Chilli Chapathi

Ever look at leftover chapathis and think, “What do I even do with these?”
If yes, you’re about to discover your new favourite snack.

Chilli Chapathi is that genius Indo-Chinese twist where soft chapathi pieces soak up a spicy, tangy, restaurant-style chilli masala, the kind you normally get in chilli parotta or chilli garlic noodles. Except here, you’re making it faster, cheaper, and healthier.

If your family gets bored with regular chapathi… this is the fix.

Why You’ll Love This Chilli Chapathi

This dish is perfect because:

• It transforms leftovers into something exciting
  
• It cooks in under 15 minutes
  
• You need only pantry ingredients
  
• It’s kid-friendly, tiffin-friendly and beginner-friendly
  
• It tastes just like street-style chilli parotta, but lighter
  

About the Dish: Indo-Chinese Meets Everyday Indian Home

Chilli Chapathi is inspired by classic South Indian “kothu” dishes and Indo-Chinese flavours.

Think of it as an easy, fuss-free version of chilli parotta minus the deep frying and heavy masala.

In many South Indian homes, this is the go-to solution when:

• You’re tired
  
• You don’t want to make dough again
  
• Kids want “something spicy”
  
• Or you want to finish leftovers smartly
  

Ingredient Breakdown

• Garlic & Green Chilli – Your base aromatics for that Indo-Chinese punch
  
• Onions – Adds flavour, body and sweetness to balance the sauces
  
• Tomato Puree – Gives the masala richness and helps coat the chapathi evenly
  
• Salt, Pepper & Cumin Powder – Simple but essential for depth
  
• Soy Sauce – Adds umami
  
• Schezwan Sauce – Brings heat & a restaurant-style chilli kick
  
• Tomato Ketchup – Balances spice with light sweetness
  
• Capsicum Wedges – Crunch & freshness
  
• Coriander Leaves – Bright finishing touch
  
• Leftover Chapathi – Cut into small pieces so they absorb flavour perfectly
  

Pro Tip💡: Use slightly dry leftover chapathis, they hold shape better and taste even more like chilli parotta after cooking.

How It Comes Together

You’ll first chop your leftover chapatis into small squares, don’t worry about perfect shapes.
Heat a kadai, add oil, then toss in your chopped garlic, a little ginger, and green chillies.
Once fragrant, add onions and sauté until soft and pale.

Now comes the base: pour in tomato puree and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Season with salt, pepper and cumin so the masala gets balanced.
Add soy sauce, Schezwan sauce and tomato ketchup — this combination gives THE signature Indo-Chinese flavour.

Throw in your capsicum wedges and cook until everything becomes saucy, shiny and thick.

Finally, add the chopped chapathi pieces and gently fold them in so every piece gets evenly coated.
Finish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.

Pro Tip 💡: If you like your Chilli Chapathi crispy, lightly roast the chapathi pieces before adding them to the masala.

What Goes Along with Chilli Chapathi

This snack works beautifully with:

• A simple onion raita
  
• Mint chutney
  
• A glass of cold buttermilk
  
• Hot tea in the evening

How to Serve

• Serve hot for the best texture
  
• Add extra spring onions or coriander on top
  
• Sprinkle chilli flakes if you like it fiery

Packing for Lunch Box

Chilli Chapathi actually packs really well:

• Let it cool before packing
  
• Add 1 tsp extra oil while cooking, so it doesn’t dry out
  
• Pack a small ketchup sachet for kids

Party/Bulk Preparation Tips

• Chop chapathi earlier
  
• Prep your sauces in a small bowl for quick tossing
  
• Make the masala in bulk, then add chapati in batches
  
• Keep the flame medium so the sauce doesn’t burn

Substitutions

How to Store Chilli Chapathi

• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
  
• Store in an airtight glass container
  
• Add 1–2 tsp water while reheating if it turns dry

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Best method is to heat on a tawa for 3–4 mins
  
• Microwave: 30–40 seconds with lid on
  
• Air fryer: Not recommended (dries out)

Other Related Recipes You Might Like:-

• Leftover Rice Chapati – creative leftover-friendly chapati variation, perfect for quick meals.
• Spicy Veg Chilli – Indo-Chinese style spicy vegetable stir fry, similar in flavour profile to chilli chapathi.
• Schezwan Paneer – spicy, saucy paneer dish that pairs beautifully with chilli chapathi.
• Indian-Style Masala Pasta – desi-style pasta with masala flavours similar to chilli-chapathi masala.
• Chilli Bread – another quick Indo-Chinese fusion snack made with bread.
• Soft Bun Dosa – fluffy, masala-friendly dosa that pairs well with spicy toppings.
• Instant Rava Uttapam – easy breakfast option that goes well with the same chutneys/sides.
• Tomato Egg Curry – a spicy curry that complements chilli chapathi as a side.