Murgh Malai Kebab
Melt-in-your-mouth chicken kebabs marinated in a luscious blend of cream, cheese, and mild spices. These succulent bites are incredibly tender and a guaranteed hit at any gathering, grilled, baked, or pan-fried to perfection.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.First Marination (30 minutes)
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This initial step helps to tenderize the chicken.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Second (Malai) Marinade (5 minutes)
- b.In a separate bowl, whisk the hung curd until it is smooth and creamy.
- c.Add the fresh cream, cashew paste, softened cream cheese, and finely chopped green chilies.
- d.Stir in the white pepper powder, garam masala, cardamom powder, roasted besan, and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt.
- e.Mix everything together until you have a smooth, thick, and luscious marinade.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Marinate (4+ hours)
- b.Pour the prepared malai marinade over the chicken from the first marinade.
- c.Gently fold and mix until every chicken piece is generously coated.
- d.Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. For the most tender and flavorful results, marinate overnight (8-12 hours).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Skewer the Kebabs (5 minutes)
- 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, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Kebabs (12-18 minutes)
- b.Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the skewers on a wire rack placed over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Baste with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- c.Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with light char marks. Baste with melted butter in the final few minutes.
- d.Pan-Fry Method: Heat 1 tbsp of butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces (you can remove them from skewers for this method) and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Once cooked, transfer the kebabs to a serving platter and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
- c.Sprinkle generously with chaat masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- d.Serve immediately with mint chutney, pickled onions (lachha pyaz), and lemon wedges.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest kebabs, always use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a higher fat content which keeps them moist.
- 2Hung curd is non-negotiable for a thick marinade that clings to the chicken. If you don't have it, hang regular yogurt in a muslin cloth for 2-3 hours.
- 3Roasting the besan (chickpea flour) in a dry pan for a minute until aromatic is a key step. It removes the raw taste and helps bind the marinade.
- 4Do not overcook the chicken. Cook just until it's opaque and the juices run clear. Overcooking will make the kebabs dry.
- 5For an authentic smoky flavor (dhungar), place the cooked kebabs in a large bowl. Put a smaller bowl in the center with a piece of red-hot charcoal. Pour a teaspoon of ghee over the charcoal, and immediately cover the large bowl for 2-3 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or large button mushrooms. Reduce the second marination time to 1-2 hours.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the cashew paste. To maintain the thickness of the marinade, increase the amount of cream cheese by 1 tablespoon or add 2 tablespoons of milk powder.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies to 3-4 or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder to the second marinade for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Supports Bone Health
The dairy ingredients like hung curd and cream cheese provide a good amount of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Energy Boosting
This dish provides a balanced mix of protein and fats, offering a sustained release of energy, making it a satisfying and wholesome appetizer or meal component.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Murgh Malai Kebab (approximately 4-5 pieces or 165g) contains around 380-420 calories, depending on the fat content of the cream and the cooking method used.