📍 Where this dish comes from: Agra · Taj Mahal
Discover the history of this region →
Discover the history of this region →
Malai means ‘cream’ in Hindi — this is the tikka of luxury, its pale ivory color and cloud-soft texture making it the most refined of all tikka preparations. Snow-white, glossy, and otherworldly, these are the most delicate chicken tikka you will ever taste, so deeply marinated in cream cheese and saffron that each piece quivers when touched and releases a perfume of cardamom so exquisite you will close your eyes with the very first bite. The cream cheese marinade creates an extraordinary crust that is simultaneously crisp on the outside and custard-tender within.
What You’ll Need
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 370kcal
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken breast large cubes
- 100 g cream cheese Marinade
- 2 tbsp heavy cream Marinade
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste Marinade
- 1/2 tsp white pepper Marinade
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder Marinade
- 1/4 tsp mace Marinade
- Few strands saffron, soaked in 1 tbsp warm water Marinade
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Marinade
- Salt Marinade
- Ghee for basting Marinade
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese until smooth; add all marinade ingredients.
- Coat chicken and marinate 4 hours minimum.
- Thread onto skewers.
- Grill or broil on medium-high 8 minutes per side.
- Baste generously with ghee.
- Chicken should be cooked through but moist.
- Serve immediately — do not hold or reheat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 370kcal | Protein: 36g | Fat: 24g
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Health Benefits
- Cream cheese provides phosphatidylcholine, important for cell membrane integrity.
- Saffron contains crocin, a water-soluble carotenoid studied for its antioxidant properties.
- Chicken breast has one of the highest protein-to-fat ratios of any common meat.
Pairs Well With
- Kachumber Salad
- Keto Raita