bohemianwanderer – This cheesy chicken chaat is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken coated in roasted gram flour, Greek yoghurt, cheddar, and spices. The chicken is pan-fried until golden and finished with tangy homemade chaat masala, while an optional coriander chutney adds a fresh, spicy contrast.
The recipe serves four and takes around 35 minutes to prepare and cook.
Prepare the Chaat Masala and Coriander Chutney
Start by making the chaat masala. Place a dry frying pan over low heat and add the cumin seeds. Roast for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and beginning to change color.
Transfer the cumin to a plate and allow it to cool. Using the same pan, dry-roast the peppercorns for around two minutes until aromatic. Let them cool completely.
Place the roasted cumin and peppercorns in a spice grinder along with the ground ginger, black salt, and mango powder. Grind everything into a smooth, fine powder.
Transfer the finished chaat masala to a clean. Airtight jar and store it in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
If you’re making the optional coriander chutney, add the fresh coriander, mint leaves, lemon juice, yoghurt, green chillies, salt, and sugar to a food processor. Blend until smooth, without adding water. Set aside until serving.
Coat the Chicken in Cheesy Spiced Batter
Place the gram flour in a dry frying pan over low heat and toast for two to three minutes, stirring regularly, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Transfer the roasted flour to a large bowl. Add the Greek yoghurt, grated cheddar, salt, and chilli powder, then mix until you have a thick, flavorful coating.
Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Heat a small amount of oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Cook the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for eight to 10 minutes, turning the pieces regularly so they brown evenly on all sides and cook through completely.
Alternatively, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and cook them on a barbecue for a smoky flavor. Once the chicken is cooked and golden, transfer it to a serving plate and generously sprinkle with the homemade chaat masala. Serve immediately with the fresh coriander chutney on the side.
The combination of crispy, cheesy chicken, tangy chaat masala, and fresh herb chutney creates a dish that’s packed with contrasting flavors and textures. It works equally well as a main meal with flatbreads or rice, or as a party snack served with toothpicks.
