Delicious Chicken Bread Rolls: A Perfect Iftar Treat Without an Oven

Assalamu alaikum! As Ramadan approaches, many of us are on the lookout for delicious and unique iftar recipes. Today, I’m excited to share with you a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for breaking your fast: Chicken Bread Rolls. The best part? You don’t need an oven to make these scrumptious treats! This recipe is not only easy to follow but also results in a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends during iftar gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

For the Dough:

• 750g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 11g instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
• Lukewarm water (as needed)

For the Chicken Filling:

• 300g boneless chicken
• 2-3 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 2-3 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes
• Grated cheese (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
• Grated cheese
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Preparing the Dough

Activating the Yeast

1. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of lukewarm water with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the instant yeast.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes until you see a light foam forming on top. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to use.

Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, activated yeast mixture, 1/2 cup of milk, and one beaten egg.
2. Mix well and start kneading. Add lukewarm water as needed to form a smooth dough.
3. Once the dough comes together, add 3 tablespoons of ghee or oil and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Chicken Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s prepare our delicious chicken filling:

1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a pan and add 1 teaspoon of garlic paste. Sauté for a minute.
2. Add 300g of boneless chicken (cut into small cubes) and fry until it changes color.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
4. Cover and cook on low flame for 5 minutes until the chicken is tender and the water has evaporated.
5. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and deseeded tomatoes. Mix well and turn off the heat.
6. For extra flavor, you can add some grated cheese to the mixture.

Adding a Smoky Flavor (Optional)

To elevate the taste of your chicken filling:

1. Heat a piece of charcoal until it’s red hot.
2. Make a small well in the center of the chicken mixture and place the hot charcoal in it.
3. Drizzle a few drops of oil on the charcoal and immediately cover the pan.
4. Let it smoke for 2 minutes to infuse the chicken with a delicious smoky aroma.
5. Remove the charcoal and mix the filling well.

Assembling the Chicken Bread Rolls

Now comes the fun part – putting it all together!

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it briefly to release any air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough into portions (you can make about 6 rolls from this recipe).
3. Roll out each portion into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Cut strips on one side of the rectangle, leaving the center intact.
5. Place a generous amount of the chicken filling in the center of the rectangle.
6. Fold the uncut side over the filling, then start folding the cut strips over the filling, creating a braided effect.
7. Carefully transfer the rolls to a baking tray, leaving some space between them as they will expand during baking.

Baking Without an Oven

Here’s the secret to getting beautifully baked chicken bread rolls without an oven:

1. Brush the rolls with beaten egg for a golden color.
2. Sprinkle grated cheese and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
3. Place the baking tray in a large, deep pan (preferably silver for better heat distribution).
4. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. The distance between the rolls and the lid should be about 3-4 inches for optimal results.
5. Place the pan on medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. The flame should barely touch the bottom of the pan.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Do not open the lid during this time to maintain the heat inside.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bread Rolls

• If you’re using dry yeast instead of instant yeast, make sure to activate it properly before adding it to the dough.
• The chicken filling should be slightly spicier than you’d normally prefer, as the bread will balance out the flavors.
• For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables or paneer.
• If you find that the rolls aren’t browning on top, you can carefully flip them halfway through the baking process.
• Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken bread rolls make an excellent iftar dish. They’re filling, flavorful, and easy to eat. Serve them with:

• A fresh green salad for a balanced meal
• Mint chutney or garlic mayo for dipping
• A cool glass of rose sherbet or lemonade

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Ramadan

1. Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easier to manage during fasting hours.
2. Nutritious: The combination of protein-rich chicken and carbohydrates from the bread provides sustained energy after a day of fasting.
3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels or fillings to suit your family’s preferences.
4. No oven required: This method is perfect for those who don’t have an oven or want to avoid heating up the kitchen during hot summer months.

Conclusion

These chicken bread rolls are a delightful addition to your iftar table. They’re not only delicious but also a fun cooking project that you can involve your family in. The combination of soft, fluffy bread and flavorful chicken filling is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Remember, cooking during Ramadan is not just about nourishing our bodies but also about creating moments of joy and togetherness with our loved ones. This recipe allows you to do just that, even without fancy equipment like an oven.

I hope you’ll try this recipe and enjoy it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make it your own. If you have any questions or if you try this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below.

May this Ramadan bring you and your loved ones blessings, peace, and of course, delicious food. Ramadan Kareem!