Three Classic Kabab Marinades
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Recipe by

Freezer Time
2 months

Prep time
15-20 mins

Cooking time
15-20 mins
Three classic chicken kabab marinades: Chicken Tikka, Malai Kabab, and Bihari Kabab. From smoky and spicy to creamy and rich, each marinade delivers bold desi flavors. Perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying!
Ingredients
Chicken Tikka:
- 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1/2 packet Shan Tikka Masala or 4 tbsp ( Use any brand)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1½ tbsp tamarind chutney
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (optional)
- 1/2 tbsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tbsp garlic paste
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
Malai Kabab
- 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken thigh cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp red chili powder (cayenne pepper)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp ginger paste
- 1½ tsp garlic paste
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Bihari Kabab:
- 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken thigh cubes
- 1/3 cup yogurt
- 3 to 4 tbsp Shan Bihari Kabab Masala (or any brand)
- 1½ tsp ginger paste
- 1½ tsp garlic paste
- 1/4 cup fried onions
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 to 3 tbsp mustard oil
Directions
For Chicken Tikka, Malai Kabab and Bihari Kabab
- Cut boneless chicken thighs into even-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Add the chicken and coat thoroughly with the marinade.
- Transfer to a zip-top bag, remove excess air, seal, and freeze.
- When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook within 24 hours
- Bake or Air fry for 15-20mins at 375
- You can also pan fry them with little oil or butter
Serving Ideas
Chicken Tikka
- Use this chicken to make butter chicken, tikka paratha rolls, tikka sliders, tikka sandwiches, a tikka power bowl with greens, or as a filling for samosas and spring rolls with a hint of cheese.
Malai Kabab
- When Baking/Airfying Malai Kabab, use butter for best results!
- Use this chicken to make paratha rolls, enjoy it on its own with naan, or make sandwiches using croissants or your choice of bread. You can also serve it as a healthy bowl with a side of rice and salad.
Bihari Kabab
- Use this chicken to make Bihari kabab rolls, sandwiches, Bihari kabab sliders, or a Bihari kabab bowl with Quinoa/Rice, Side of Salad and Grilled Veggies!

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