Malai chicken, also known as “Chicken Malai Tikka,” is a delicious and creamy Indian dish that is perfect as an appetizer or main course. It’s made with tender pieces of chicken marinated in a mixture of cream, yogurt, and aromatic spices. Here’s a simple recipe to make Malai Chicken at home:
Ingredients:
For the marinade:
- 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup thick yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or malai)
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
For garnish:
- Sliced onions
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
- Chaat masala (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: yogurt, heavy cream, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, melted butter, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder (if using), and salt.
- Mix the marinade well until you get a smooth and uniform mixture.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or use a grill/barbecue if available.
- If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or on a greased grill rack.
- Bake or grill the chicken skewers for about 20-25 minutes, turning them once midway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- Once done, remove the skewers from the oven/grill.
- Garnish the Malai Chicken with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro leaves. You can also sprinkle a little chaat masala on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve the succulent and creamy Malai Chicken tikka with green chutney or a side of salad. It’s best enjoyed hot and makes for a perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings. Enjoy!