ππ€ βMalai Chicken β a royal Mughal kitchen classic with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy yogurt-and-spice gravy that defines pure indulgent comfort.β β¨π
Malai Chicken is pure royal comfort ππ€β¨ Tender chicken cooked in a luscious blend of creamy yogurt, rich malai, and aromatic spices creates a dish thatβs smooth, flavorful, and deeply satisfying ππ½οΈ Every bite feels indulgent, comforting, and steeped in Mughal-era richness β the kind of meal that always calls for seconds π₯β€οΈ
Sonakshi Goswami π§‘
2/3/20262 min read


ππ€ Malai Chickenπ
A royal Mughal classic drenched in creamy richness and gentle spices β¨
Malai Chicken isnβt just food β itβs history served on a plate πβ¨ Originating from the lavish Mughal kitchens of North India, this dish is all about luxury, balance, and comfort. Tender chicken is slow-cooked in a velvety blend of yogurt, fresh cream (malai), nuts, and mild aromatic spices, creating a gravy thatβs rich yet soothing π Unlike fiery curries, Malai Chicken is subtle, creamy, and deeply satisfying β the kind of dish that feels indulgent with every bite. Using PIKS Spices ensures perfect aroma, gentle warmth, and authentic depth, making this recipe truly restaurant-style and royal π½οΈπ
π Ingredients (Serves 4)
π For Chicken:
Chicken (bone-in or boneless) β 750 g
Oil β 2 tbsp π’οΈ
Butter β 2 tbsp π§
π₯£ For Marinade:
Thick curd (hung yogurt) β Β½ cup π₯£
Fresh cream (malai) β ΒΌ cup π€
Ginger-garlic paste β 1Β½ tbsp π§
Lemon juice β 1 tbsp π
Cashew paste β 2 tbsp π°
PIKS White Pepper / Black Pepper Powder β 1 tsp βͺβ«
PIKS Garam Masala β Β½ tsp β¨
PIKS Haldi Powder β ΒΌ tsp π
Salt β to taste π§
πΏ For Gravy:
Onion paste β 2 medium π§
Green chilli paste β Β½β1 tsp (optional) πΆοΈ
PIKS Dhania Powder β 1Β½ tsp πΏ
PIKS Jeera Powder β Β½ tsp πΏ
PIKS Lal Mirch Powder β Β½ tsp (mild heat) β€οΈ
Water / milk β Β½ cup π§π₯
β¨ Final Touch:
Fresh cream β 2 tbsp π€
Kasuri methi β 1 tsp (crushed) πΏ
Kewra / rose water β few drops (optional) πΈ
Fresh coriander β for garnish πΏ
π³ Method (Step-by-Step)
1οΈβ£ Marinate the Chicken π
In a bowl, mix curd, cream, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cashew paste, salt, and all PIKS spices listed for the marinade.
Add chicken and coat well.
Cover and marinate for minimum 2 hours (overnight best) βοΈβ¨
2οΈβ£ Start the Base π§
Heat oil and butter in a heavy pan.
Add onion paste and sautΓ© on medium heat till light golden and aromatic π§
β¨
Add green chilli paste (if using).
3οΈβ£ Add PIKS Spices πΏ
Add PIKS Dhania Powder, PIKS Jeera Powder, PIKS Lal Mirch Powder, and PIKS Haldi Powder.
Cook gently till masala releases oil and smells rich π
4οΈβ£ Cook the Chicken π
Add marinated chicken along with leftover marinade.
Mix gently and cook on medium flame for 10β12 minutes π₯
Add water or milk to adjust gravy consistency.
5οΈβ£ Slow Simmer β¨
Cover and cook on low flame for 15β20 minutes till chicken is tender and gravy turns creamy π€
Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
6οΈβ£ Royal Finish π
Add fresh cream, crushed kasuri methi, and a few drops of kewra/rose water πΈ
Sprinkle PIKS Garam Masala β¨
Simmer 2 minutes and turn off heat π₯
π‘ Pro Tips β¨
Hung curd prevents gravy from splitting π₯£
Cook on low flame for silky texture π€
Cashew paste adds authentic Mughal richness π°
Keep spices mild β Malai Chicken is about balance, not heat
Tastes even better after resting 10 minutes π
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
Serve Malai Chicken with:
Butter naan π§‘
Roomali roti π
Steamed basmati rice π
Jeera riceπ
Perfect for:
Festive dinners π
Family gatherings β€οΈ
Special occasions π
Mughlai-style spreads β¨
Creamy, comforting, and royally indulgent β Malai Chicken is the kind of timeless Mughal dish that turns every meal into a celebration. ππ€β¨
Thank Youπ
