Malai Chicken

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Shandhar Hut’s Malai Chicken, a creamy delicacy that embodies the rich culinary traditions of North India. Our chefs have perfected this velvety dish to bring you an unforgettable taste of authentic Indian cuisine right here in Chilliwack. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a luscious blend of cream, yogurt, and aromatic spices, then gently cooked to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. The result is a mild yet flavorful dish that balances the richness of cream cheese, cashews and butter. Whether you’re a fan of milder curries or looking to explore the softer side of Indian flavors, our Malai Chicken is sure to delight. It pairs beautifully with our fluffy naan bread or fragrant basmati rice, allowing you to savor every last drop of the sumptuous sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or as part of a larger family feast, Shandhar Hut’s Malai Chicken offers a comforting embrace of flavors that will transport you to the opulent kitchens of India with each heavenly bite.

Malai Chicken, also known as Murgh Malai or Malai Tikka, is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, which ruled large parts of India from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Mughals were known for their love of rich, creamy dishes and their penchant for blending Persian and Indian culinary traditions.

The word “malai” in Hindi means cream, which is the key ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive richness and smooth texture. The use of cream in cooking was popularized during the Mughal period, as it was considered a luxury ingredient fit for royalty.

Over time, the dish evolved and spread beyond the royal kitchens, becoming a popular item in restaurants and homes across North India, particularly in regions like Punjab and Delhi. Each area added its own subtle variations to the recipe, but the core elements of tender chicken marinated in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce remained consistent.

As Indian cuisine gained popularity worldwide, Malai Chicken found its way onto menus in Indian restaurants around the globe. Its mild, creamy flavor profile made it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional Indian curries too spicy.

Today, Malai Chicken stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mughlai cuisine, offering a taste of royal Indian flavors to food lovers everywhere, including here at Shandhar Hut in Chilliwack.

It is our goal to become Chilliwack’s best restaurant, and we believe the secret to our exquisite Malai Chicken lies in the quality of our ingredients and our carefully crafted recipe. We begin with premium, locally-sourced chicken that’s known for its tenderness and flavor. The star of our marinade is rich, fresh cream (malai) combined with thick yogurt, which creates the dish’s signature velvety texture and helps tenderize the meat. Our spice blend is delicately balanced to complement, not overpower, the cream’s richness. We use aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of saffron for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic paste add a gentle pungency, while a touch of green chili provides a mild heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate. We also incorporate a hint of nutmeg and mace for their unique, slightly sweet notes. The marinade is generously applied and left to infuse the chicken for several hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. Before cooking, we add a sprinkle of kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an authentic touch of bitterness that balances the cream’s richness. The chicken is then cooked slowly to preserve its tenderness and allow the flavors to meld perfectly. The result is a dish that’s incredibly soft, luxuriously creamy, and full of subtle, harmonious flavors – a true representation of the refined cuisine of North India.