Malai Chicken is a soft, creamy, and rich chicken dish that is loved by many people across India. The word “Malai” means cream in Hindi and Urdu. This dish gets its name because it uses fresh cream, yogurt, and spices to give a smooth and rich taste. Mughlai food was made in the kitchens of the Mughal kings many years ago in India. The Mughals loved food that was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Many dishes we enjoy today, like biryani, korma, and butter chicken, were made during this time. Malai Chicken is also part of this royal food tradition. It was made for kings and queens, but now anyone can enjoy it at home. In this blog post, you will learn how to make Malai Chicken step by step. Even if you are new to cooking, don’t worry. The Malai Chicken Recipe is simple, and the result is always tasty. Let’s get started and make this creamy chicken at home.
_11zon.jpg "Malai Chicken Recipe (Creamy, Juicy and Delicious)")
This dish is easy to make and does not take too much time. The chicken is marinated (soaked) in a mix of cream, yogurt, and mild spices for a few hours. Then, it is cooked until soft and juicy. You can grill it, bake it, or cook it in a pan. Malai Chicken is often served with Naan, Roti, or Rice. It also tastes great with mint Chutney or salad.
The Malai Chicken recipe is simple and easy to follow. You don’t need many ingredients, and you don’t need to be an expert in cooking. Anyone can make this dish at home. If you want to try something creamy, soft, and full of flavor, Malai Chicken is a great choice.
Step 2:- Wash it well under clean running water 2–3 times. Pat the chicken dry with a kitchen towel or tissue to remove extra water. This helps the marinade stick better.
Place the clean chicken in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 4:- Mix all ingredients well until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cheese or cream.
Step 5:- Pour the prepared marinade over the cleaned chicken pieces. Use your hands or a spoon to coat every piece well. Make sure each piece is fully covered in the marinade.
Step 6:- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Keep the chicken in the refrigerator (not freezer) for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate for 2–3 hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the softer and tastier the chicken becomes.
Step 8:- Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
Step 9:- Let the chicken cook on one side for 3–4 minutes, then flip. Stir gently every few minutes so the marinade doesn’t stick or burn.
Step 10:- Cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and soft. Check by cutting a piece—there should be no pink inside. The gravy will become thick and creamy.
Step 11:- If it dries too quickly, you can sprinkle a little water or add 1 tablespoon cream toward the end.
Step 12:- Turn off the flame and let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or a little extra cream or grated cheese on top.
We hope this blog helped you learn something new and inspired you to try this amazing recipe in your kitchen. Don't forget to save this recipe or share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking and enjoy your creamy, tasty Malai Chicken.
_11zon.jpg "Malai Chicken Recipe (Creamy, Juicy and Delicious)")
What is Malai Chicken Recipe
Malai Chicken is a soft, creamy, and tasty chicken dish. It is also called Murgh Malai Tikka in some places. The word “Malai” means cream. So, this dish is made with cream, yogurt, and a few mild spices. It is not very spicy, but it is full of flavor. The chicken becomes very soft and juicy after cooking. Malai Chicken is white or light in color because it does not use red chili or strong spices. It is perfect for people who like mild food with a rich, creamy taste.This dish is easy to make and does not take too much time. The chicken is marinated (soaked) in a mix of cream, yogurt, and mild spices for a few hours. Then, it is cooked until soft and juicy. You can grill it, bake it, or cook it in a pan. Malai Chicken is often served with Naan, Roti, or Rice. It also tastes great with mint Chutney or salad.
The Malai Chicken recipe is simple and easy to follow. You don’t need many ingredients, and you don’t need to be an expert in cooking. Anyone can make this dish at home. If you want to try something creamy, soft, and full of flavor, Malai Chicken is a great choice.
How to Make Malai Chicken
Malai Chicken is a soft, creamy, and tasty chicken dish made with yogurt, cream, and mild spices. This recipe is easy to make at home and does not need too many ingredients. Malai Chicken is not very spicy, so it is perfect for kids and people who like light flavors. You can enjoy it with naan, roti, or rice. Let's see how you can easily make Malai Chicken at home step by step.Clean the Chicken
Step 1:- Take 500 grams of chicken (boneless or with bone). If using boneless chicken, cut it into medium-sized cubes. If using chicken with bone, keep pieces medium, not too big.Step 2:- Wash it well under clean running water 2–3 times. Pat the chicken dry with a kitchen towel or tissue to remove extra water. This helps the marinade stick better.
