Quote for the Recipe:
"A spoonful of creamy Methi Malai Murg is comfort in every bite – mildly spiced, deeply aromatic, and soul-satisfying."
Introduction:
Welcome to Pavi’s Food Tales! Today, we’re diving into the flavorful world of Methi Malai Murg – a deliciously creamy and mildly spiced Indian chicken curry featuring fresh fenugreek leaves and tender chicken simmered in a smooth, nutty cream-based gravy. This recipe brings together the richness of North Indian cuisine with the delicate bitterness of methi, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet balanced. If you’ve enjoyed classic Indian curries like Butter Chicken or Coimbatore Chettinad Pepper Chicken, you’ll love this elegant alternative. Read more from my blogging website for more chicken curry recipes and South Indian specialties!
The beauty of Methi Malai Chicken Curry lies in its soft and creamy texture, infused with the gentle bitterness of methi. Unlike spicy or tangy curries, this dish leans toward a sweet and mildly spiced flavor profile, making it ideal for those who prefer low-heat dishes. The magic comes from the use of fresh cream, cashew paste, and a base of sautéed onions and green chilies. The addition of methi transforms the dish into something earthy and fragrant. For another light and creamy dish, try our comforting Bottlegourd Kofta recipe. Read more from my blogging website to explore subtle and flavorful Indian recipes.
Creating Methi Malai Murg at home is surprisingly easy. You only need basic pantry staples like onions, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, boneless chicken, and either fresh or dried methi leaves. It’s a perfect beginner-friendly curry that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. You can also adapt this dish for vegetarians by substituting chicken with paneer. If you're interested, check out our creamy Methi Malai Paneer recipe. This is a wonderful choice when you're hosting or when you’re simply in the mood for a comforting bowl of creamy curry. Read more from my blogging website for meal ideas that blend comfort and creativity.
Whether served with naan, jeera rice, or soft rotis, Methi Malai Chicken makes a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels restaurant-style yet easy enough for a weekday dinner. It’s also gluten-free and can be made lighter with reduced cream or yogurt. This recipe is great for kids and adults alike, thanks to its mild spice level and silky texture. If you’re planning a dinner menu, pair it with a refreshing side like Masala Corn Chaat or a hearty dish like Samosa Puff Pastry Bites. Read more from my blogging website for creative food pairings, festive dishes, and Indian fusion recipes.
History and Significance:
1. The Royal Mughlai Origins
Methi Malai Murg traces its roots to the rich and elaborate Mughlai cuisine, known for its creamy gravies and indulgent flavors. Originating from the kitchens of the Mughal emperors, dishes like this combined aromatic spices, dairy-based gravies, and nuts to create royal delicacies. Methi, or fenugreek, although slightly bitter, was revered for its digestive benefits and was used sparingly in rich dishes to balance flavors. This chicken curry reflects that heritage — luxurious yet balanced. The use of malai (fresh cream) and cashew paste is consistent with Mughlai cooking principles.
Read more about Mughlai cuisine here →
2. Methi’s Cultural and Ayurvedic Importance
Fenugreek, known as "Methi" in Hindi, is an ancient medicinal herb widely mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for its healing properties. In Indian households, it’s used both in culinary preparations and traditional remedies. Its slight bitterness is believed to stimulate digestion and improve metabolism. Over time, its culinary use expanded into dishes like Methi Thepla, Methi Paratha, and creamy gravies. Combining methi with malai and chicken wasn’t just a taste experiment — it balanced bitterness with richness and created a harmonious dish that delighted the palate and nourished the body.
Learn more about fenugreek in Ayurveda →
3. Influence of North Indian Culinary Techniques
Methi Malai Murg is particularly popular in Punjab and Delhi, where the use of dairy in cooking is prevalent. North Indian dishes often feature yogurt, ghee, and cream, especially in winter-friendly recipes. In Punjabi households, chicken recipes are common weekend indulgences, and methi is a winter staple. This recipe reflects regional preferences — using ghee for richness, kasuri methi for depth, and cream for smoothness. Pair it with Jeera Rice or Lachha Paratha and you’ll instantly recognize its North Indian influence.
Explore traditional North Indian food styles →
Read more from my blogging website with Coimbatore Chettinad Chicken as a southern contrast.
4. Evolution into Restaurant-Style Curry
While originally a homemade dish, Methi Malai Murg grew popular as a restaurant-style curry served in Indian fine-dining establishments. Diners sought out creamy dishes that weren’t overly spicy, and this curry fit that demand perfectly. It became a middle ground between the fiery Chicken Curry and the buttery Murg Makhani. Chefs began garnishing it with fresh cream swirls and dried kasuri methi, enhancing its visual appeal. Many Indian fusion restaurants now feature this dish on their menus.
See how it appears in modern Indian menus →
Read more from my blogging website for modern Indian recipes like Tandoori Spaghetti.
