Murg Malai Kebab
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken kebabs marinated in a creamy blend of yogurt, cheese, and mild spices. This classic Mughlai appetizer is grilled to perfection, boasting a rich, smoky flavor without the heat. A long marination is key to its signature texture. A true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.First Marinade for Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Rub the marinade thoroughly into the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This step tenderizes the chicken.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Creamy Second Marinade
- b.While the chicken rests, prepare the cashew paste by grinding the soaked cashews with a little water until a smooth paste is formed.
- c.In a separate large bowl, whisk the hung curd, fresh cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps.
- d.Add the cashew paste, cornflour, chopped green chilies, cardamom powder, white pepper powder, garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt.
- e.Mix vigorously until you have a thick, uniform, and creamy marinade.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Marinate
- b.Add the chicken from the first marinade to the creamy second marinade.
- c.Gently fold and mix until all chicken pieces are completely enveloped in the white marinade.
- d.Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the most tender and flavorful results.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Skewer the Chicken
- b.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- c.Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- d.Do not discard the leftover marinade in the bowl.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Kebabs
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or a grill to medium-high heat.
- c.For Baking: Arrange the skewers on a wire rack placed over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Baste with melted butter in the last 5 minutes.
- d.For Grilling: Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has light char marks. Baste with melted butter during the last few minutes of grilling.
- e.The kebabs are done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Remove the cooked kebabs from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them extra succulent.
- c.Sprinkle generously with chaat masala and garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve immediately with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and thinly sliced onion rings.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using chicken thighs is highly recommended as their higher fat content results in juicier, more flavorful kebabs.
- 2Hung curd is essential for a thick marinade that clings to the chicken. To make it at home, hang regular yogurt in a muslin cloth for 2-3 hours.
- 3For an authentic smoky 'tandoori' flavor, use the 'dhungar' method. Place a small steel bowl with a hot piece of charcoal inside the bowl of marinated chicken. Drizzle a little ghee over the charcoal, cover immediately, and let the smoke infuse for 10-15 minutes before skewering.
- 4Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps in the marinade.
- 5Do not overcook the kebabs. Check for doneness after 15 minutes in the oven or 10 minutes on the grill to prevent them from becoming dry.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with paneer cubes or large mushroom caps. Reduce the marination time for paneer to 1-2 hours to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the cashew paste. You can increase the amount of cream cheese and hung curd slightly to maintain the thick consistency of the marinade.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the white pepper for an extra kick of heat.
Herbaceous FlavorHerbaceous Flavor
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the second marinade for a refreshing twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of hung curd (yogurt) introduces beneficial probiotics into your diet, which can help improve digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Cashews provide monounsaturated fats, which are known to be heart-healthy. These fats can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Murg Malai Kebab can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein from chicken, which is great for muscle building. The use of curd provides probiotics. However, it is also rich in fats from cream, cheese, and butter, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are monitoring your calorie and fat intake.