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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy richness with delicate spices, then this Malai Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender pieces of boneless chicken thighs marinated in lime juice and spices are lovingly cooked in a luscious blend of yogurt, cream, and aromatic masala, resulting in a silky, flavorful curry that will have you reaching for seconds. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a celebration of texture and warmth that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a black frying pan, there are six pieces of cooked chicken thighs sitting in a thick, creamy yellow sauce with herbs sprinkled on top. The chicken pieces are arranged in a circle, with some small green parsley leaves placed between them for garnish. The surface under the pan is a wooden cutting board, and the background shows blurred brown peppercorns on a white marbled texture. A striped cloth is draped near the bottom of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Malai Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the creamy yogurt and velvety cream to the subtle heat of green chili and fragrant whole spices.

Boneless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the rich sauces.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh zing and helps tenderize the chicken.
Salt: The essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
White pepper powder: Offers gentle heat without overpowering the creaminess.
Oil: Used to sauté spices and aromatics for depth.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and body when sautéed softly.
Green chili: Adds a mild kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
Ginger and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a savory base.
Cashews (or blanched almonds): Provide a subtle nutty richness when cooked into the paste.
Whole spices (cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, cumin seeds): Infuse the dish with a complex aroma that elevates every bite.
Ground spices (cumin, coriander, white pepper): Add layers of warm, earthy flavor.
Ghee or butter: Imparts a buttery richness essential to Malai Chicken.
Plain yogurt: Whisked smoothly to add tanginess and creaminess.
Water: Adjusts sauce consistency perfectly.
Heavy cream: The star ingredient creating the silky texture.
Garam masala: A fragrant finishing touch for depth.
Dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi): Provides a subtle herbal note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Malai Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing lime juice, salt, and white pepper powder in a bowl, then toss your chicken pieces in this mixture until they are thoroughly coated. The key here is patience—the longer you let the chicken marinate, the deeper the flavor will penetrate, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Aromatics

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and gently sauté the thinly sliced yellow onions until they turn translucent. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a perfect foundation. Next, add the diced green chili, chopped ginger and garlic, plus the cashews, and cook for a couple more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Paste

Heat ghee or butter in the same pan and toss in the whole spices: green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté them just until the aroma starts to bloom—about 30 seconds. This quick step is crucial for extracting the deep fragrance that defines an authentic Malai Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add your marinated chicken to the pan and cook on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, giving it a good stir occasionally until the chicken pieces start turning white. Then sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander powders, extra white pepper, and salt, mixing everything evenly. Lower the heat and continue cooking for a few more minutes to develop the flavors nicely.

Step 5: Incorporate Yogurt and Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and very gradually add the whisked yogurt, stirring constantly to avoid curdling—this ensures a smooth and creamy sauce. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the oil starts to separate, which is a classic sign the sauce is ready to move to the next stage.

Step 6: Final Simmer with Cream and Spices

Pour in half a cup of water, stir the mixture gently, and cover the pan. Let it simmer on low for about 10 to 12 minutes so the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld into a silky sauce. Finish off by stirring in the heavy cream, garam masala, and crushed dried fenugreek leaves. Allow it to simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes so everything blends beautifully together.

How to Serve Malai Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy light beige sauce with soft, chunky pieces of meat or tofu evenly spread inside. The sauce has a smooth, slightly grainy texture with small black and brown spice specks throughout. Bright green parsley leaves are scattered on top, along with a few small drops of golden oil and a dusting of reddish-brown seasoning. The bowl sits on a wooden board placed over a white marbled textured surface with a black and white checked cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few whole cashews on top adds a lovely pop of color and texture, making the dish as inviting visually as it is delicious. A small drizzle of cream on top just before serving can also elevate that irresistible creamy allure.

Side Dishes

This Malai Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with warm, soft naan bread or fragrant basmati rice. The mild richness of the curry complements the gentle fluffiness of these sides, soaking up the luscious sauce like a dream. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber raita to balance the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests or simply savor a special meal, try serving Malai Chicken in a traditional copper or brass bowl for an authentic touch. Another idea is to plate the curry atop a bed of saffron-infused rice and garnish with edible rose petals or pomegranate seeds for a stunning presentation that celebrates the dish’s regal heritage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Malai Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to mature even further after resting. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. To avoid texture changes, freeze it without the cream and add fresh cream when reheating. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Malai Chicken Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to reincorporate the cream smoothly. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or milk to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Malai Chicken Recipe?

Yes, chicken breast can be used but it tends to be less juicy and can dry out more quickly. If using breast, be careful not to overcook and consider marinating it longer to retain moisture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and flavorful.

How spicy is this Malai Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is quite mild, thanks to the cream and yogurt soothing the spices. You can dial up the green chili or add a pinch of cayenne if you prefer more heat.

What can I use if I don’t have kasoori methi?

If kasoori methi isn’t available, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of fresh fenugreek leaves or a pinch of dried oregano—it adds a subtle aromatic note.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by layering the marinated chicken and spices, cooking on low for 4-5 hours, and adding yogurt and cream towards the end to avoid curdling.

Final Thoughts

This Malai Chicken Recipe truly is a labor of love that rewards you with a symphony of creamy textures and warming spices in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s a dish that brings joy and comfort to the table. Give it a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes.

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