Chicken Malai Tikka is a creamy, flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a rich blend of yoghurt, cheese, and spices, and then grilled to perfection. This recipe offers a gourmet experience that’s easy to achieve at home, making it perfect for special occasions and weeknight dinners.
About the Recipe
Chicken Malai Tikka stands out due to its luxurious and creamy marinade. Using hung curd and cashew paste gives the chicken a rich texture, while the spices add depth and complexity. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of Indian culinary tradition to your table. Serve it with mint chutney for an extra burst of flavour. Whether you’re familiar with Indian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love Chicken Malai Tikka for its tender, juicy chicken pieces packed with flavour. The creamy marinade made from yoghurt, cheese, and cashew paste ensures each bite is rich and satisfying. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Its simple yet effective marinating process brings out the best in the chicken, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
Chicken Malai Tikka
Cooking Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but for best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat your oven or grill to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
- Baste the chicken with butter halfway through cooking to keep it moist.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Chicken Malai Tikka is best served hot on the grill or oven. It pairs wonderfully with mint chutney, naan, or a fresh salad. This recipe serves 2-3 people and takes about 1 hour of active cooking time, with a total preparation time of 2 hours, including marinating. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Other Similar Recipes
- Paneer Tikka
- Tandoori Chicken
- Hariyali Chicken Tikka
Nutrient Benefits
This recipe includes yoghurt and cashew paste, which are good protein and healthy fats sources. Spices like cardamom and mace add flavour and potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing antioxidants.
Chicken Malai Tikka
Ingredients
- 250 gms Chicken (boneless, cubed)
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3/4 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Oil
For marinade:
- 1 cup Hung Curd
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cashewnut Paste
- 1/2 Egg White
- 1 1/2 tbsp Oil: tbsp
- 1/8 cup Cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp Green Chillies (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp Cream
- 1/2 tsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Black Salt
- 1/8 tsp White Pepper Powder
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Chaat Masala
- 1/4 tsp Mace Powder
- 1/8 tsp Cardamom Powder
Instructions
- Combine the white vinegar, salt, white pepper powder, ginger garlic paste, and oil in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces and marinate them for an hour.
- Mix the grated cheese with hung curd until smooth in a separate bowl.
- Add the egg white and mix well.
- Stir in the cashew nut paste, oil, chopped coriander leaves, green chillies, cream, butter, black salt, white pepper powder, lemon juice, chaat masala, mace powder, and cardamom powder. Mix until smooth.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the chicken pieces on a baking tray and cook for 15 minutes until well browned.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the marinade creamier?
To make the marinade for Chicken Malai Tikka creamier, use full-fat hung curd and a generous amount of cashew paste. You can also add a bit more cream if you prefer. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly until smooth will give you a rich, creamy marinade that coats the chicken beautifully.
Can I cook Chicken Malai Tikka on a grill instead of in the oven?
Yes, you can cook Chicken Malai Tikka on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken pieces for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred. Basting with butter or oil during grilling will keep the chicken moist and add extra flavour.
What can I serve with Chicken Malai Tikka?
Chicken Malai Tikka pairs wonderfully with mint chutney, naan, or a fresh salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it with fragrant basmati rice or biryani. The tikka’s creamy and slightly spicy flavours also go well with cooling raita or tangy tamarind chutney.
How can I make Chicken Malai Tikka spicier?
To make Chicken Malai Tikka spicier, increase the number of green chillies in the marinade. Adding a bit of red chilli powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can also bring an extra kick. Adjust the spices to your preference, but be careful not to overpower the creamy elements of the dish.
Can I use paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian version?
To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can substitute paneer for chicken. Follow the same marinating and cooking instructions, but be gentle when handling paneer, as it can break easily. Paneer Malai Tikka is a delicious alternative that retains the creamy, rich flavours of the original dish.
