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You are here: Home / Cooking Recipes / Appetizers / Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Murg Malai Kebabs

June 22, 2018 *Updated* August 16, 2018 By Veena Azmanov 34 Comments

Recipe Video Print

Chicken Malai Kebabs, Murg Malai Kebabs or Creamy Chicken Skewers

A popular Indian classic, commonly known as Murg Malai Kebabs. These chicken malai kebabs are creamy chicken skewers. A simple, easy and effortless recipe using a yogurt-based marinade with cheese and spices takes five minutes to marinate and six minutes on the grill. Serve with naan, chapati, roti or flavored rice.

A Pinterest optimized image for Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs known in most Indian restaurants as Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs, Creamy Chicken Skewers, Murg Malai Kebabs, Indian Chicken Skewers,

Have you been to an Indian restaurant and eaten these Murg Malai Kebabs? Well, if you ordered kebabs at an Indian restaurant you most probably have tried these. Murg Malai kebabs mean Creamy Chicken Skewers. Murg is chicken, malai is cream and kebabs refers to the skewers. Honestly, ain’t nothing like these, they just melt in the mouth.

Unlike most other Indian dishes this can be made absolutely without any red chilly, cayenne, paprika, green chilly peppers, which is why this one is very popular with my non-Indian friends.

The recipe as you can see in the video is pretty, simple, easy and straightforward. You can make this in summer over a BBQ or in winter using a skillet. They take about 5 minutes to marinate and about 6 minutes to cook. If you choose to skip the marinade time, you can have dinner in 15 minutes or less. Most importantly the flavor? That’s a whole new world with these kebabs. While the lemon juice tenderizes the chicken, the yogurt, sour cream and cheddar cheese when grilled over it just melt into the chicken to give you this soft, juicy, creamy chicken that is nothing like you have tasted before.

A Pinterest optimized image for Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs known in most Indian restaurants as Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs, Creamy Chicken Skewers, Murg Malai Kebabs, Indian Chicken Skewers,

Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

  • Chicken – Personally? for me, chicken thighs are always the best for grilling. They do not dry when cooking, and they absorb a lot more favor, unlike breast. Having said that, you can most certainly use chicken breast. The cooking time will be less if you use chicken breast, about 3 to 4 minutes on the high grill.
  • Ginger and garlic – a must have in Indian meat dishes. I always use fresh ginger and garlic in my recipes. You can grate them or mince them finely so they cook and blend into the meat, plus, no one likes to bite into a big piece of ginger or garlic.
  • Lemon juice – this tenderizes the chicken but also blend all the ingredients together beautifully.
  • Yogurt, sour cream – Use plain yogurt which adds a nice tartness and the sour cream makes it creamy. So do use a combination of the two as they do really well in this dish.
  • Cheddar – not much but goes a lot way in making this kebab so much more creamy.
  • Spices – Not much and not too many so you should not have a problem finding them. Having said that if you still don’t have these spices try adding 1 tbsp curry powder instead. It will be a little different than this recipe because curry powder has more spices in the blend but it will still be delish!
A Pinterest optimized image for Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs known in most Indian restaurants as Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs, Creamy Chicken Skewers, Murg Malai Kebabs, Indian Chicken Skewers,

Recipe – Chicken Malai Kebabs – Murg Malai Kebabs – Creamy Chicken Skewers (Save/Pin)

Tools  

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skewers
  • Grill Panor Skillet
  • Chopping board & Knife
A Pinterest optimized image for Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs known in most Indian restaurants as Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs, Creamy Chicken Skewers, Murg Malai Kebabs, Indian Chicken Skewers,

Ingredients

  • Chicken – 500 grams
  • Ginger – 1 Tbsp grated
  • Garlic – 1 Tbsp minced
  • Garam Masala – 1 Tsp
  • Coriander Powder – 1 Tsp
  • Cumin Powder – 1/2 Tsp
  • Yogurt – 3 Tbsp
  • Sour Cream – 3 Tbsp
  • Cheddar – 3 tbsp grated
  • Fresh Herbs – 1/4 cup (cilantro)
  • Lemon Juice – 3 Tbsp (1/2 lemon)
  • Salt – 1 Tsp
  • Pepper – 1 Tsp
  • Green chilly – 1 Tbsp (optional if you want it spicy)

Method:

  • Soak 10 to 12 skewers – always soak skewers in water for at least 30 mins.
  • Prepare Chicken – clean, cut into bite-size pieces – pat dry any excess moisture.

Marinate Chicken

  • Place chicken in a marinate safe bowl
  • Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Add spices, ginger, garlic and combine well.
  • Then add in the yogurt, sour cream and grated cheddar – combine well.
  • Lastly, add the cilantro and chilly if using.
  • Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinade for an hour to 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Skewer and Grill

  • When ready to grill – thread the chicken pieces on the skewers.
  • Add about 3 to 4 pieces on each skewer
  • Brush or drizzle some cooking oil over the skewers
  • Heat the grill on high.
  • Grill the skewers for 3 minutes on each sides turning as needed to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.
  • Enjoy!