5. From Traditional to Fusion Kitchens
With the rise of global Indian cuisine, Methi Malai Murg found its way into fusion kitchens. It has been reinterpreted with pasta, quinoa, or even as a pizza topping in Indo-western cafes. Its creaminess complements fusion ideas well, giving chefs a base to play with flavors. At home, people started pairing it with continental sides like garlic bread or mashed potatoes. This evolution showcases the adaptability of traditional Indian flavors in contemporary cooking.
Explore the growth of Indian fusion cuisine →
Read more from my blogging website for other fusion recipes like Idli Tacos.
6. Role in Festive and Winter Menus
During colder months and family gatherings, Methi Malai Murg is a go-to dish. The inclusion of cream, methi, and warming spices makes it a perfect winter curry, offering both nourishment and comfort. It's commonly featured in Diwali, Lohri, and wedding menus. Since it’s not too spicy, it appeals to all age groups and is considered a safe yet luxurious option for mixed gatherings. Many families include it in Sunday special lunches as a highlight.
Read about Indian winter foods →
Read more from my blogging website for festive dishes like Boondi Ladoo.
7. Significance in Balanced Indian Cooking
The recipe showcases India’s traditional focus on flavor balancing — bitter (methi), rich (cream), umami (chicken), and sweet (cashew paste) all working in harmony. Such layering reflects the Ayurvedic principles of taste (rasa), where each dish should touch multiple senses and taste elements. This is why Methi Malai Chicken has sustained its place in both urban and rural kitchens. It’s neither too pungent nor too bland — just soothing, satisfying, and nutritionally balanced.
Learn about Ayurvedic six tastes here →
Read more from my blogging website with healthy recipes like Horse Gram Soup.
8. Passed Down in Family Recipes
Many home cooks learn Methi Malai Murg from their mothers or grandmothers, with each family having slight variations. Some add green peas, others prefer using bone-in chicken for more flavor. This recipe has emotional value—it’s comforting, nurturing, and often associated with celebrations or healing. Today, it’s shared not just across generations but on food blogs, YouTube channels, and digital cookbooks, carrying tradition into the future. It represents how food evolves yet stays rooted.
Explore Indian food heritage →
Read more from my blogging website and download your copy of my free digital recipe kit for home chefs.
🛒 Recommended Kitchen Tools for Methi Malai Murg
These tools make Indian cooking smoother, faster, and more enjoyable!
- Stainless Steel Heavy-Bottom Kadhai
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- Electric Mixer/Grinder with Multiple Jars
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- Silicone Spatula Set (Heat-Resistant)
- Digital Kitchen Weighing Scale
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- Chopping Board & Knife Combo
👉 Grab this chopping board set
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⏲️ Cooking Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧂 Ingredients of the Methi Malai Murg Recipe
Here is the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this flavor-rich Methi Malai Chicken Curry:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into medium-sized cubes)
- 1/4 cup thick yogurt (curd)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, slit (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp cashew paste (soak 8–10 cashews and grind)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 cup fresh cream (malai)
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust to consistency)
- 2 tbsp dried kasuri methi (crushed between palms)
- Salt as required
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
👉 Looking for vegetarian alternatives? Try this creamy Methi Malai Paneer instead!
👉 You can get fresh spices and kitchen tools through my affiliate product list.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Process:
Follow these simple steps to prepare this luscious Creamy Fenugreek Chicken Curry at home:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix chicken with yogurt, turmeric, salt, and ginger-garlic paste. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
Marination enhances flavor and ensures juicy chicken pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Base
In a kadhai or pan, heat oil and butter. Sauté chopped onions until soft and translucent. Add green chili and ginger-garlic paste, and cook until raw aroma disappears.
Avoid browning the onions too much; keep them golden for a lighter gravy.
Step 3: Add Cashew Paste & Spices
Add cashew paste and sauté on low flame. Mix in coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir until oil starts to separate.
Cashews give the curry its signature richness—don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken into the gravy and sauté for 4–5 minutes on medium heat. Cover and cook until the chicken turns tender and fully cooked.
You can also use bone-in chicken for a more traditional flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Methi
Lower the flame. Stir in fresh cream, milk, and crushed kasuri methi. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with naan, paratha, or jeera rice.
👉 Try pairing it with Samosa Puff Pastry Bites for a fusion combo!
👉 Find perfect serving dishes on my kitchen essentials list.
🥄 Review and Taste:
From the first spoonful, Methi Malai Murg offers a luxurious blend of creamy, herbal, and mildly sweet flavors. The rich cashew-cream gravy coats every tender piece of chicken, while the kasuri methi imparts an unmistakable earthy aroma. It’s not spicy, yet every bite is full of depth and warmth. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence, ideal for those who love subtle Indian curries. Read more from my blogging website for dishes that soothe your palate.
The texture of this curry is incredibly smooth — thanks to the cashew paste and fresh cream — making it ideal for pairing with soft naan or basmati rice. The fragrance of fenugreek lingers, enhancing the aftertaste without overpowering the dish. Even children and spice-sensitive eaters enjoy this creamy chicken delight. If you're a fan of mildly spiced dishes like Butter Chicken, then this one’s a must-try! Read more from my blogging website for flavor-balanced Indian recipes.
