Chicken Reshmi Kebab
Succulent pieces of boneless chicken marinated in a rich, creamy blend of yogurt, cashews, and mild spices. Grilled to perfection, these kebabs are incredibly tender and melt in your mouth, a true Mughlai classic.
For 4 servings
First Marinade for Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This initial step helps to tenderize the chicken.
Prepare the Creamy Marinade
- While the chicken rests, soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews and green chilies. Blend to a very smooth paste, adding a tablespoon of water only if necessary to facilitate blending.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the hung curd until it's creamy and has no lumps.
- To the hung curd, add the cashew-chili paste, fresh cream, grated cheese, cardamom powder, white pepper powder, garam masala, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt.
- Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, thick, and creamy marinade.
Second Marinade and Refrigeration
- Add the chicken from the first marinade into the creamy second marinade.
- Gently mix until all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor infusion and tenderness.
Skewer the Kebabs
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Kebabs
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the tray, baste the kebabs with melted butter, and flip them over.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with light golden-brown spots. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
- Alternatively, grill on a preheated grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with butter, until cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the oven or grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle generously with chaat masala and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and thinly sliced onions.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using chicken thighs will result in juicier and more flavorful kebabs than chicken breast.
- 2Hung curd is essential. If you use regular yogurt, the marinade will be too thin and won't cling to the chicken.
- 3Do not overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough. Check for doneness after 15-18 minutes.
- 4For a smoky flavor (dhungar method), place a hot piece of charcoal in a small steel bowl inside the bowl of marinated chicken. Pour a teaspoon of ghee over the charcoal, and immediately cover the main bowl for 5-10 minutes to trap the smoke.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 400g of paneer cubes. Reduce the marination time to 1-2 hours as paneer absorbs flavors more quickly.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed between your palms, to the second marinade for a fragrant, earthy aroma.
Richer VersionRicher Version
Substitute the processed cheese with an equal amount of cream cheese for an even creamier and richer texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Promotes Bone Health
The use of curd and cheese provides a good amount of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Contains Healthy Fats
Cashews contribute monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Chicken Reshmi Kebab (approximately 1 skewer or 165g) contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and amount of cream used.