Chicken Malai Tikka Recipe
Juicy chicken bites marinated in creamy spices, then grilled to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken cut into cubes
- ¼ cup thick yogurt
- ¼ cup heavy cream malai
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon cheese grated, optional but amazing
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for extra crispiness
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for basting
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lemon wedges
- Mint chutney
Instructions
- Dump all the marinade ingredients into a bowl and mix until smooth.
- Toss in the chicken pieces, coat them evenly, and let them marinate for at least an hour.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Brush the skewers with butter or oil to ensure a perfect char.
- Grill for about 10 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- If using an oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a smoky finish, place a hot coal in a bowl, add a drop of butter, and cover the dish for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
- Serve hot with mint chutney and watch it disappear.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 15%
- Vitamin A: 12%
- Iron: 10%
- Vitamin B12: 20%
- Zinc: 18%
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Malai Tikka
- Use thick yogurt so the marinade sticks better.
- Grate cheese into the marinade for extra richness.
- Don’t skip the butter basting—it gives that perfect smoky flavor.
- Marinate overnight if you have time—it’ll be even softer.
- For a street-style char, use a blowtorch or broiler for the final touch.