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Malai Chicken Curry (Creamy White Chicken Curry) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

Malai Chicken Curry is a rich and creamy white chicken curry featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked in a smooth and aromatic cashew-onion gravy with yogurt, cream, and a blend of fragrant whole and ground spices. This luxurious North Indian dish offers delicate flavors with a velvety texture, perfect to serve alongside naan or roti for an indulgent meal.

Ingredients

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Chicken Marinade

  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken thighs (cut into 2” pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon Lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper Powder

Gravy and Spices

  • 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 (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi) (crushed)
  • 4 Green Cardamom (Elaichi)
  • 12 Black Peppercorns
  • 5 Cloves (Laung)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder (Dhaniya powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lime juice, salt, and white pepper powder. Mix thoroughly and set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
  2. Prepare Onion-Cashew Base: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté on medium heat for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add diced green chili, chopped ginger, garlic, and cashews. Continue frying for 2 more minutes until fragrant, then transfer this mixture to a blender.
  3. Blend to Paste: Allow the onion-cashew mixture to cool slightly, then add 1/4 cup of water and blend into a smooth paste. Set this aside for later use.
  4. Toast Whole Spices: Using the same pan, heat ghee or butter on medium flame. Add whole spices—green cardamom, black peppercorns, cloves, and cumin seeds—and sauté for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  5. Cook Paste: Add the blended onion-cashew paste to the pan and fry on medium heat for 5 minutes until the mixture slightly changes color and thickens.
  6. Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well and fry on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, cooking the chicken until it turns white on the outside.
  7. Add Ground Spices: Stir in the ground cumin powder, coriander powder, white pepper powder, and salt. Fry on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the spices with the chicken.
  8. Add Yogurt: Reduce the heat to low and add the whisked yogurt, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the gravy.
  9. Simmer with Water: Pour in 1/2 cup of water and stir well. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the curry flavors.
  10. Finish with Cream & Garam Masala: Remove the lid and stir the curry. Add fresh cream and garam masala, mixing everything together gently.
  11. Add Kasoori Methi: Crush dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) between your palms and add to the curry. Stir and allow it to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  12. Serve: The Malai Chicken Curry is now ready. Serve hot with fresh roti, naan, or steamed rice to enjoy a creamy, indulgent meal.

Notes

  • Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender meat.
  • Adjust green chili quantity according to your spice preference.
  • For richer flavor, use fresh cream rather than evaporated cream.
  • Garam masala quantity can be modified to taste; start with less and add more if desired.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of water or cook uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
  • Kasoori methi adds a distinctive flavor but can be skipped if unavailable.
  • Serve with Indian breads like naan or roti, or with steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: Malai Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken Curry, North Indian Chicken Recipe, Indian Chicken Curry, Cashew Chicken Curry

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/malai-chicken-curry-creamy-white-chicken-curry-recipe/