These Malai Chicken Tikka Skewers are perfect to make this summer season for a BBQ or a quick lunch in an air fryer or even on a pan. I like to marinate the chicken and leave it in the refrigerator to use as needed. This recipe has simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.

What goes into Malai Chicken Tikka Skewers
Chicken
I used 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs cut into cubes and marinated with ginger, garlic, and simple spices. You can also use chicken breasts or a combination of both. I also used cream and mayonnaise.
Ginger and garlic
I used fresh ginger and garlic for this recipe. Add ginger and garlic to a blender along with green chilies, lemon juice, and some yogurt to make a paste and then add it to the chicken. You can also use ginger garlic paste if you have it on hand.
Green chilies
I used one jalapeño pepper, but feel free to adjust it to your liking. You can use more or omit it altogether.
Spices
The only spices you’ll need for this recipe are salt and black pepper.
Mayonnaise and heavy cream
Mayonnaise gives this recipe a unique flavor and also helps tenderize the chicken, and it cooks faster. To give a creamy texture to this dish, you’ll also need some heavy whipping cream.
Cheese
I used 1 oz of freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Adding the cheese will give this creamy and cheesy flavor but you can also omit it as well.
Skewers
I used wooden skewers but you can also use metal one. If you chose to use wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in the water to avoid burning while grilling or pan frying.

Cooking time
These chicken tikka skewers can be made on a grill, in the airfryer or even on a pan.
Air fryer method
Cook the chicken skewers in the airfryer at 400°F for a total of 16 minutes, flipping them halfway thorugh
Grlling method
Preheat the grill at 350°F and cook the skwers for 5-6 minutes per side.
How to serve Chicken Skewers
I served the chicken tikka skewers with some sliced onions and lemon wedges, adding a vibrant touch to the dish. You can serve it with rice, naan, or paratha, each serving as an excellent accompaniment that allows you to soak up the delicious, spiced juices. For an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing the platter with fresh cilantro or a side of cooling yogurt sauce, which complements the heat of the tikka beautifully. Also try making these yummy recipes
Garlic parmesan chicken skewers
Quick and simple chicken curry

Malai Chicken Tikka Skewers
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic or 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 green chili
- 1 inch ginger or 1 tsp of ginger paste
- 1 tsp oil
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 oz mozzarella cheese
- 4 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Soak the wooden skewers in water.
- Cut the chicken to cubes.
- In a blender add, ginger, garlic, green chilies, yogurt and lemon juice to make a paste.
- Now add this mixture to chicken along with mayonnaise, black pepper and heavy cream. Also add shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix it well.
- Put the chicken on the wooden skewers.
- Heat a cast iron skillet, add 1 tsp of oil and cook the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes over medium heat. Move it around every 2-3 minutes. Add any remaining marinade and cook for a 2-3 more minutes.
- Alternatively, you can air fry for 16 minutes at 400°F Flipping halfway through.
