Delicious Stuffed Chicken Crepes: A Perfect Ramadan Iftar Treat

Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality, and of course, delicious food. As we gather with family and friends to break our fast each evening, it’s always exciting to try new and flavorful dishes. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your iftar table: Stuffed Chicken Crepes. This unique and mouthwatering dish combines the delicate texture of crepes with a savory chicken filling, all topped with a creamy white sauce and melted cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 250g boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
• Spices: salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, tikka masala
• Yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Vegetables: onion, bell pepper, tomato (optional)
• Ketchup

For the Crepes:

• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Oil

For the White Sauce:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Red chili powder
• Oregano

Additional:

• Mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Chicken Filling

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, tikka masala, yogurt, lemon juice, and ginger-garlic paste.
2. Mix well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken for 1-2 minutes on medium heat.
2. Add water and cook covered on low heat for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is tender.
3. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the water evaporates and the chicken is nicely browned.

Adding a Smoky Flavor

For an extra touch of authenticity, we’ll give the chicken a smoky flavor:

1. Heat a piece of charcoal until it’s red hot.
2. Place the hot charcoal on a piece of foil in the center of the cooked chicken.
3. Drizzle a few drops of oil on the charcoal and immediately cover the pan.
4. Let it smoke for about a minute to infuse the chicken with a delicious smoky aroma.

Incorporating Vegetables

If you like, you can add some finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the chicken mixture. This not only adds nutrition but also brings a delightful crunch and freshness to the filling.

Making the Crepes

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and oil.
2. Gradually add flour and milk, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
3. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
4. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with oil.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
6. Cook until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown.
7. Flip and cook the other side briefly.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Preparing the White Sauce

1. Melt butter in a pan and add flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes on low heat to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt, red chili powder, and oregano.

Assembling the Stuffed Crepes

Now comes the fun part – putting it all together!

1. Place a crepe on a small bowl to create a cup shape.
2. Spread a spoonful of white sauce inside the crepe.
3. Add a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
4. Fold the crepe to enclose the filling.
5. Arrange the stuffed crepes in a baking tray.
6. Top each crepe with a spoonful of white sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Baking to Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the stuffed crepes for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

No Oven? No Problem!

If you don’t have an oven, you can still enjoy this dish:

1. Arrange the stuffed crepes in a large frying pan.
2. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. The steam will melt the cheese and heat everything through.

Serving Your Stuffed Chicken Crepes

Once your crepes are hot and the cheese is melted, they’re ready to serve! These creamy, flavorful stuffed crepes make an excellent main course for iftar. The combination of the soft crepe, spiced chicken filling, and creamy cheese topping is simply irresistible.

Pair these stuffed chicken crepes with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to have some extra white sauce on the side for those who like their crepes extra creamy!

Why This Dish is Perfect for Ramadan

During Ramadan, we often look for dishes that are filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare ahead of time. These stuffed chicken crepes tick all those boxes:

1. They’re protein-packed, thanks to the chicken and cheese.
2. The crepes can be made in advance and stored.
3. The filling can be prepared earlier in the day.
4. Assembly and final baking take just a short time before iftar.

Plus, the combination of flavors and textures makes this dish feel special – perfect for the blessed month of Ramadan when we want to enjoy our meals after a day of fasting.

Conclusion

These stuffed chicken crepes are a delightful twist on traditional iftar fare. They’re creamy, flavorful, and sure to become a new favorite in your Ramadan recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for iftar, this dish is sure to impress.

Remember, cooking during Ramadan is all about nourishing our bodies and souls. Take the time to prepare this dish with love and gratitude, and enjoy the moments of togetherness as you break your fast with loved ones.

I hope you’ll try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. Ramadan Kareem to all, and happy cooking!