Place the clean chicken in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Marinate the Chicken
Step 3:- In a separate mixing bowl, add the following ingredients:- 3 tablespoons yogurt (curd)(Use thick curd. Avoid watery curd), 3 tablespoons fresh cream (malai or store-bought), 2 tablespoons grated cheese (optional, For extra richness and softness. You can use processed cheese or mozzarella), 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon green chili paste (optional), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon black pepper powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, Salt to taste,Step 4:- Mix all ingredients well until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cheese or cream.
Step 5:- Pour the prepared marinade over the cleaned chicken pieces. Use your hands or a spoon to coat every piece well. Make sure each piece is fully covered in the marinade.
Step 6:- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Keep the chicken in the refrigerator (not freezer) for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate for 2–3 hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the softer and tastier the chicken becomes.
Cook the Chicken
Step 7:- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed kadai over medium flame.Step 8:- Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
Step 9:- Let the chicken cook on one side for 3–4 minutes, then flip. Stir gently every few minutes so the marinade doesn’t stick or burn.
Step 10:- Cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and soft. Check by cutting a piece—there should be no pink inside. The gravy will become thick and creamy.
Step 11:- If it dries too quickly, you can sprinkle a little water or add 1 tablespoon cream toward the end.
Step 12:- Turn off the flame and let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or a little extra cream or grated cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hot and Fresh
Malai Chicken tastes best when it is hot and fresh. After cooking, serve it immediately so it stays soft and creamy.
Pair with Indian Breads
Serve Malai Chicken with:
Enjoy with Rice
You can also eat Malai Chicken with rice, such as:
Add a Side Dish
Add something cool and fresh on the side:
Add Something Crunchy
Serve with papad (crispy thin snack) for a crunchy bite. Fry or roast it before serving.
Perfect for Special Meals
Malai Chicken is great for:
Put the Malai Chicken in a clean, nice-looking bowl. Garnish with Chopped coriander leaves
or A drizzle of fresh cream or butter.
2: Marinate Longer for More Flavor:- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you can, keep it for 3–4 hours or even overnight in the fridge. The longer it rests, the softer and more flavorful the chicken will be.
3: Don’t Skip Cheese (Optional but Tasty):- Adding a little grated cheese to the marinade makes the chicken extra creamy and rich. It melts while cooking and adds a nice texture.
4: Avoid Too Much Water:- Do not add water while cooking. The chicken will release its own juices. If needed, add only 1–2 tablespoons of cream or a splash of milk, not water.
5: Use Low Flame for Soft Chicken:- Cook the chicken on medium to low flame. High heat can make the outside brown too fast and leave the inside raw or dry.
6: Use Boneless for Quick Cooking:- Boneless chicken cooks faster and is great for tikkas or party snacks. But you can also use chicken with bone for extra flavor.
7: Add Butter or Cream at the End:- For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon of butter or cream at the end of cooking. Stir gently and serve hot.
8: Serve Fresh and Hot:- Malai Chicken tastes best when served fresh and warm. Reheating may make it dry, so enjoy it right after cooking if possible.
How to Store Malai chicken
Step 1: Let It Cool Down:- After cooking the Malai Chicken, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Do not put hot food directly in the fridge.
Step 2: Use an Airtight Container:- Place the cooled chicken in a clean, airtight container. This keeps the food fresh and stops it from smelling in the fridge.
Step 3: Store in the Refrigerator:- Keep the container in the fridge. You can store Malai Chicken for up to 2 days safely. Do not keep it outside for long.
Step 4: For Longer Storage ( Freeze):- If you want to keep it longer, place the chicken in a freezer-safe box and freeze it. You can store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Write the date on the box, so you remember when you stored it.
How to Reheat Malai chicken
Step 5: Reheat from Fridge:- Take the chicken out of the fridge. Put it in a non-stick pan or microwave-safe bowl. If it looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Heat on low flame for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. Stir once or twice while reheating.
Step 6: Reheat from Freezer:- If frozen, first keep the container outside for 1 hour or use the microwave's defrost setting. Then reheat the same way as above, slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips:- Only reheat the amount you want to eat. Do not reheat again and again. This keeps the food safe and tasty.
