How to Make Chicken Tikka Crepes
How to Make Chicken Tikka Crepes is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook with Lubna on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $18.03 total, $4.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.5 kg Boneless Chicken (cut into small bite‑size pieces)
- 4 tbsp Refined Oil (for sautéing, pan‑frying and final crisping)
- 2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Crushed Red Chili (dried, coarse)
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
- 0.5 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tbsp Chicken Tikka Masala Powder
- 3 tbsp Plain Yogurt (or substitute lemon juice if unavailable)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed, half used in filling, half later)
- 200 ml Water (for simmering chicken and adjusting batter consistency)
- 0.5 cup Onion (finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped; optional)
- 0.5 cup Green Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp Fresh Cream (or substitute with clotted cream)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (120 g, sifted)
- 1 cup Milk (250 ml, any type)
- 1 Egg (large, at room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; can use processed cheese)
Instructions
Prepare Chicken and Spice Mix
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high flame. Add the chicken pieces, then stir in 2 tsp ginger‑garlic paste, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp crushed red chili, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp roasted cumin powder, 0.5 tsp garam masala, and 1 tbsp chicken tikka masala powder. Mix well.
Time: PT10M
Cook the Chicken Filling
Sauté on high flame for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned. Add 3 tbsp plain yogurt (or lemon juice) and stir; cook another 2–3 minutes until the yogurt releases water. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If excess liquid remains, increase flame to dry the mixture.
Time: PT15M
Add Vegetables and Finish Filling
Stir in ½ cup finely chopped onion, ½ cup red bell pepper (optional) and ½ cup green bell pepper. Cook for 1.5–2 minutes until the vegetables release moisture. Add half the lemon juice, mix, then fold in 4 tbsp fresh cream. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Crepe Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 1 cup milk, ½ cup water, 1 egg, 2 tbsp oil and 1 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth; batter should be pourable but not runny (similar to a thin pancake batter).
Time: PT5M
Cook the Crepes
Heat a non‑stick crepe pan over medium heat and add a few drops of oil (≈½ tsp). Pour about ⅓ cup batter, immediately swirl to spread thinly. Cook until the surface is no longer liquid and the edges lift (≈45 seconds). Flip and cook the other side until light brown dots appear (≈30 seconds). Transfer to a plate and repeat to make 9–10 crepes.
Time: PT20M
Assemble Crepes
Place each crepe with the dotted side down. Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded mozzarella, add 2 tbsp of the cooled chicken tikka filling, then top with a little more cheese. Fold or roll the crepe as desired.
Time: PT5M
Final Fry for Crispness
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently slide the assembled crepes into the pan and fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden and lightly crisp.
Time: PT5M
Cool and Serve
Remove crepes onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot, optionally with a side of green chutney or raita.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High Protein, Gluten
Allergens: Egg, Wheat, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Chicken: Turkey breast
- Instead of Refined Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Ginger Garlic Paste: minced fresh ginger and garlic
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Crushed Red Chili: red pepper flakes
- Instead of Red Chili Powder: paprika (mild)
- Instead of Roasted Cumin Powder: ground cumin
- Instead of Garam Masala Powder: curry powder
- Instead of Chicken Tikka Masala Powder: tandoori masala
- Instead of Plain Yogurt: lemon juice
- Instead of Lemon Juice: vinegar (small amount)
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: more green bell pepper
- Instead of Fresh Cream: clotted cream, heavy cream
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: whole wheat flour (will be denser)
- Instead of Milk: plant‑based milk
- Instead of Egg: flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: processed cheese, cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Ladle or Measuring Cup
- Non‑Stick Crepe Pan
- Tongs
- Zip‑Lock Bag (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté chicken on high flame to develop flavor before adding yogurt.
- Maintain correct batter consistency – not too thick, not too runny.
- Spread batter quickly in the pan to avoid thick crepes.
- Flip crepes at the right moment when surface is dry and edges lift.
- Final fry must be brief to achieve crispness without burning the cheese.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice mix for an extra smoky note without charcoal.