Tips and troubleshooting to perfect grilled skewers.

  1. Always grill meat when it’s room temperature not cold. Cold meat will seize the meat making it tough on the hot grill.
  2. Cut meat into bite-size pieces – large pieces tend to either burn on the outside while the meat towards the skewer cooks.
  3. Always soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent skewers burning
  4. Make sure grill to HOT when grilling – you must hear that sizzling sound or you start to stew the meat.
  5. Never overcrowd the grill pan, this will reduce the temperature of the pan and stew not grill the meat.
  6. Turn the meat to make sure you cook evenly
  7. If the meat is stuck to the grill do not force the meat off. let it cook until the meat is released. This will give you a nice grilled meat and not waste the best part stuck to the grill. Plus you won’t ruin your grill pan.

Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.

A Pinterest optimized image for Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs known in most Indian restaurants as Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs, Creamy Chicken Skewers, Murg Malai Kebabs, Indian Chicken Skewers,

 

A Pinterest optimized image for Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs known in most Indian restaurants as Murg Malai Kebabs

Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs aka Murg Malai Kebabs

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 17 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 11 mins
Calories: 110kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 6 servings

Description

A popular Indian classic, commonly known as Murg Malai Kebabs. These chicken malai kebabs are creamy chicken skewers. A simple, easy and effortless recipe using a yogurt-based marinade with cheese and spices takes five minutes to marinate and six minutes on the grill. Serve with naan, chapati, roti or flavored rice.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams (1.1 lb) Chicken
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) Coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) Cumin powder
  • 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Yogurt
  • 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Sour cream
  • 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Cheddar grated 
  • 1/4 cup (0.25 cup) Cilantro
  • 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Lemon Juice 1/2 lemon 
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) Salt
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) Pepper
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Green chilly optional if you want it spicy 
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 6 servings

Instructions

  • Soak 10 to 12 skewers - always soak skewers in water for at least 30 mins. 
  • Prepare Chicken - clean, cut into bite-size pieces - pat dry any excess moisture. 
  • Marinate Chicken
  • Place chicken in a marinate safe bowl
  • Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. 
  • Add spices, ginger, garlic and combine well. 
  • Then add in the yogurt, sour cream and grated cheddar - combine well. 
  • Lastly, add the cilantro and chilly if using. 
  • Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinade for an hour to 3 hours or overnight in the fridge. 
  • Skewer and Grill
  • When ready to grill - thread the chicken pieces on the skewers. 
  • Add about 3 to 4 pieces on each skewer 
  • Brush or drizzle some cooking oil over the skewers 
  • Heat the grill on high. 
  • Grill the skewers for 3 minutes on each sides turning as needed to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. 
  • Enjoy! 

Recipe Video

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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Creamy Chicken Kebabs aka Murg Malai Kebabs
Amount Per Serving (100 g)
Calories 110 Calories from Fat 46
% Daily Value*
Fat 5.1g8%
Saturated Fat 1.8g9%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 69mg23%
Sodium 261mg11%
Potassium 0mg0%
Carbohydrates 2.5g1%
Fiber 0.6g2%
Sugar 1.2g1%
Protein 13.4g27%
Vitamin A 0IU0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Keywords - Chicken Malai Kebabs, Murg Malai Kebabs
Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about itMention @veenaazmanov or #tag on Instagram #veenaazmanov

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Author – Veena Azmanov

About Veena Azmanov

I’ve always loved cooking, baking, and cake decorating but couldn’t afford to attend culinary schools. So, I had to learn my way through trials and errors.
Here you can find my delicious, often healthy, and practical recipes, along with instructional videos and tutorials. In addition, I provide cake decorating recipes, tutorials, and tips on how to start your own cake decorating business.
I am also a contributor to two other websites – Cake Decorating Tutorials and East Indian Recipes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Danielle Wolter

    May 21, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    I am just loving the flavors in this dish. the chicken sounds absolutely incredible and skewers are so fun!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      May 22, 2019 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks, Danielle. Skewers are always fun.

      Reply
  2. Amy | The Cook Report

    May 21, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    These sound so tasty, great for summer!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      May 22, 2019 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks Amy.

      Reply
  3. Dannii

    May 21, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I love finding new ways to make chicken kebabs. The seasoning on this sounds amazing.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      May 22, 2019 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks, Dannii. The seasoning on this is definitely amazing.

      Reply
  4. Chelsey

    September 03, 2018 at 8:08 am

    Yum! These chicken malai kebabs look delicious! I love Indian food but am not the best at cooking it, so I’m really excited find your website. I will definitely be trying some of your beautiful recipes!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      September 04, 2018 at 8:11 am

      Thank you, Chelsey. So happy to hear that. I hope you enjoy my recipes and let me know if you try any. Have a great day.

      Reply
  5. Arlene Mobley

    August 24, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    This is the perfect recipe for me to make this weekend. I love grilled chicken.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      August 24, 2018 at 10:36 pm

      Thank you Arelene.

