Malai Tikka Boti Recipe

Malai Tikka Boti is a delicious and creamy Pakistani and North Indian dish made with marinated chunks of boneless chicken, typically grilled or cooked in a tandoor (clay oven). The marinade consists of yogurt, cream (malai), and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy texture. Here’s a recipe to make Malai Tikka Boti at home:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
• 1/2 cup fresh cream (malai)
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon roasted gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Skewers for grilling (if grilling)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, fresh cream, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, roasted gram flour, ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper, ground cardamom, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until all the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Preheat the Grill (if grilling):

   • If using skewers, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Skewer the Chicken (if grilling):

   • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

4. Grill or Bake:

   • If grilling: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks. Baste with a little oil or butter while grilling to keep the chicken moist.
   • If baking: Place the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the Malai Tikka Boti from the skewers and arrange on a serving platter.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your spice preference.
• If you don’t have a grill or oven, you can cook the marinated chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in a regular non-stick pan until fully cooked and lightly charred.
• Serve Malai Tikka Boti as a starter or main dish with naan bread, rice, or salad.