Methi Malai Chicken Tikka – Indian Tadka to a Global Cuisine

The restaurant style Methi Malai Chicken Tikka, or Murgh Methi Malai as its commonly called, is a simple yet delicious Indian starter or appetiser. The fenugreek (dry kasoori methi), along with the other spices and yogurt combines to give it a very unique flavour.

The chicken (thigh pieces give a better flavour than breast pieces) is cut into medium size cubes, which is then marinated with the spices and dry fenugreek leaves. We have also added a little corn flour and chickpea flour (besan), to absorb all of the liquid in the marination. The yogurt and the cream combined together also gives it that extra thickness, and cuts down on the bitterness of the kasoori methi, to give it that rich and powerful flavour.

For best results, marinate the chicken 12-24 hours before you plan to cook it, but it can also be marinated for up to 2 hours for really good results.

If you are a chicken lover, this simple and flavourful dish is something you should have in your repertoire.

The best part about this dish is that it is very high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. Instead of frying the chicken, we have grilled the chicken in an oven and then brushed it with a little butter on top to give it a sheen. If you don’t want to use butter, you can substitute that with ghee as well.

What’s more – this dish is completely gluten free!

SERVES: 2

COOKING TIME: 3 Hours

DIFFICULTY: EASY

Ingredients

To Marinate The Chicken

250 gms boneless chicken, cut into large pieces

salt, to taste

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp chaat masala

1 tbsp dry fenugreek leaves

1 chickpea flour (besan)

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp garlic

1 cup cream

½ cup greek yogurt or hung curd

To Garnish The Chicken

butter, to brush on top

lemon slices, to garnish

Instructions

(1) To marinate the chicken, add the salt, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, dry fenugreek leaves, chickpea flour (besan), ginger, garlic, cream and greek yogurt to the chicken.

(2) Let it marinate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate it overnight in the fridge.

(3) Once the chicken has been marinated, cook in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes on one side. Flip over the chicken pieces and cook again for another 5 minutes, or till the chicken has been cooked through completely.

(4) Remove it from the oven and brush with some butter on top. Sprinkle some lime juice on it and enjoy!