How to make malai chicken

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:

1. 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.
2. Mix the marinade well until you get a smooth and uniform mixture.
3. 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.
4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or use a grill/barbecue if available.
5. If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes to prevent burning.
6. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
7. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or on a greased grill rack.
8. 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.
9. Once done, remove the skewers from the oven/grill.
10. 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!