Chicken Malai Tikka Recipe
Chicken Malai Tikka – Creamy, Juicy & Restaurant-Style Grilled Chicken
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful chicken appetizer, Chicken Malai Tikka is an excellent choice. This North Indian delicacy is prepared by marinating tender chicken pieces in a blend of cream, yogurt, cheese, and aromatic spices before grilling until lightly charred and juicy. Unlike spicy tikkas, Chicken Malai Tikka has a mild flavor with a velvety texture, making it perfect for family dinners, parties, or weekend barbecues.
This easy homemade recipe delivers restaurant-style results using either an oven, grill, air fryer, or stovetop pan.
Recipe Information
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Appetizer
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 2–4 hours (overnight recommended)
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Malai Marinade
- ½ cup thick plain yogurt (hung curd)
- 3 tablespoons fresh cream
- ¼ cup grated mozzarella or processed cheese
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon cashew paste
- 1 teaspoon green chili paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon white pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Salt to taste
For Garnishing
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Onion rings
- Lemon wedges
- Mint chutney
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash and pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, fresh cream, grated cheese, ginger-garlic paste, cashew paste, green chili paste, garam masala, cumin powder, white pepper, cardamom powder, crushed kasuri methi, melted butter, oil, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Marinate
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination produces the most tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
Step 5: Cook
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Arrange skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes to create light golden char marks.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush with butter before serving.
Grill Method
Cook over medium-high heat for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred and fully cooked.
Stovetop Method
Heat a grill pan with a little oil and cook the chicken for 12–15 minutes, turning frequently until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Malai Tikka hot with:
- Mint coriander chutney
- Pickled onions
- Lemon wedges
- Butter naan
- Roomali roti
- Green salad
- Jeera rice
Tips for Perfect Chicken Malai Tikka
- Chicken thighs remain juicier than chicken breast.
- Hung curd prevents the marinade from becoming watery.
- Overnight marination gives the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Brush melted butter during the final minutes of cooking for extra richness.
- Cashew paste enhances the creamy texture naturally.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Calcium: 140 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Malai Tikka without an oven?
Yes. You can cook it in an air fryer, on a grill pan, or on an outdoor barbecue.
Which cut of chicken is best?
Boneless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain tender and juicy after grilling.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the chicken overnight and cook it fresh the next day.
Is Chicken Malai Tikka spicy?
No. It has a mild, creamy flavor. You can increase the green chili paste if you prefer more heat.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes. Freeze the marinated chicken for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked Chicken Malai Tikka in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven, air fryer, or skillet until heated through.
