Chicken Bread Recipe By Chef M Afzal
Chicken Bread Recipe By Chef M Afzal is a medium Pakistani recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef M Afzal on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 33 min | Cook: 1 hr 8 min | Total: 2 hrs 56 min
Cost: $15.03 total, $3.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 tsp Active Dry Yeast (Sachets from Safe brand, odorless)
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (Dissolve completely in milk)
- 0.5 cup Whole Milk (Room temperature, not too cold or hot)
- 2 cup All-Purpose Flour (Sifted, approx 280 g)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (Add after kneading to avoid inhibiting yeast)
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil (Neutral oil, for coating dough)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (For tempering stuffing)
- 1 tsp White Cumin Seeds (Tempering for stuffing)
- 0.5 tbsp Ginger‑Garlic Paste (Store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Green Chili Paste (Adjust heat to taste)
- 100 g Boneless Chicken (Cut into small bite‑size pieces)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (Light soy preferred)
- 3 tbsp Milk (for stuffing) (Helps bind the chicken mixture)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (for stuffing) (Less than half a teaspoon)
- 2 tbsp Cabbage (Finely shredded)
- 1 small Bell Pepper (Chopped)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder (Freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise (Regular creamy mayo)
- 1 tbsp Barbecue Ketchup (Sweet‑smokey flavor)
- 1 large Egg Yolk (Beaten, for brushing)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (White or black, optional)
Instructions
Activate Yeast
Dissolve the sugar in the warm milk, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Time: PT5M
Make Dough – Initial Mix
In a large mixing bowl combine the sifted flour with the yeast‑milk mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Knead Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes firm and slightly elastic.
Time: PT10M
Add Salt and Oil
Sprinkle the salt over the dough, add 1 tbsp cooking oil, and continue kneading for another 5 minutes until fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
First Proof
Coat the dough lightly with oil, place it in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth and keep in a warm spot (around 30‑35°C) for 45 minutes until it roughly doubles in size.
Time: PT45M
Temper Spices for Stuffing
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, then stir‑in ginger‑garlic paste and green chili paste. Fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Cook Chicken
Add the chicken pieces, soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and 3‑4 tbsp milk. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the mixture starts to bind.
Time: PT5M
Add Vegetables & Pepper
Stir in the shredded cabbage, chopped bell pepper and black pepper powder. Cook for 1 minute just to soften the veggies.
Time: PT1M
Finish Stuffing
Remove the pan from heat, add mayonnaise and barbecue ketchup, mix well for 1 minute, then let the stuffing cool for 10 minutes.
Time: PT11M
Shape Dough Balls
Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 6 equal portions, and roll each portion into a thin oval (about 0.5 cm thick).
Time: PT10M
Fill and Seal
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken stuffing on one half of each oval, fold over, press edges to seal, cut a small slit on top, brush with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds.
Time: PT10M
Pre‑heat Baking Pan
Place the heavy‑bottomed pan on low heat for 15 minutes so it reaches roughly 200°C (about 390°F) before the breads go in.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 200°C
Pan‑Bake the Bread
Arrange the filled breads in the hot pan, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for 40 minutes. Check color; if still pale, continue for another 5‑10 minutes.
Time: PT40M
Finish & Serve
Remove the breads, brush the tops with a little melted butter or oil for softness, and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Non‑vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains soy
Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Milk, Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast, Fresh yeast
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Honey (reduce liquid)
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, Plant‑based milk (taste changes)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Whole‑wheat flour (denser)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt (adjust amount)
- Instead of Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Cooking Oil: Ghee, Butter (adds flavor)
- Instead of White Cumin Seeds: Regular cumin seeds
- Instead of Ginger‑Garlic Paste: Fresh minced ginger and garlic
- Instead of Green Chili Paste: Finely chopped green chilies
- Instead of Boneless Chicken: Turkey breast, Paneer (vegetarian)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Fish sauce (different flavor)
- Instead of Milk (for stuffing): Yogurt (adds tang)
- Instead of Salt (for stuffing): Sea salt
- Instead of Cabbage: Shredded carrots, Finely chopped lettuce
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Green chili, Red pepper
- Instead of Black Pepper Powder: White pepper
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Cashew cream
- Instead of Barbecue Ketchup: Regular ketchup + smoked paprika
- Instead of Egg Yolk: Milk wash, Oil brush
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Poppy seeds
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Frying Pan / Kadai
- Heavy‑Bottomed Pot or Cast‑Iron Skillet (for baking)
- Pastry Brush
- Spatula / Wooden Spoon
- Plate or Tray (for dough rise)
- Knife
- Oven (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activating the yeast with warm milk and sugar
- Kneading the dough to a firm, non‑sticky consistency
- Adding salt after gluten development
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment for 45‑50 minutes
- Cooking chicken with soy sauce to eliminate raw odor
- Ensuring the stuffing cools before filling
- Sealing the dough edges tightly to avoid leakage
- Pre‑heating the baking pan to ~200°C before placing the breads
- Brushing with egg yolk for color and applying sesame seeds
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a kitchen towel to cover the dough during proof; it retains moisture and speeds up rising.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garam masala to the stuffing.
