Ranveer Brar's Creamy Chicken Malai Tikka Recipe

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey guys! Craving something incredibly delicious and melt-in-your-mouth? Then you absolutely HAVE to try Ranveer Brar's Chicken Malai Tikka recipe. Trust me, this isn't your average tikka. The marinade is what makes it so special, creating this unbelievably creamy and flavorful chicken that you just won't be able to get enough of. I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know to make this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends!

What Makes Ranveer Brar's Chicken Malai Tikka So Good?

Okay, so what's the big deal about this particular Chicken Malai Tikka recipe? It all comes down to a few key things that Ranveer Brar does that elevates it from good to absolutely amazing. First off, the marinade is a star. It's not just a simple yogurt-based mix. Instead, it's a carefully balanced blend of cream, cheese, and spices that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with this rich, decadent flavor. The use of double marination helps to ensure that the flavors deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in a juicy and flavorful tikka. Secondly, the choice of spices is crucial. Ranveer Brar perfectly balances warmth and aroma, making the chicken flavorful without being overpowering. The gentle heat complements the creaminess, creating this beautiful harmony of flavors that dance on your tongue. And finally, the cooking method is important! Whether you're grilling, baking, or using a tandoor (if you're lucky enough to have one!), making sure you cook the chicken just right so it stays juicy and doesn't dry out is crucial.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's make sure you have everything you need. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients for Ranveer Brar's Chicken Malai Tikka:

  • For the First Marinade:
    • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
    • 1 teaspoon green chili paste (or to taste)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper powder
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Second Marinade:
    • 1/2 cup hung curd (Greek yogurt works great too!)
    • 1/4 cup fresh cream
    • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
    • 1 tablespoon cashew nut paste
    • 1 teaspoon green cardamom powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon mace powder (javitri)
    • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
    • 1 tablespoon grated cheese (cheddar or processed cheese)
    • 1 tablespoon coriander stems, finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • Salt to taste

Make sure you have all of these ingredients ready before you start. Trust me, it'll make the whole process a lot smoother!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Here's how to make Ranveer Brar's Chicken Malai Tikka, step by step:

  1. First Marinade: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste, salt, white pepper powder, and lemon juice. Mix well, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This first marinade tenderizes the chicken and starts infusing it with flavor.
  2. Second Marinade: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the second marinade. In a separate bowl, whisk together the hung curd, fresh cream, cream cheese, cashew nut paste, green cardamom powder, mace powder, nutmeg powder, grated cheese, coriander stems, crushed kasuri methi, oil, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, creamy paste.
  3. Combine and Marinate: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and add it to the second marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture. Cover the bowl again and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be!
  4. Cooking Time: Now comes the fun part – cooking the tikka! You have a few options here:
    • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char on the outside.
    • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
    • Tandoor (if you have one): This is the most authentic method, but not everyone has a tandoor at home! If you do, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking tandoori chicken.
  5. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with a little chaat masala (optional). Serve hot with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Malai Tikka

Want to make sure your Chicken Malai Tikka turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

  • Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Trust me, it makes a difference!
  • Don't Skip the First Marinade: The first marinade is essential for tenderizing the chicken. Don't be tempted to skip it!
  • Hung Curd is Key: Hung curd (thick yogurt) is important for the texture of the marinade. If you can't find it, use Greek yogurt and strain it through a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess moisture.
  • Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili paste and other spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili. If you like it spicier, add more!
  • Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it's cooked through and still juicy.
  • Get that Char: Whether you're grilling or baking, try to get a little bit of char on the outside of the chicken. It adds a delicious smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Malai Tikka is delicious on its own, but it's even better when served with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

  • Mint Chutney: A classic pairing! The cool, refreshing flavor of mint chutney complements the richness of the tikka perfectly.
  • Sliced Onions and Lemon Wedges: A simple but essential addition. The onions add a bit of crunch, and the lemon wedges provide a burst of acidity.
  • Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and juicy chicken.
  • Rice: If you're looking for a heartier meal, serve the tikka with basmati rice.
  • Salad: A simple green salad can help to balance out the richness of the dish.

Variations to Try

Want to experiment with Ranveer Brar's Chicken Malai Tikka recipe? Here are a few variations to try:

  • Paneer Malai Tikka: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to use firm paneer that won't crumble during cooking.
  • Mushroom Malai Tikka: Use button mushrooms or other types of mushrooms in place of the chicken. Marinate them in the same way and cook until tender.
  • Tandoori Malai Tikka: If you have a tandoor oven, use it to cook the tikka for an authentic smoky flavor.
  • Add a Touch of Saffron: Infuse the marinade with a few strands of saffron for a more luxurious flavor and aroma.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red chili powder to the marinade for a little extra heat.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Ranveer Brar's Chicken Malai Tikka recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With a little bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can create this restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get cooking! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!