- For a richer batter, replace half the water with milk.
- Use a ladle to pour consistent amounts of batter for uniform crepe size.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too thick and crepes turn puffed.
Add a little more milk or water (1‑2 tbsp) until the batter flows like thin pancake batter.
Crepes stick to the pan.
Ensure the pan is properly greased and pre‑heated; use a non‑stick surface or a well‑seasoned cast‑iron skillet.
Filling is watery.
Cook the vegetables a bit longer to evaporate moisture, or increase the heat at the end to dry the mixture.
Cheese does not melt during final fry.
Cover the pan with a lid for the last 30 seconds to trap steam, or lower the heat slightly to give cheese time to melt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled crepes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually in parchment and place in a zip‑lock bag; freeze up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chicken tikka filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Batter can be mixed up to 12 hours in advance; give it a quick whisk before cooking.
- Assembled crepes freeze well; fry directly from frozen for a quick snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Tikka Crepes in Indian cuisine?
Chicken Tikka Crepes are a modern fusion that blends the classic North Indian chicken tikka flavor with the French‑style crepe technique. While crepes are not traditional in India, street‑food vendors have popularized stuffed flatbreads, and this dish reflects the contemporary Indian love for creative, handheld snacks.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken tikka‑style fillings in Indian cuisine?
In Punjab, chicken tikka is often marinated with mustard oil and fenugreek; in Delhi, a richer yogurt‑based gravy is common. Some regions add cashew paste or coconut milk for extra creaminess, while coastal areas may incorporate curry leaves and mustard seeds.
How is Chicken Tikka Crepes traditionally served in North Indian street food culture?
When served as a street snack, the crepes are usually folded into a triangle, lightly fried for crispness, and accompanied by tangy green chutney or mint‑coriander raita. They are eaten hot, often on the go, and are popular during monsoon evenings.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Tikka Crepes associated with in Indian culture?
These crepes are popular at informal gatherings, weekend brunches, and festive street fairs. They are also served at family movie nights and as a party appetizer during Diwali or Holi when guests enjoy bite‑size, flavorful snacks.
How does Chicken Tikka Crepes fit into the broader Indian snack tradition?
Indian snack culture values bold spices, handheld convenience, and a balance of textures. Chicken Tikka Crepes combine the spiced, juicy chicken tikka with a soft yet crisp exterior, embodying the Indian love for flavorful, portable bites.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Tikka Crepes versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken, ginger‑garlic paste, yogurt, chicken tikka masala, and traditional Indian spices. Acceptable substitutes are lemon juice for yogurt, processed cheese for mozzarella, and any neutral oil for refined oil.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Chicken Tikka Crepes?
Serve them alongside mint‑coriander chutney, tamarind date sauce, or a simple cucumber raita. They also complement spiced lentil soups like dal makhani or a light vegetable pakora platter.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Tikka Crepes at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken so it becomes dry, using batter that is too thick which yields puffed crepes, and not drying the chicken filling before assembling, leading to soggy crepes. Also, flipping too early can cause tearing.
Why does this Chicken Tikka Crepes recipe use yogurt in the chicken cooking step instead of just lemon juice?
Yogurt adds gentle acidity and a creamy texture that keeps the chicken moist while also tenderizing it. Lemon juice alone would provide acidity but lacks the richness that yogurt contributes to the flavor profile.
Can I make Chicken Tikka Crepes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the chicken tikka filling and batter up to 12 hours in advance, refrigerating each separately. Assemble the crepes, wrap them tightly, and freeze. Reheat in a skillet or air‑fryer before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Cook with Lubna specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cook with Lubna focuses on easy-to-follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, often blending traditional flavors with modern twists and emphasizing quick, budget‑friendly meals for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cook with Lubna's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Cook with Lubna emphasizes step‑by‑step narration in Hindi with clear visual cues, uses common household ingredients, and frequently offers substitution tips for busy kitchens, whereas many other channels target gourmet techniques or require specialty items.
Last updated: September 3, 2026