Malai Chicken tastes best when it is hot and fresh. After cooking, serve it immediately so it stays soft and creamy.
Pair with Indian Breads
Serve Malai Chicken with:
- Naan – soft, fluffy bread
- Roti or Chapati – simple Indian flatbread
- Paratha – layered and slightly crispy bread
- Warm the bread before serving for better taste.
Enjoy with Rice
You can also eat Malai Chicken with rice, such as:
- Plain steamed rice
- Jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice)
- Pulao – lightly spiced vegetable rice
Add a Side Dish
Add something cool and fresh on the side:
- Mint chutney – a green, tangy sauce
- Cucumber or onion salad – sliced and topped with lemon juice and salt
- Raita – yogurt mixed with cucumber, onion, or spices
Add Something Crunchy
Serve with papad (crispy thin snack) for a crunchy bite. Fry or roast it before serving.
Perfect for Special Meals
Malai Chicken is great for:
- Dinner parties
- Weekend family meals
- Festivals or celebrations
Put the Malai Chicken in a clean, nice-looking bowl. Garnish with Chopped coriander leaves
or A drizzle of fresh cream or butter.
Expert Tips
1: Use Fresh Ingredients:- Always use fresh cream, yogurt, and chicken for the best taste. Fresh ingredients make the dish more creamy and soft.2: Marinate Longer for More Flavor:- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you can, keep it for 3–4 hours or even overnight in the fridge. The longer it rests, the softer and more flavorful the chicken will be.
3: Don’t Skip Cheese (Optional but Tasty):- Adding a little grated cheese to the marinade makes the chicken extra creamy and rich. It melts while cooking and adds a nice texture.
4: Avoid Too Much Water:- Do not add water while cooking. The chicken will release its own juices. If needed, add only 1–2 tablespoons of cream or a splash of milk, not water.
5: Use Low Flame for Soft Chicken:- Cook the chicken on medium to low flame. High heat can make the outside brown too fast and leave the inside raw or dry.
6: Use Boneless for Quick Cooking:- Boneless chicken cooks faster and is great for tikkas or party snacks. But you can also use chicken with bone for extra flavor.
7: Add Butter or Cream at the End:- For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon of butter or cream at the end of cooking. Stir gently and serve hot.
8: Serve Fresh and Hot:- Malai Chicken tastes best when served fresh and warm. Reheating may make it dry, so enjoy it right after cooking if possible.
How to Store and Reheat
After enjoying your creamy and tasty Malai Chicken, you may have some food left. Don’t throw it away! You can store it safely and eat it later. Storing and reheating the right way helps keep the chicken soft, juicy, and full of flavor. In this guide, you will learn simple steps to store Malai Chicken in the fridge or freezer and how to reheat it without losing taste.How to Store Malai chicken
Step 1: Let It Cool Down:- After cooking the Malai Chicken, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Do not put hot food directly in the fridge.
Step 2: Use an Airtight Container:- Place the cooled chicken in a clean, airtight container. This keeps the food fresh and stops it from smelling in the fridge.
Step 3: Store in the Refrigerator:- Keep the container in the fridge. You can store Malai Chicken for up to 2 days safely. Do not keep it outside for long.
Step 4: For Longer Storage ( Freeze):- If you want to keep it longer, place the chicken in a freezer-safe box and freeze it. You can store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Write the date on the box, so you remember when you stored it.
How to Reheat Malai chicken
Step 5: Reheat from Fridge:- Take the chicken out of the fridge. Put it in a non-stick pan or microwave-safe bowl. If it looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Heat on low flame for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. Stir once or twice while reheating.
Step 6: Reheat from Freezer:- If frozen, first keep the container outside for 1 hour or use the microwave's defrost setting. Then reheat the same way as above, slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips:- Only reheat the amount you want to eat. Do not reheat again and again. This keeps the food safe and tasty.
Recipe Card
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Malai Chicken Recipe (Creamy, Juicy and Delicious)
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes Marination Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
1 Cup= 240 ml, 1 Tablespoon = 15ml, 1 Teaspoon = 5ml
Serves: 5
- Chicken: 500 grams (boneless pieces or with bone)
- Fresh Cream (Malai): 3 tablespoons
- Yogurt (Curd): 3 tablespoons
- Cheese (grated, optional): 2 tablespoons
- Ginger paste: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
- Green chili paste (optional): 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Black pepper powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: as per taste
- Butter or Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Step 1: Clean the Chicken:- Wash the chicken pieces and keep them in a bowl.
