If you are looking for the “crown jewel” of appetizer recipes, the Chatni Melt Chicken Kabab is it. This dish is a masterclass in flavor contrast: a smoky, spiced chicken exterior that gives way to a vibrant, zesty herb chutney and a rich, molten cheese core.
At Sister’s Cuisines, led by Flavor Architect Nabila Imran, we specialize in taking traditional snacks and adding a gourmet, modern twist.1 This recipe isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about the technical precision of the “Dhuaan” (smoke) infusion and the careful sealing of the molten center to ensure your kababs never leak in the pan.
What Makes This Kabab a Gourmet Success?
What elevates this from a standard chicken nugget to a “Shahi” (Royal) snack are three specific culinary pillars:
We don’t just season the chicken mince; we treat it with the Dhungar (Charcoal Smoke) method. By infusing the raw mince with charcoal smoke before shaping, we give the kabab an “outdoor grill” flavor even when it’s shallow-fried in your kitchen.
A common problem with stuffed kababs is that the chutney can become watery and cause the kabab to break. Our secret is blending the green chutney with an ice cube. This prevents the friction of the blender blades from heating the herbs, maintaining a vibrant green color and a thick, stable consistency that stays put inside the kabab.
To ensure the cheese and chutney “melt” but do not “escape,” we use a professional triple-coating process: Flour (to dry the surface), Egg (to act as a glue), and Bread Crumbs (to create a crispy, protective shell).
The Ingredients List
Component | Ingredients |
The Chicken Base | 1 kg Chicken Mince, Garlic, Onion, Mixed Herbs, Cumin, Crushed Red Chili, Black Pepper, Onion Powder |
The Green Chutney | Fresh Mint, Coriander, Green Chilies, Garlic, Ice Cube |
The Molten Core | Cheese Slices (as required) |
The Coating | All-purpose Flour (Maida), Beaten Eggs, Bread Crumbs |
Frying Medium | Oil for shallow frying |
Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Melt
Step 1: Seasoning & The Smoke
In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince with all spices and aromatics. Mix thoroughly until the proteins are well-bonded.
The Dhuaan Step: Place a small piece of red-hot charcoal in a foil cup in the center of the bowl. Drizzle a drop of oil on it and cover immediately for 5 minutes to trap the smoke.
Step 2: The Vibrant Green Chutney
Blend the mint, coriander, chilies, garlic, and salt with one ice cube. Use as little water as possible. The goal is a thick paste, not a liquid sauce.
Step 3: Shaping the Masterpiece
Place a ball of chicken mince on a plastic sheet (this prevents sticking and helps in rolling). Flatten it out, place a cheese slice in the center, and spread a spoonful of the chutney on the cheese. Carefully use the plastic sheet to lift the edges of the mince and seal it into a log or oval shape. Ensure there are no cracks!
Step 4: The Triple Coat
Roll each kabab in flour, dip in egg, and finally press into the bread crumbs.
Pro Tip: Chill the coated kababs in the fridge for 20 minutes before frying. This “sets” the coating and prevents the cheese from bursting out too quickly.
Step 5: The Golden Fry
Shallow fry on medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the cheese melts; if too low, the kabab will absorb too much oil. Aim for a deep, even golden-brown.
About Nabila Imran & Sister’s Cuisines
I am Nabila Imran, a Flavor Architect and guardian of authentic South Asian flavor. My kitchen is where heritage techniques meet the modern palate. At Sister’s Cuisines, we provide more than just recipes; we provide a narrative of flavor, ensuring that every dish you serve carries the warmth and expertise of our culinary legacy.
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