- If you like a crispier crust, sprinkle a little melted butter on the top just before the final 5 minutes of baking.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise.
Check that the yeast is fresh and the milk was warm (not hot). Place the dough in a warmer spot or add a small amount of sugar to feed the yeast.
Stuffing is too watery.
Let the cooked chicken mixture cool longer; the mayo and ketchup will thicken as they sit. If still wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
Bread stays pale and does not brown.
Make sure the pan is fully pre‑heated to ~200°C before adding the breads. Brush with egg yolk and consider increasing the heat slightly for the last 5 minutes.
Bread cracks or tears when folding.
Roll the dough thin but not too thin; keep the edges moist with a light brush of oil before sealing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Freezer: Wrap each bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in a pan.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours as the bread may become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared the night before; refrigerate after the first rise, then bring to room temperature before shaping.
- Stuffing can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated; reheat briefly before filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Bread in Pakistani cuisine?
Chicken Bread, known locally as "Chicken Bun" or "Stuffed Bread," is a popular street‑food snack in Pakistan, especially in Punjab. It blends the tradition of yeasted flatbreads with a hearty chicken filling, making it a convenient, portable meal for festivals and roadside stalls.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Bread in Pakistani cuisine?
In northern Pakistan, the bread may be baked in a tandoor and flavored with nigella seeds. In southern regions, cooks often add green chilies and coriander to the stuffing for extra heat. Some families use yogurt‑based dough instead of milk for a tangier crust.
How is Chicken Bread traditionally served in Pakistan?
It is usually served hot, brushed with butter, and accompanied by a side of chutney or a tangy tamarind sauce. Street vendors often wrap it in paper and sell it as a quick snack during evenings.
On what occasions is Chicken Bread traditionally enjoyed in Pakistani culture?
Chicken Bread is a favorite during Ramadan evenings, festive gatherings like Eid, and as a tea‑time snack at family get‑togethers. Its portable nature makes it ideal for picnics and roadside fairs.
What makes Chicken Bread special or unique in Pakistani cuisine?
The combination of a soft, yeasted bread with a spicy, creamy chicken filling creates a contrast of textures and flavors rarely found in other Pakistani breads, which are typically plain or only lightly seasoned.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Bread at home?
Common errors include adding salt before the dough has risen, which can kill the yeast; over‑kneading which makes the bread tough; and under‑cooking the stuffing, leaving excess moisture that sogs the crust.
Why does this Chicken Bread recipe use a hot pan instead of an oven?
Chef M Afzal’s method is designed for kitchens without an oven. A pre‑heated heavy pan provides intense bottom heat, creating a quick crust while the steam inside keeps the interior soft, mimicking an oven‑baked result.
Can I make Chicken Bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated after the first rise. The cooked stuffing can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After baking, store the breads in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Bread is done?
The crust should be golden‑brown with a glossy sheen from the egg‑yolk wash, and the interior should be soft, airy, and slightly springy to the touch. A gentle tap should produce a hollow sound.
What does the YouTube channel Chef M Afzal specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef M Afzal focuses on easy, home‑cooked Pakistani recipes, especially quick meals that can be prepared without fancy equipment. The channel emphasizes practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Chef M Afzal's approach to Pakistani cooking differ from other Pakistani cooking channels?
Chef M Afzal often demonstrates oven‑less techniques, uses minimal ingredients, and provides step‑by‑step explanations in Hindi/Urdu with clear visual cues, making the recipes especially accessible for beginners compared to more elaborate, ingredient‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








