Make Shawarma Chicken Bread Without Oven on Tawa like a Pro with This Trick

Make Shawarma Chicken Bread Without Oven on Tawa like a Pro with This Trick is a medium Indian recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Hira Khawaja on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 3 hrs

Cost: $56.12 total, $9.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Chicken Breast (boneless, cut into bite‑size pieces after cooking)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Ginger Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tbsp Plain Yogurt (full‑fat for tenderness)
  • 1 tsp Salt (plus 1/4 tsp for sauce)
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Chilies (kuti) (optional for extra heat)
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Chaat Masala
  • 1 pinch Orange Food Colour (for visual appeal only)
  • 1 tbsp Cooking Oil (for marination; plus extra for tawa)
  • 2 cups All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Instant Yeast
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (for dough)
  • 1 tbsp Cooking Oil (for dough)
  • 3/4 cup Warm Water (lukewarm (30‑35°C) to activate yeast)
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat)
  • 4 tbsp Chili Garlic Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Hot Sauce
  • 1 tsp Mustard Paste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Crushed Red Chilies (sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (sauce)
  • 2 pieces Green Jalapeño (finely chopped, optional)
  • 2 pieces Red Jalapeño (finely chopped, optional)
  • 6 leaves Iceberg Lettuce (large leaves for wrapping)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp Butter or Oil for Tawa (for cooking the breads)
  • 2 pieces Charcoal Pieces (for smoking chicken, use a small metal bowl)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    In a large bowl combine 300 g chicken pieces, 1 tsp garlic‑ginger paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chili powder, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp crushed red chilies, 0.5 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp chaat masala, a pinch of orange food colour and 1 tbsp cooking oil. Mix well, cover, and let marinate for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  2. Cook the Chicken

    Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and cook the marinated chicken, covered, for 8‑10 minutes until it is almost done, stirring once.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add Smoky Flavor

    Place a small metal bowl with 2 pieces of hot charcoal on the skillet, drizzle a few drops of oil over the charcoal, cover the pan and let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to absorb the smoky aroma.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cool and Chop Chicken

    Remove the pan, transfer the chicken to a plate, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then chop into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare the Dough – Dry Mix

    In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp instant yeast and 0.5 tsp baking powder. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare the Dough – Wet Mix & Knead

    Add 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp cooking oil and enough warm water (about 3/4 cup) to the dry mix. Knead until you obtain a soft, non‑sticky dough.

    Time: PT10M

  7. First Dough Rest

    Grease the bowl with a little oil, cover with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it roughly doubles in size.

    Time: PT1H

  8. Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce

    In a separate bowl whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 tbsp chili‑garlic ketchup, 2 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp mustard paste, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp crushed red chilies, 0.25 tsp salt, 1 tbsp lemon juice and the finely chopped green and red jalapeños (if using).

    Time: PT5M

  9. Divide and Shape the Dough

    Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 6 equal portions, and roll each portion into a disc about 6‑7 inches in diameter, not too thin.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Assemble the Breads

    Spread a thin layer of the spicy mayo sauce on the centre of each disc, place a lettuce leaf, a handful of the chopped chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Fold the edges over and seal by pressing the side corners together, using a little water if needed.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Second Rest

    Place the assembled breads on a tray, dust lightly with flour, cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes so they puff slightly.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Cook the Breads on Tawa

    Heat the tawa over medium heat, lightly grease with oil or butter. Cook each bread for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip, brush the other side with a little oil/butter, cover and cook on low heat for another 2‑3 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is golden. Turn the side corners as needed to ensure even cooking.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium heat then low heat

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
40 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Eggs

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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Make Shawarma Chicken Bread Without Oven on Tawa like a Pro with This Trick

Recipe by Hira Khawaja

A soft, creamy, cheesy chicken shawarma‑style bread cooked entirely on a stovetop. Marinated chicken is cooked, smoked with charcoal for a hint of char, then tucked into a fluffy yeasted flatbread with a spicy mayo‑based sauce, lettuce, mozzarella and cheddar. Ready in about 3 hours including dough rise, but no oven is required.

MediumIndianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 50m
Prep
55m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$56.12
Total cost
$9.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for full flavor
  • Ensuring the dough rises properly during the 1‑hour rest
  • Sealing the bread edges tightly to prevent cheese leakage
  • Using charcoal to impart authentic smoky aroma
  • Cooking the assembled breads on medium‑low heat to melt cheese without burning

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot charcoal with tongs and keep a fire extinguisher nearby
  • Do not leave hot oil unattended on the tawa
  • Allow cooked chicken to cool slightly before chopping to avoid burns

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Shawarma Chicken Bread in Indian street food culture?

A

Shawarma Chicken Bread is a modern Indian street‑food fusion that blends Middle‑Eastern shawarma spices with the Indian love for soft, yeasted breads like naan and kulcha. It became popular in urban food stalls where quick, handheld, cheesy meals are prized.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken shawarma‑style breads in Indian cuisine?

A

In North India, the bread may be a thicker kulcha flavored with ajwain; in South India, a dosa‑style crepe is sometimes used. Some regions add mint‑coriander chutney instead of spicy mayo, reflecting local taste preferences.

cultural
Q

How is Shawarma Chicken Bread traditionally served in Indian street markets?

A

Vendors typically serve it hot, wrapped in parchment, with a side of tangy tamarind chutney and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It is eaten on the go, often accompanied by a cold soda or lassi.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature Shawarma Chicken Bread in Indian culture?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, it is a favorite at college gatherings, weekend night‑markets, and informal family get‑togethers where quick, satisfying snacks are needed.

cultural
Q

What makes Shawarma Chicken Bread special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

The dish combines the smoky, spice‑rich profile of shawarma with a soft, fluffy Indian flatbread that melts cheese inside, creating a handheld, gooey experience rarely found in traditional Indian cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Shawarma Chicken Bread versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken, garam masala, chaat masala, yogurt, and Indian flatbread dough. Substitutes can be chicken thigh for juicier meat, Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, or smoked paprika instead of charcoal for a milder smoke.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Shawarma Chicken Bread?

A

Serve it alongside a fresh cucumber‑raita, pickled onions, or a simple dal tadka. A side of spicy potato wedges or a bowl of clear chicken soup also complements the richness of the bread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Shawarma Chicken Bread at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken before smoking, not sealing the bread edges tightly, using cold water for the dough (which stalls yeast), and cooking the bread on too high heat, which burns the exterior before the cheese melts.

technical
Q

Why does this Shawarma Chicken Bread recipe use charcoal for smoking instead of smoked paprika?

A

Charcoal creates a real, penetrating smoke that infuses the chicken with an authentic, slightly bitter char flavor that powdered spices cannot replicate, giving the dish its signature street‑food aroma.

technical
Q

Can I make Shawarma Chicken Bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the marinated chicken and dough a day ahead; keep the dough refrigerated after the first rise. Assemble the breads, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked breads store 2 days in the fridge or freeze for a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Shawarma Chicken Bread is done?

A

The bread should be golden‑brown on the outside, slightly puffed, and the cheese inside fully melted with a stretchy pull. The edges should be sealed with no gaps, and the chicken should be juicy and lightly smoky.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Hira Khawaja specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Hira Khawaja specializes in easy‑to‑follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on creative twists to classic street‑food and comfort dishes that can be made with everyday kitchen tools.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Hira Khawaja's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Hira Khawaja emphasizes stovetop shortcuts, minimal equipment, and bold flavor layering, often incorporating unconventional techniques like charcoal smoking at home, whereas many other channels rely heavily on oven‑based methods or traditional recipes without such modern twists.

channel

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