Chapatis are an essential part of everyday meals, but many people face the common problem of their chapatis becoming dry, hard, or chewy within a few hours. This becomes an even bigger issue when packing chapatis for tiffin or carrying them while travelling. Loss of moisture is the primary reason behind stiff chapatis, but with a few simple kitchen tricks, you can keep them soft and fresh all day.

Soft chapatis are not just about kneading the dough correctly. Small steps like using warm water, giving the dough enough rest, cooking at the right temperature, and storing chapatis properly make a big difference. These tried-and-tested home remedies ensure your chapatis stay fluffy, moist, and delicious for hours.

1. Knead the Dough with Warm Water or Milk

Using warm water or milk while kneading helps develop gluten and improves the elasticity of the dough.
After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
This makes the dough smoother, easier to roll, and perfect for soft chapatis.

2. Add a Spoon of Oil or Ghee to the Dough

Mixing one or two teaspoons of oil or ghee while kneading locks in moisture.
It prevents the chapatis from drying out and gives them a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
This small addition also enhances flavour, making chapatis taste richer.

3. Allow the Dough to Rest Properly

Letting the dough rest is crucial.
A minimum of 15–20 minutes of rest time helps the dough stretch uniformly and makes rolling effortless.
Well-rested dough naturally produces softer chapatis.

4. Roll the Chapatis Gently and Evenly

Do not apply too much pressure while rolling.
Uneven rolling can cause the chapati to puff inconsistently and develop hard spots.
Slow, gentle, and uniform rolling ensures thin, evenly cooked chapatis.

5. Cook on Medium Flame for Best Results

Avoid using very high heat as it can make the chapati dry and stiff.
Cook on medium flame so the chapati heats evenly, puffs up nicely, and stays soft from the inside.
Turn the chapati when tiny bubbles appear—this is the perfect moment to flip.

6. Apply Ghee or Butter Immediately After Cooking

Once the chapati is cooked, spread a thin layer of ghee or butter on top.
This seals the moisture, adds softness, and enhances taste.
It also prevents chapatis from sticking together when stored.

Bonus Tips for Storing Chapatis Soft

• Wrap chapatis in a clean cloth or tissue to maintain moisture.
• Store in an insulated container to retain warmth.
• For lunchboxes, place a small piece of paper towel inside the container to absorb excess steam and prevent sogginess.

With these simple household techniques, you can prepare chapatis that stay soft and fresh for hours. Whether for home meals, office tiffin, or travel, these six steps ensure your chapatis remain perfectly soft and delicious every time.