By Indian cooking is known for its diversity—from fiery curries of the south to the creamy gravies of the north. One dish that stands out for its delicate flavor and rich texture is Malai Chicken Curry. The word “malai” means cream, and true to its name, this dish is velvety, mild, and indulgent. Unlike heavily spiced curries, Malai Chicken is subtle, with gentle notes of ginger, garlic, cardamom, and cream. It’s perfect for those who prefer a flavorful yet mildly spiced dish.
This curry is especially popular in North India and is often prepared for festive occasions, family dinners, and parties. The use of cream, cashews, and yogurt makes the gravy luscious and smooth, while the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 750 g chicken (preferably bone-in pieces)
- ½ cup thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Curry:
- 3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 green chillies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 10–12 cashews (soaked in warm water and ground into a paste)
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- ½ cup fresh cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
Whole Spices:
- 2 bay leaves
- 3–4 green cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- A swirl of cream
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, salt, white pepper, garam masala, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight, for best results. Marination makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Fry the Onions
- Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add whole spices—bay leaves, cardamoms, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Caramelized onions provide sweetness and depth to the curry.
Step 3: Prepare the Curry Base
- Add slit green chillies and ginger-garlic paste to the onions. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cashew paste and cook for 2–3 minutes on low heat.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the raw smell disappears and the mixture thickens, with oil starting to separate.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the masala. Mix well so the chicken is coated with the onion-tomato base.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is half-cooked, add milk to adjust the consistency. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 5: Add the Malai (Cream)
- Lower the heat and stir in the fresh cream. Mix until the gravy becomes silky and smooth.
- Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the curry for a rich aroma.
- Sprinkle garam masala powder and cook for 2–3 minutes on low flame.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream.
Serving Suggestions
Malai Chicken Curry is versatile and pairs well with different accompaniments:
- With breads: Serve with naan, butter roti, or lachha paratha for a truly indulgent experience.
- With rice: Pair with jeera rice, ghee rice, or simple steamed basmati rice.
- As part of a festive spread: Combine with dishes like paneer butter masala, dal makhani, and pulao for a royal North Indian thali.
Tips for Perfect Malai Chicken Curry
- Use fresh cream: For the best flavor and texture, avoid low-fat alternatives.
- Don’t rush the onions: Golden caramelized onions form the base of this curry. Take your time with this step.
- Marinate longer: The more time you give for marination, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
- Adjust spice levels: Malai Chicken Curry is meant to be mildly spiced, but you can add extra green chillies or black pepper if you prefer more heat.
- Balance richness: Since this is a creamy dish, serve it with lighter sides like salad or raita to balance the meal.
Why You’ll Love Malai Chicken Curry
- Creamy and mild: Perfect for those who don’t enjoy overly spicy food but still love rich flavors.
- Restaurant-style at home: With simple ingredients, you can recreate a dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.
- Crowd-pleaser: Its mild, buttery flavor appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Can be served at family dinners, festive gatherings, or even casual parties.
Conclusion
Malai Chicken Curry is the epitome of comfort food with a touch of luxury. The silky gravy, tender chicken, and delicate balance of spices make it a dish worth savoring. Unlike fiery curries, this one soothes your palate while still being rich and flavorful.
Whether you’re cooking for a festive celebration or a quiet family dinner, Malai Chicken Curry will always make the meal special. Pair it with naan or rice, and you’ll have a complete feast that everyone will love.
Once you try it, this dish will surely earn a permanent place in your recipe collection as a go-to option for indulgent, royal flavors at home.
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