If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender, Chicken Malai (also known as Malai Tikka) is your answer. Originating from the Mughlai kitchens of India, this dish marries elegance with ease. The marinated boneless chicken pieces — infused with a mix of fresh cream, yogurt, cheese, and warm Indian spices — are grilled or pan-cooked until juicy, golden, and slightly smoky.
Perfect as a party starter, Iftar delight, or main dish with naan, Chicken Malai offers a melt-in-the-mouth experience unlike any other. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to earn compliments.
🌍 Cultural Significance of Chicken Malai in Indian Cuisine
In Indian cuisine, the word “malai” refers to fresh cream, and dishes carrying this name are usually creamy, rich, and mildly spiced. Chicken Malai fits right into the royal Mughlai tradition, where indulgence, richness, and balanced flavor are key. Unlike spicy tikkas like Chicken Tandoori or Reshmi Kebab, Chicken Malai is softer in taste — creamy yet savory.
This dish is extremely popular in Indian restaurants, especially in North India and Pakistan. It also holds a special place during Ramadan and Eid celebrations where lighter, protein-rich starters are preferred for Iftar.
🍗 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate authentic Chicken Malai at home:
Main Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken (preferably thigh meat for juiciness)
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Malai Marinade:
- 2 tbsp thick fresh cream (malai) or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp hung curd or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp grated mozzarella or processed cheese
- 1 finely chopped green chili (optional)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp oil or melted butter
- Pinch of cardamom powder (optional but enhances aroma)
- Kewra water or rose water (1/2 tsp) for a subtle floral aroma (optional)
🕐 Preparation & Cooking Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepping Ingredients | 15 minutes |
| Marination | 2–4 hours (best overnight) |
| Cooking | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~3 hours |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
🔹 Step 1: Clean & Prep Chicken
- Wash chicken thoroughly and pat dry using a paper towel.
- Cut into 2-inch bite-sized cubes.
🔹 Step 2: First Marination
In a bowl, mix:
- Chicken pieces
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Ginger-garlic paste
Mix well and set aside for 15–20 minutes. This breaks down the fibers and tenderizes the meat.
🔹 Step 3: Prepare the Malai Marinade
In another bowl, combine:
- Hung curd
- Fresh cream
- Grated cheese
- White pepper
- Garam masala
- Chopped chili
- Optional kewra/rose water
- Oil or butter
Mix until smooth and creamy. Now, add this mix to the marinated chicken. Ensure each piece is well coated.
Pro Tip: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
🔥 How to Cook Chicken Malai
You can use three main cooking methods depending on your equipment:
✅ Method 1: Oven-Grilled
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers (optional).
- Place on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
- Broil for the final 2–3 minutes for a slightly charred effect.
✅ Method 2: Pan-Fried
- Heat 2 tbsp oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add chicken pieces in batches.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 7–8 minutes each side or until golden brown.
- Cover and cook for 5 more minutes on low heat to finish cooking.
✅ Method 3: Air Fryer
- Preheat to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease the basket.
- Air fry chicken for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway.
🧠 Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use thigh meat for juicier, more flavorful bites.
- Hung curd prevents the marinade from becoming watery — strain regular yogurt in a muslin cloth for 2 hours.
- Cheese gives a subtle saltiness and creaminess that elevates the dish.
- Avoid turmeric or red chili — Chicken Malai is pale, creamy, and should stay light in color.
- Don’t overcook — Chicken breast especially dries out fast.
🥣 Chicken Malai vs Chicken Tikka – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Chicken Malai | Chicken Tikka |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Mild, creamy, rich | Spicy, tangy, smoky |
| Color | Pale white or golden | Reddish-orange due to spices |
| Base Marinade | Cream, cheese, yogurt | Yogurt, red chili, turmeric |
| Spice Level | Low | Medium to High |
| Ideal For | Kids, parties, creamy dish fans | Spice lovers, BBQ fans |
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🧄 As a Starter
- Mint-coriander chutney
- Onion rings
- Lemon wedges
- Sprinkle of chaat masala
🍛 In a Meal
- Butter naan or garlic naan
- Jeera rice or saffron pulao
- Dal makhani or butter paneer
- Light salad for crunch
🌙 For Iftar
- Serve alongside samosas, pakoras, and fruit chaat
- Pair with rose milk or chilled lassi
🥗 Pair With These Vegetarian Snacks
If you’re hosting a gathering, balance out your menu with vegetarian options:
- Vegetable Cutlets
- Stuffed Paneer Tikka
- Mini Samosas
- Masala Corn Cups
- Moong Dal Chilla Rolls
These pair well with the creamy, mild flavor of Chicken Malai and offer variety for all dietary preferences.
🍰 Best Sweet Dishes to Serve After Chicken Malai
Since Chicken Malai is rich and creamy, balance the meal with light yet indulgent sweets:
Traditional Indian Sweets:
- Rasmalai – Soft cottage cheese balls in flavored milk
- Sheer Khurma – A Ramadan favorite with dates and vermicelli
- Kheer – Rice pudding with cardamom and saffron
- Gajar ka Halwa – Warm carrot-based dessert
Light Desserts:
- Fruit Cream – Mixed fruits in whipped cream
- Phirni in Clay Pots – Delicately chilled rice pudding
🧂 Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270–300 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fats | 16–18g |
| Carbohydrates | 3–5g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1g |
| Calcium | High |
This recipe is high in protein, moderate in fats, and low in carbs — ideal for keto-friendly or low-carb meals.
🥙 Delicious Variations
1. Chicken Malai Kebab
Shape marinated chicken onto skewers and grill. Serve as a kebab wrap with mint chutney and onions.
2. Chicken Malai Roll
Wrap grilled Chicken Malai in a roomali roti or paratha. Add mayo, salad, and mint chutney for a quick street-style roll.
3. Malai Chicken Curry
Add grilled Chicken Malai to a creamy onion-cashew curry base. Serve with jeera rice for a royal meal.
4. Paneer Malai Tikka
Swap chicken for paneer cubes and follow the same steps. Great vegetarian alternative.
📦 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Malai in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Microwave or gently sauté in a pan with a few drops of cream or butter.
Meal Prep Tip: Make a large batch of marinade and freeze in small portions to save time during the week.
🎉 Ideal Occasions for Serving Chicken Malai
- Ramadan Iftar
- Festive gatherings (Eid, Diwali)
- Birthday parties or BBQ nights
- Family dinners
- Indian-themed potluck parties
It’s an elegant dish that fits casual and formal dining alike!
🧾 Final Thoughts
Creamy, dreamy, and protein-packed — Chicken Malai is a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. It’s luxurious yet simple, indulgent yet balanced. From a weeknight dinner to a festive spread, it brings warmth, satisfaction, and that wow factor we all crave.
Serve it up with naan or salad, make it part of your Iftar feast, or transform it into tikka wraps — the possibilities are endless.
Now it’s your turn — grab your ingredients, marinate with love, and cook up this show-stopper. Let each creamy bite remind you why some recipes are forever.
