Chicken Malai Kabab is a popular North Indian dish made with succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a creamy and aromatic mixture of spices, yogurt, and cheese. The chicken is then grilled or roasted to perfection, resulting in a juicy and tender kabab that melts in your mouth. If you are a fan of grilled or roasted chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Headings
- Origin of Chicken Malai Kabab
- Ingredients Required
- Cooking Process
- Cooking Tips
- Health Benefits
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Origin of Chicken Malai Kabab
Chicken Malai Kabab originated in the northern region of India, particularly in the Mughlai cuisine. It is a popular dish among people of all ages and is often served as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients Required
- 500 grams of boneless chicken
- 1/2 cup hung curd
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
Cooking Process
- Cut the chicken into small cubes and wash them thoroughly. Pat dry and keep aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the hung curd, cream, grated cheese, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well so that the marinade coats the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven or grill to 180°C.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers and brush them with oil.
- Place the skewers on the grill or oven and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and is slightly charred.
- Flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the chicken is evenly cooked on all sides.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven and serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Cooking Tips
- Always marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure that the flavors are well absorbed.
- Use tender and juicy chicken pieces for the best results.
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Baste the chicken with oil while cooking to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
- If you are grilling the chicken, keep the skewers about 6 inches away from the heat source to prevent them from burning.
Health Benefits
Chicken Malai Kabab is a delicious and nutritious dish that offers several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of this dish:
- High Protein Content: Chicken Malai Kabab is rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods, which can help with weight management.
- Low in Calories: Chicken Malai Kabab is a low-calorie dish, making it an ideal choice for those trying to maintain or lose weight.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, which helps to maintain healthy nerve and blood cells, and zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
- Boosts Energy: Chicken Malai Kabab is an excellent source of energy, making it an ideal dish for those who are physically active or require an energy boost.
- Easy to Digest: The marination process used to make Chicken Malai Kabab helps to tenderize the meat, making it easy to digest and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
Overall, Chicken Malai Kabab is a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is chicken malai kabab? Chicken malai kabab is a popular Indian appetizer that consists of marinated chicken pieces cooked on skewers over a grill or in a tandoor. The marinade is made with cream, cheese, herbs, and spices which gives it a rich and creamy texture.
- What is the origin of chicken malai kabab? The origin of chicken malai kabab is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. The word “malai” means cream in Hindi, and the dish gets its name from the creamy marinade used to prepare the chicken.
- What are the health benefits of chicken malai kabab? While chicken malai kabab is a delicious and flavorful dish, it is also relatively high in calories due to the cream and cheese used in the marinade. However, chicken is a good source of protein which is important for maintaining muscle mass and supporting healthy bones.
- How do you make chicken malai kabab at home? To make chicken malai kabab at home, start by marinating boneless chicken pieces in a mixture of cream, cheese, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and herbs. After marinating for a few hours, the chicken is skewered and grilled over a charcoal or gas grill. It can also be cooked in a tandoor or baked in an oven.
- What are some tips for making the perfect chicken malai kabab? To make the perfect chicken malai kabab, it is important to use fresh and good-quality ingredients. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the marinade should be well-balanced and flavorful. It is also important to marinate the chicken for at least a few hours to ensure that the flavors are well-infused.
- What can I serve with chicken malai kabab? Chicken malai kabab can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of naan, roti, or rice. It pairs well with mint chutney, raita, or any other dip of your choice.
- Is chicken malai kabab gluten-free? The marinade for chicken malai kabab is typically gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredients to make sure that there are no hidden sources of gluten. The chicken itself is gluten-free.
- How can I store leftover chicken malai kabab? Leftover chicken malai kabab can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the kababs on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Can chicken malai kabab be made without a grill? Yes, chicken malai kabab can be made without a grill. It can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan, baked in the oven, or cooked in a tandoor.
conclusion
In conclusion, chicken malai kabab is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to prepare at home. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy a flavorful, high-protein meal while maintaining a healthy diet. The use of fresh ingredients and a balanced blend of spices and herbs make it a great addition to any meal, whether it’s served as an appetizer or a main course. With its numerous health benefits, such as being low in fat and high in protein, it’s no wonder that chicken malai kabab has become a popular dish all over the world. So next time you’re in the mood for a tasty, healthy meal, try making chicken malai kabab at home and enjoy all the delicious flavors it has to offer.