      Reply
  6. Marisa Franca

    August 23, 2018 at 11:01 pm

    The kebabs look so doggone good. This is the perfect excuse for me to make some more flatbread! I have a recipe that uses yogurt as a marinade for chicken — the acid in the yogurt also helps to tenderize the meat as well as the lemon juice. We have a skillet with ridges — it’s a matter of finding it in all our boxes. Great recipe, Veena, looking forward to trying it.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      August 24, 2018 at 12:09 am

      Thank you, Marisa. I hope you manage to find all the stuff you need. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you living like this.

      Reply
  7. Jolina

    August 23, 2018 at 2:28 am

    These look amazing. I can already imagine how tasty they are, especially with naan bread! And yes, we soak the skewers too (lesson learned the hard way lol).

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      August 23, 2018 at 5:32 pm

      Thank you, Jolina. yes soaking the skewers is so important or they burn on the grill.

      Reply
  8. Denise

    August 22, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    This looks delicious! I like that it’s pretty simple and you know it’s very low carb which is great for me and my hubby!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      August 22, 2018 at 11:52 pm

      Absolutely, Denise. It’s low in carb and you can definitely enjoy it. Thanks

      Reply
  9. Heather

    June 26, 2018 at 2:45 am

    These look so mouthwatering!! Beautifully seasoned and such a savory blend of spices .. gorgeous pictures and perfect for summer bbqs 🙂

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 28, 2018 at 12:03 am

      Thank you, Heather. I hope you try it.

      Reply
  10. Karyn Ryan

    June 25, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Creamy chicken skewers and only 5 min to marinate most definitely a winner allready.Perfectfor a bbq which i happen to have 2 coming up..I know what im cooking lol

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 28, 2018 at 12:08 am

      Thank you Karyn. Yes, very simple and easy

      Reply
  11. Ruchi

    June 25, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Awesome idea and a very nice combination of spices. I can see this skewers as a main dish at our family table!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 28, 2018 at 12:12 am

      Thank you, Ruchi -I hope you try it.

      Reply
  12. Oana Iancu

    June 25, 2018 at 7:50 am

    Have never tried Chicken Malai Kebabs before but will definitely give them a try! These juicy kebabs look like a recipe our whole family would enjoy. Right on top of my list next time we’ll have a barbecue.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 28, 2018 at 12:12 am

      You will love this Oanu. You must try. Very simple and easy to make too.

      Reply
  13. Jyothi

    June 24, 2018 at 10:03 am

    One of our favorite kebabs that we all love at home and a regular at home. Looks really delicious!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 24, 2018 at 10:45 am

      Thank you, Jyothi. So happy you enjoy these.

      Reply
  14. Marisa Franca

    June 24, 2018 at 1:36 am

    OMG , Veena the kebabs look so good, I have a confession to make — we don’t frequent Indian restaurants — it’s just because we don’t know what to order. If I had you by my side you could tell me all about the dish. We do love spicy and this recipe looks fantastic. We’ll have to make it at home.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 24, 2018 at 8:04 am

      Thank you, Marisa. You are not alone quite few people are intimidated about what they must order in an Indian restaurant. Usually, they do explain the menu what the dish is and almost ever well known Indian restaurant today will option for non-spicy as well as spicy. The next time you go, make sure you take some tips from me.

      Reply
  15. Gloria

    June 23, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    These look like the perfect party pleaser for BBQ season. You can never go wrong with “meat on a stick”. Always a crowd pleaser. These would be great on the grill.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 24, 2018 at 8:05 am

      Absolutely Gloria. One can never go wrong with meat on a stick and a grill. Always a crowd pleaser. Thanks

      Reply
  16. Claudia Lamascolo

    June 22, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    I love the seasoning on these kebabs, I love how tender these look and some of the seasoning I am not familiar with but they sure look like they are bursting with flavor!

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 23, 2018 at 1:06 am

      Thank you, Claudia. Yes, these are very tender and juicy. You will love these.

      Reply
  17. Lela

    January 23, 2017 at 9:47 am

    We’ve made this so many times and it always is a winner with our family and friends. Love the tips too! They really helped me up my grilling game. I use to stack too much on the skewer so I can do them fast. Now they turn out perfect. As always, your recipes always work Veena. Thanks for this lovely blog.

    Reply
    • Veena Azmanov

      June 24, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Thank you so much, for your awesome feedback Lela. So happy to hear you enjoy this and my other recipes. Yes, adding less to the skewer makes sure you grill not stew the meat. Enjoy!

      Reply

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About Veena Azmanov

About Veena Azmanov

Welcome to my blog

I’ve always loved cooking, baking, and cake decorating but couldn’t afford to attend culinary schools. So, I had to learn my way through trials and errors.
Here you can find my delicious, often healthy, and practical recipes, along with instructional videos and tutorials. In addition, I provide cake decorating recipes, tutorials, and tips on how to start your own cake decorating business.
I am also a contributor to two other websites – Cake Decorating Tutorials and East Indian Recipes.

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