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5.0 from 33 votes

Malai Chicken Curry (Creamy White Chicken Curry)

Malai Chicken Curry, or Murgh Malai, is a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces in a rich, luscious white gravy. This delectable chicken curry in white gravy is a favorite among chicken lovers for its creamy texture and exquisite taste.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Marination Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 453 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs cut into 2” pieces
For Marination
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder
For Curry
  • 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
Whole Spices
  • 4 Green Cardamom (Elaichi)
  • 12 black peppercorns
  • 5 cloves (Laung)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Marinate the chicken pieces with lime, salt & white pepper powder. Mix and set aside for 30 mins.
  2. Heat oil in a large pan on medium-high heat and add the sliced onions. Fry on medium heat for 3 mins till the onions are translucent. Then add green chili, ginger, garlic, and cashews. Mix and fry for another 2 mins, then transfer to a blender.
  3. Once the ingredients are mostly cooled, add 1/4 cup of water, blend to a smooth paste and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, heat butter/ghee on medium flame. Add all the whole spices and let them saute for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the onion-cashew paste made earlier and fry on medium heat for 5 mins till the color starts changing.
  6. Add the marinated chicken pieces. Stir & fry on high heat for 4-5 mins till the chicken pieces are all white on the outside.
  7. Add all the spices. Mix and fry on medium heat for 3-4 mins.
  8. Change the heat to low, then add the yogurt. Cook on low heat for around 3 minutes while stirring continuously till the oil separates.
  9. Add water and give a good stir. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes till the chicken is tender.
  10. Remove the lid and stir the curry. Add the fresh cream, garam masala and stir.
  11. Crush the kasoori methi between your palms and add it in. Stir the chicken curry and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  12. Malai Chicken Curry is ready. Serve it hot with fresh roti or naan.

Notes

  • Marination: Ensure the chicken is well-marinated to enhance the flavors. I suggest to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  • Cashews: I added cashews to thicken the gravy and add richness to the curry. To make this curry nut-free, you can skip the cashews.
  • Yogurt: When adding the yogurt to the sauce, ensure it is thoroughly mixed. Reduce the heat to a low setting before adding the yogurt. As soon as you add the yogurt, mix it immediately, and stir it while it is cooked over low heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories 453kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 35g (54%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 15g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 137mg (46%) Sodium 893mg (37%) Potassium 460mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 429IU (9%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 82mg (8%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 453

% Daily Value*

Calories 453kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 35g 54%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 15g 75%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 137mg 46%
Sodium 893mg 37%
Potassium 460mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 429IU 9%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 82mg 8%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.