Description
Malai Chicken Curry, also known as Murgh Malai, is a rich and creamy white chicken curry made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious yogurt and cream-based gravy. Mildly spiced and incredibly flavorful, it’s a favorite among chicken lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- For Marination:
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder
- For Curry:
- 1 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 1/2 cup yellow onion, sliced
- 1 green chili pepper, diced
- 1 inch ginger, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 12 cashews
- 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
- 3 tablespoon plain yogurt, whisked
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup cream
- 3/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), crushed
- Whole Spices:
- 4 green cardamom
- 12 black peppercorns
- 5 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with lime juice, salt, and white pepper. Set aside for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions for 3 minutes until translucent. Add green chili, ginger, garlic, and cashews. Cook for 2 minutes, then blend with 1/4 cup water into a smooth paste.
- In the same pan, heat ghee or butter. Add whole spices and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the onion-cashew paste and cook for 5 minutes until lightly colored.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for 4–5 minutes until white on the outside.
- Add ground spices and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add yogurt, and stir continuously for 3 minutes until oil separates.
- Add water, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Add cream, garam masala, and crushed kasoori methi. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot with naan or roti.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
- Cashews add richness; skip them to make the curry nut-free.
- Always add yogurt on low heat and stir continuously to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian