Quick soft chapati recipe
Have you ever found yourself wanting to make chapatis but didn’t have the time for the traditional, layered version? You’re not alone! As a busy mom, homemaker, or simply someone managing a full schedule, finding quick, reliable, and satisfying recipes like this Quick soft chapati recipe can make all the difference in your daily routine.
That’s why I’m excited to share with you this incredibly fast, no-layer chapati recipe that doesn’t compromise on softness or flavor.
In many Kenyan homes and across East Africa, chapati is a beloved flatbread served with everything from beans and greens to beef stew and tea.
Roti holds a special place in hospitality and family meals. However, the traditional method of rolling, layering, and cooking chapati can take a significant amount of time—sometimes discouraging even the most dedicated home cooks from making it as often as they’d like.
This Quick soft chapati recipe solves that problem.
Today, I’ll be walking you through my go-to method for making soft, delicious chapatis in less time—without layering!
These chapatis are made with everyday pantry ingredients and are perfect for busy weeknights, unplanned visitors, or when you just want to enjoy something warm and homemade with minimal fuss.
On my YouTube channel, Recipes and Hospitality with Clara, and on this blog, I’m passionate about sharing simple, budget-friendly recipes that are practical for women seeking to cultivate hospitality for the glory of God.
Every recipe, including this quick soft chapati recipe, is carefully tested to ensure it’s not only easy to make but also meaningful in how it supports your home, your ministry, and your mission to serve others joyfully.
So whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a newlywed learning to cook, or a long-time chapati maker looking for a shortcut—this recipe is for you.
Let’s make something beautiful and simple together. Ready to get started?
Quick Soft Chapati Recipe (No Layering, Fast Method)
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 turner (To flip the chapatis)
- Measuring cups and spoons as needed
- Heavy bottomed frying pan - About 10 to 12 inches in diameter is preferable) (To hasten the process I use multiple pans to fry the chapatis)
- 1 Tablespoon (For applying oil on chapatis while frying)
- 1 Clean Kitchen Towel
- Two plates or hotpot (To keep the chapatis warm while frying)
Ingredients
- 3 cups room temperature water
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3 tbsps. sugar (optional)
- 8 - 9 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting; may vary depending on your flour brand)
- 3 tbsps. cooking oil (plus extra for frying)
Instructions
- CombineIngredients:Pour the 3 cups of room temperature water into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and sugar. Stir to dissolve. Add the 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Add Flour Gradually: Start adding flour one cup at a time while mixing. Depending on your flour brand, you may need slightly more or less than 9 cups. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough—this is key for a quick soft chapati recipe to ensure softness without layering.
- Knead Thoroughly: Once all the flour is incorporated, knead the dough until smooth and soft. You can use a bread knife or your hands to gather the dough together. This dough does not need to be firm—soft dough is the secret!
- Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 20–30 minutes. During this time, prepare any side dishes or vegetables you plan to serve with your chapati.
- Divide and Shape:Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rough log. Cut it into 15–16 equal pieces. If you’re new to chapati making, you’ll learn to estimate sizes better with practice. (You can divide the dough into half, then quarters, then eighths, then sixteenths)
- Roll the Chapati:Roll out 2–3 pieces at a time, depending on your speed. The first one may be slow, but you’ll pick up speed. Aim for medium thickness—too thin and they’ll become crispy; too thick and they won’t cook evenly.
- Cook on a Hot Pan: Heat your pan (not too hot) and place the rolled dough on it. Allow it to dry fry for about 1 minute or until color changes slightly.
- Apply Oil and Flip: Lightly oil the surface (about 1 tablespoon or less),then flip. Repeat the process for the other side. Swirl the chapati on the pan and press gently with a turner or spatula as it cooks. The golden patches will begin to form.
- Avoid Overcooking: Do not let the chapati sit on the pan too long—this can make it tough. Once both sides are golden and cooked through, remove from heat.
- Repeat:Continue with the rest of the dough. If you want to speed things up, use two or three pans simultaneously. You can also get help from a family member to roll while you fry.
Video
Notes
Tips to Make It Faster
- Use multiple pans to cook more chapatis at once.
- Cut and roll all your dough before frying, or keep the process going by ensuring you have at least 2 or 3 rolled as you cook.
- Get help from family or kitchen assistants, especially the rolling part, to speed up the process.
This version is ideal when time is limited, such as on a busy weekday evening or when unexpected guests arrive.
Although I love the traditional layered chapati, this quick soft chapati recipe truly shines in how fast it comes together—without sacrificing softness and taste.
Even when I don’t use a hot pot to store them, the chapatis still remain soft.
It’s a great option for feeding your family quickly and still showing the love and care of homemade food.
If you’re interested in the more traditional version, I also have a layered chapati recipe on my channel here. if you prefer the blog version, find the recipe here. The recipe offers airy, fluffy chapatis perfect for special occasions.
To further help with your kitchen planning, I have two free downloadable meal planning templates. One is blank for your own use and you can find it here, and the other is filled in with Kenyan meal ideas that I’m working with this season that you can find here. These are great tools to support your hospitality efforts.
Final Thoughts
This quick soft chapati recipe is my go-to for busy days when I still want to serve something warm and satisfying.
I pray it blesses your kitchen and helps you serve others joyfully. Remember, simple meals prepared in love can powerfully support your ministry of hospitality.
Thank you for joining me! For more simple recipes, check out the other blog posts linked below.
You’re welcome to join our free weekly newsletter here for more content on hospitality, discipleship, budget-friendly living, and purpose, plus a weekly devotional that I trust will be a blessing!
Until next time, God bless you and your home.
Recommended:
Kenyan No-meat Pilau Recipe| Best Pilau Recipe
Pilau Masala Spice Recipe Without a Grinder
Easiest 4-ingredient Mandazi on a Budget Recipe| Kenyan Mandazi
Cold Water Chapati Recipe| Kenyan Roti
Best Rabbit Meat Wet Fry Recipe
No-cheese No-oven Budget-friendly Pizza Recipe on Gas Stove Top
Easiest No-oven Granola Recipe
Basic No-oven Cake Recipe on Gas