Are you in search of a succulent, mouth-watering dish that guarantees to please your taste buds? Immerse yourself in the creamy indulgence of Chicken Malai Tikka, a delectable fusion of tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and cream, featuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Chicken Malai Tikka is basically your go-to dish when you’re craving something super flavorful yet incredibly tender. At its core, this recipe is all about chicken pieces that have been given a rich coating in a creamy marinade. The main stars of this marinade are rich cream and a blend of spices that really enhance the chicken. Once it’s cooked, what you get are these beautifully browned, almost melting pieces of chicken that are just bursting with flavor.

It looks absolutely inviting, with its golden and slightly browned edges, promising a bite that’s both juicy and packed with taste. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor it the moment you see it.

Ingredients used in chicken malai tikka recipe

Prepare to make Chicken Malai Tikka? Here’s the ingredients you need to cook this creamy dish:

Chicken breasts: 500 grams, cut into bite-sized pieces for that perfect tikka size.
Thick yogurt: 1/4 cup, to tenderize the chicken and add a tangy base to the marinade.
Fresh cream: 1/2 cup, for that rich, silky texture that defines malai tikka.
Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon, for the essential aromatic backbone.
White pepper powder: 1 teaspoon, adding a mild, sophisticated heat.
Garam masala: 1 teaspoon, for the quintessential Indian flavor profile.
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, to brighten up the flavors with a zesty kick.
Salt: to taste, bringing out the depth of all the flavors.
Cheese (optional): 2 tablespoons, grated, for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
Fresh cilantro: for garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Cooking Tools required for chicken malai tikka recipe

To transform these ingredients into an irresistible dish by ensuring you have these tools on hand:

Mixing Bowl: A large one to comfortably mix the chicken with all the marinade ingredients, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Skewers: If you’re using wooden ones, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Grill Pan or Barbecue Grill: To achieve those iconic char marks and the smoky flavor that’s characteristic of tikka.
Brush: For applying oil or butter to the grill pan, ensuring your tikka gets that perfect golden finish without sticking.
Tongs: A chef’s best friend for flipping the chicken pieces safely and easily, ensuring an even cook on all sides.

How to make Chicken malai tikka recipe: Step by step process;

Follow these step-by-step instructions to master the art of making authentic Chicken Malai Tikka:

Prep the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized tikka pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the marinade well.
Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thick yogurt, fresh cream, ginger-garlic paste, white pepper powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. If using, add the grated cheese. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Add Chicken to Marinade: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors.
Prep for Cooking: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your grill pan or barbecue grill on medium-high heat.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Don’t overcrowd the pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Grill: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully charred and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken pieces and the type of grill you’re using.
Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the skewers and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with a side of lemon wedges or a cooling mint yogurt dip.

Expert tip

For the juiciest, most flavorful Chicken Malai Tikka, let your chicken marinate overnight. This not only deepens the flavors, making them more vibrant and pronounced but also tenderizes the chicken to perfection, ensuring every bite is succulently soft and bursting with taste. This step transforms a good dish into an unforgettable one, solving the common problem of dry or bland chicken tikka. By allowing the chicken ample time to marinate, you’re essentially ensuring that the flavors are not just on the surface but infused throughout the meat.

Serving tip

Pairing the right accompaniments with your Chicken Malai Tikka elevate this delicious dish to new heights:

Naan or Roti: Soft, warm bread is perfect for scooping up any creamy sauce and wrapping around pieces of tikka.
Mint Yogurt Dip: A cool, refreshing dip balances the richness of the malai tikka with its herby, tangy flavors.
Lemon Rice: The zestiness of lemon rice complements the creamy, spiced chicken beautifully, adding a burst of freshness.
Cucumber Salad: A simple, crisp salad adds a crunchy texture and a cooling contrast to the dish.
Pickled Onions: Their sharpness and tang cut through the creaminess of the tikka, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Check more chicken recipes

Chicken Salan recipe
Nargisi Kofta curry recipe
Chicken Kofta Curry recipe
Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe
Chicken Boneless Handi Recipe

Storage instructions

After savoring this delicious dish, if you find yourself with leftovers, storing and reheating it properly is key to enjoying it again just as much:

To Store:

Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, Chicken Malai Tikka can last for 2-3 days in the fridge.

To Reheat:

For the best results, reheat the Chicken Malai Tikka in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, covering the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, and heat on a medium setting for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically.

Conclusion

Finishing off this culinary journey with Chicken Malai Tikka, let me tell you, this dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s like throwing a party for your taste buds. Whether you’re a kitchen whiz or just starting out, this Pakistani specialty will make every mealtime feel like a celebration. Imagine creamy, spicy marinade juicy chicken pieces, grilled to perfection. It’s a dish that promises smiles all around the table, no matter the occasion. So, why not add a dash of Pakistani flair to your next gathering? With Chicken Malai Tikka, every bite is a taste of joy and every moment is a memory to cherish.

Once you’ve mastered this tasteful recipe, don’t keep the secret to yourself—share your culinary triumph with me. I can’t wait to hear all about your cooking adventure and the delicious moments you create.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this dish?

Yes, although boneless chicken is preferred for its quicker cooking time and ease of consumption, bone-in chicken can also be used as a heartier option.

What can I use as a substitute for fresh cream (malai)?

If fresh cream is not available, alternatives like cashew paste or hung yogurt can be used to achieve a similar richness and creaminess in the dish.