Step 2: Make the Marinade:- In a bowl, mix yogurt, fresh cream, cheese, ginger paste, garlic paste, chili paste, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garam masala.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken:- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Mix well. Cover the bowl and keep it in the fridge for 1 hour or more.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken:- Heat butter or oil in a pan on medium flame. Add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir gently. Cook until chicken is soft and cooked fully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy:- Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice. You can also serve with mint chutney or salad.
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Nutrition Facts
Malai Chicken is not only creamy and tasty, but it also gives your body good nutrients. It is rich in protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals. In the table below, you can find out the nutritional facts of Malai Chicken per serving. This will help you understand what you are eating and how it can benefit your health.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value (Based on a 2,000-Calorie Diet) | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380–420 kcal | 21% | Gives energy and keeps you full. |
| Protein | 24 g | 48% | Helps in muscle growth and repair. |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g | 3% | Gives steady energy. |
| - Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 4% | Aids digestion. |
| - Sugars | 2 g | – | Comes from cream and onions. |
| Total Fat | 28 g | 43% | Gives healthy fats for body functions. |
| - Saturated Fat | 12 g | 60% | From cream and butter; eat in moderation. |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | From chicken and dairy. |
| Sodium | 500 mg | 21% | Flavorful; use less salt if needed. |
| Potassium | 240 mg | 7% | Helps with muscles and heart health. |
| Calcium | 180 mg | 18% | Good for bones and teeth. |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | Helps carry oxygen in the blood. |
| Vitamin A | 400 IU | 8% | Supports eyesight and immunity. |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg | 2% | Helps fight illness and absorbs iron. |
| Vitamin D | 15 IU | 3% | Helps the body use calcium. |
| Vitamin E | 1 mg | 7% | Protects cells from damage. |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg | 20% | Good for brain and nerves. |
| Folate (B9) | 30 mcg | 7% | Helps cell growth and repair. |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6 mcg | 25% | Keeps nerves healthy. |
| Magnesium | 35 mg | 9% | Supports muscles and energy. |
| Phosphorus | 160 mg | 16% | Important for bones and energy. |
| Zinc | 1.4 mg | 13% | Helps heal wounds and boosts immunity. |
| Copper | 0.1 mg | 5% | Helps with iron use in the body. |
| Selenium | 12 mcg | 17% | Protects the body from stress. |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg | 9% | Supports bones and digestion. |
Conclusion
Malai Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that is loved by many. It is made using simple ingredients like chicken, yogurt, cream, cheese, and mild spices. The special thing about this recipe is that it is not too spicy, but still full of taste. It is soft, juicy, and perfect for lunch or dinner. In this blog post, we learned everything step-by-step – from cleaning the chicken, making the marinade, cooking it properly, and even how to serve, store, and reheat it. We also shared expert tips and nutrition facts to help you cook better and eat healthy.We hope this blog helped you learn something new and inspired you to try this amazing recipe in your kitchen. Don't forget to save this recipe or share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking and enjoy your creamy, tasty Malai Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Malai Chicken?
Ans:- Malai Chicken is a creamy, soft chicken dish made with yogurt, cream, cheese, and mild spices. It is also called Cream Chicken. The word “malai” means cream in Hindi.
2. Is Malai Chicken spicy?
Ans:- No, Malai Chicken is not very spicy. It has a mild and rich flavor. It is perfect for people who do not like too much spice, including kids and elders.
3. Can I use boneless chicken?
Ans:- Yes, you can use boneless chicken. It cooks faster and is easier to eat. You can also use chicken with bones for more flavor. Both types work well.
4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ans:- You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For better taste, you can keep it in the fridge for 2–4 hours or even overnight.
5. Can I skip the cheese in the recipe?
Ans:- Yes, you can skip cheese if you don’t have it. But cheese gives a creamy texture and rich taste. You can use more cream to balance it.
6. What can I serve with Malai Chicken?
Ans:- You can serve Malai Chicken with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice. It also tastes good with mint chutney, salad, or raita.
7. Can I make Malai Chicken without cream?
Ans:- Yes, if you don’t have cream, you can use more yogurt or a little milk with butter. But cream gives the best smooth and rich flavor.
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