha, about 7-8 inches in diameter, using a rolling pin. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid the filling from spilling out.

4. Cook Chicken Cheese Parathas

o   Heat a griddle or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

o   Place the rolled paratha on the hot griddle and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.

o   Flip the paratha and drizzle some ghee or oil on top. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

o   Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls and filling.

Tips

·         For a spicier paratha, add more green chilies or red chili powder.

·         You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as tomatoes, carrots, or peas.

·         If you don't have any cheese, you can omit it or use a different type of cheese, such as paneer or feta.

·         To make the paratha even more delicious, serve it with some yogurt or chutney.

Variations

·         Chicken and vegetable cheese paratha: Add your favorite vegetables to the chicken filling, such as tomatoes, carrots, or peas.

·         Paneer cheese paratha: Use paneer instead of chicken in the filling.

·         Feta cheese paratha: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken cheese paratha is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be served on its own or with a side of yogurt, chutney, or salad.

Here are some specific serving suggestions:

·         For breakfast: Serve chicken cheese paratha with a side of yogurt and fruit.

·         For lunch: Serve chicken cheese paratha with a side of salad and raita.

·         For dinner: Serve chicken cheese paratha with a side of dal and rice.

Conclusion

Chicken cheese paratha is a delicious and nutritious flatbread that is perfect for any meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, try making chicken cheese paratha!

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cooking Time: 20 mins

Servings: 3-4

Author: Asma Rasool