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Malai Chicken Curry (Creamy White Chicken Curry) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 773 reviews

Malai Chicken Curry is a rich and creamy white chicken curry featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a luscious blend of cashew and onion paste, aromatic whole spices, yogurt, and cream. This dish combines subtle heat from green chili and white pepper with fragrant Indian spices and dried fenugreek leaves to create a luxurious and comforting meal perfect for serving with roti or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2” pieces
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder

Spice Paste and Sauce

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 green chili pepper, diced
  • 1 inch ginger, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 12 cashews
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
  • 3 tablespoons 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

Whole Spices

  • 4 green cardamom pods (elaichi)
  • 12 black peppercorns
  • 5 cloves (laung)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

Ground Spices

  • 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 chicken pieces with lime juice, salt, and white pepper powder. Mix well and set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Prepare Spice Paste: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and fry on medium heat for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add diced green chili, chopped ginger, garlic, and cashews. Stir and fry for an additional 2 minutes, then transfer this mixture to a blender.
  3. Blend Ingredients: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add 1/4 cup water and blend to a smooth paste. Set aside the paste for later use.
  4. Toast Whole Spices: Return the same pan to medium heat. Add ghee or butter and heat until melted. Add green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
  5. Cook Onion-Cashew Paste: Add the blended onion-cashew paste to the pan. Fry on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the color changes slightly and the paste thickens.
  6. Brown Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir and fry on high heat for 4-5 minutes until the chicken turns white on the outside.
  7. Add Ground Spices: Incorporate cumin powder, coriander powder, remaining white pepper powder, and salt. Mix everything well and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
  8. Add Yogurt: Reduce heat to low. Add the whisked yogurt slowly while stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Cook gently for about 3 minutes until the oil starts to separate.
  9. Simmer Chicken: Pour in 1/2 cup water and stir. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  10. Finish with Cream and Garam Masala: Remove the lid, stir the curry and add the fresh cream along with garam masala. Mix thoroughly to combine and bring to a simmer.
  11. Add Kasoori Methi: Crush the dried fenugreek leaves between your palms and add them to the curry. Stir and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  12. Serve: Your creamy Malai Chicken Curry is ready. Serve hot with fresh roti, naan, or steamed rice for a delightful meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the green chili and white pepper to control the spiciness of the curry.
  • Use boneless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy texture.
  • Be gentle while adding yogurt to prevent it from curdling; stirring continuously helps.
  • Kasoori methi adds an essential earthy aroma; do not skip it for authentic flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.

Keywords: Malai Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken Curry, Indian Chicken Curry, Cashew Chicken, Yogurt Chicken Curry, White Chicken Curry

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