Once upon a time, in the bustling streets of Lahore, a sizzling delight was born that would captivate taste buds for generations to come. Originating from the heart of Pakistan, Malai Tawa Chicken is a dish steeped in tradition and flavor, blending the richness of cream and the spice of tawa (griddle) cooking techniques.
Its roots can be traced back to the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of the region, where meticulous care and passion for cooking are passed down through families like treasured heirlooms.
This exquisite dish boasts a delightful complexity that belies its simple appearance, with tender chicken pieces marinated in an aromatic blend of spices, yogurt, and cream before being expertly seared to perfection on a hot tawa.
The result is a succulent and flavourful dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who are fortunate enough to savour it.
While the recipe for Malai Tawa Chicken may seem intimidating at first glance, with its unique blend of ingredients and cooking methods, fear not! With a little patience and practice, this culinary masterpiece can be mastered by even the most novice of cooks.
Chicken Legs: Chicken legs are a flavorful and juicy cut of meat that is often used in various recipes. They are a combination of dark meat and bone, which adds richness and depth to dishes like curries, stews, and grilled chicken recipes.
Yoghurt: Yoghurt is a creamy dairy product that adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken. It also adds richness and creaminess to the marinade, making it perfect for coating the chicken legs for a delicious Malai Tawa Chicken recipe.
Double Cream: Double cream is a thick and rich dairy product that adds a luxurious texture and flavor to the marinade. It helps to create a creamy and velvety coating on the chicken legs, giving them a decadent taste and mouthfeel.
Vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy and acidic flavor to the marinade, which helps to balance the richness of the cream and yoghurt. It also helps to tenderize the chicken legs, making them more flavorful and succulent when cooked.
Oil: Oil is used to coat the chicken legs and prevent them from sticking to the tawa or grill. It also helps to seal in the moisture and flavors of the marinade, ensuring that the chicken legs are juicy and flavorful when cooked.
Garlic Paste: Garlic paste adds a pungent and savory flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe. It adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a delightful culinary experience.
Ginger Paste: Ginger paste adds a warm and spicy flavor to the marinade, complementing the other ingredients and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It adds a refreshing and zesty touch to the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe.
Green Chilli Paste: Green chilli paste adds a spicy and vibrant flavor to the marinade, giving the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe a kick of heat and a burst of freshness. It adds a bold and fiery element to the dish, making it more exciting and flavorful.
Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient that helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients in the marinade. It adds depth and balance to the dish, making it more savory and delicious.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a warm and peppery flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It adds a subtle spiciness and depth to the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe, making it more flavorful and satisfying.
Cumin Powder: Cumin powder adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the marinade, complementing the other spices and seasonings. It adds a warm and earthy touch to the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe, making it more fragrant and delicious.
Dried Fenugreek: Dried fenugreek adds a slightly bitter and sweet flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It adds a unique and aromatic element to the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe, making it more complex and interesting.
Green Chillies: Green chillies add a fresh and spicy flavor to the marinade, giving the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe a vibrant kick of heat. They add a bright and zesty element to the dish, making it more exciting and flavorful.
Coriander: Coriander adds a fresh and herby flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the Malai Tawa Chicken recipe. It adds a bright and aromatic touch to the dish, making it more flavorful and delightful.
Serving Suggestions:
Variations:
Malai Tawa Chicken is a popular Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked on a flat griddle or tawa. It is known for its creamy and flavorful marinade made with cream, yogurt, and spices.
To make Malai Tawa Chicken, chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of cream, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, spices, and herbs. The marinated chicken is then cooked on a flat griddle or tawa until tender and cooked through.
The key ingredients in Malai Tawa Chicken include chicken, cream, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like coriander and mint.
Malai Tawa Chicken is best served hot with naan or roti, along with a side of salad and mint chutney. It can also be served with rice or pulao for a complete meal.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the dish even more flavorful. Just make sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking.
Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.
If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!
Subscribe now to receive my latest recipes directly in your inbox. Stay up-to-date and never miss out!
I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.
Add your first comment to this post