🥗 Health Benefits and Nutrition:
Despite its rich taste, Methi Malai Murg offers several nutritional benefits. Fenugreek leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting digestive health and helping reduce blood sugar levels. Used in moderate amounts, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) enhances both flavor and functional health.
👉 Source: NIH on Fenugreek Benefits
👉 Read more from my blogging website with our gut-friendly Horse Gram Soup.
The dish includes lean protein from chicken, which supports muscle development and satiety. When paired with whole grain rotis or brown rice, it becomes a balanced meal. Since the spices are minimal, it’s gentle on the stomach and suitable for kids and the elderly alike. You can also replace cream with low-fat yogurt for a lighter version.
👉 Learn about chicken nutrition →
The use of cashew paste provides healthy fats and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and copper. Cashews also add creaminess without the need for excess dairy. Just remember to soak them properly for smoother blending. A mixer grinder can help you achieve a silky texture effortlessly.
By replacing heavy cream with milk or low-fat options, you can still enjoy this curry with fewer calories. Add more methi leaves or even green peas for extra fiber. This makes Methi Malai Chicken a smart indulgence — flavorful yet mindful. It’s also gluten-free and can fit into a low-carb diet with minor tweaks.
👉 Looking for more healthy Indian recipes? Read more from my blogging website for wholesome options.
🍽️ Pairing Ideas for Methi Malai Murg:
1. Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
The mild, aromatic flavor of Jeera Rice pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of Methi Malai Murg. The toasted cumin seeds in the rice enhance the curry’s warmth without overpowering it.
👉 Try our comforting Nellore Chicken Rice for a spicy contrast.
👉 Use a non-stick rice cooker for fluffier grains.
2. Garlic Butter Naan or Lachha Paratha
Soft and flaky Lachha Parathas or Garlic Naan are perfect for scooping up the creamy gravy. Their light char and chewiness add texture to the soft chicken pieces.
👉 Read more from my blogging website for tips on paratha rolling and dough prep.
👉 Use a cast iron tawa for best results.
3. Masala Corn Chaat (Side Snack)
Serve a tangy Masala Corn Chaat as an appetizer before the main course. Its spicy-sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the mellow curry.
Add a squeeze of lemon and some pomegranate pearls for freshness!
👉 Store your spices in labeled airtight spice containers.
4. Pudina (Mint) Raita
A cooling mint-flavored raita is a perfect match to mellow the richness of the curry. It refreshes the palate and complements the herby notes of fenugreek.
👉 Read more from my blogging website for other raita variations using cucumber, boondi, or beetroot.
👉 Use a hand blender for creamy yogurt.
5. Indian Masala Chaas or Sweet Lassi
A chilled Masala Chaas (spiced buttermilk) or a sweet Punjabi Lassi is a great way to end the meal on a light, refreshing note. These drinks aid digestion and balance the curry’s richness.
👉 Try our sweet Boondi Ladoo for a festive finish!
🎉 Recipes for Special Occasions:
1. A Winter Favorite for Family Dinners
Methi Malai Murg is a comforting dish that's often served during cozy winter family dinners. Its creamy texture and warming spices make it perfect for chilly evenings. Pair it with Rava Idli Sandwich or jeera rice for a wholesome family meal. Read more from my blogging website for winter favorites.
2. Featured in Festive Menus Like Diwali and Eid
During celebrations like Diwali, Eid, or wedding anniversaries, this curry adds a touch of elegance to the dinner table. Its rich taste pairs well with sweets like Boondi Ladoo and spicy appetizers. You can easily upscale the recipe for larger gatherings or potlucks.
3. Ideal for Small Dinner Parties
Planning an intimate dinner with friends or guests? Impress them with this restaurant-style creamy chicken curry served with soft naan and a cucumber salad. It's flavorful yet non-spicy — perfect for mixed palates. For more unique party recipes, check out the fusion-style Samosa Puff Pastry Bites.
4. A Highlight for Sunday Special Lunch
Make your Sunday lunch a celebration with Methi Malai Murg as the centerpiece. Serve alongside pulao, masala papad, and mint lassi. It’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious without being too heavy. Explore more indulgent weekend dishes in my cookbook and read more from my blogging website!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dried methi instead of fresh in this curry?
Yes, use kasuri methi for a strong aroma; soak briefly in warm water before adding.
2. Is Methi Malai Murg spicy or mild in flavor?
It’s mild and creamy, perfect for kids or spice-sensitive guests. Adjust green chili for a kick.
3. Can I replace cream with curd or cashew paste?
Yes, substitute cream with thick curd or cashew-almond paste for a rich, dairy-free version.
4. How long can I store Methi Malai Murg?
Store in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
5. Can I freeze Methi Malai Murg for later use?
Yes, freeze for up to one month. Avoid freezing with added cream; mix it fresh when reheating.
6. Is this recipe keto-friendly or low carb?
Yes, it’s a low-carb dish if served without rice. Use fresh cream and avoid sugar.
7. What type of chicken should I use – bone-in or boneless?
Both work well. Boneless thighs are tender; bone-in adds deeper flavor to the gravy.
8. Can I make this curry vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with paneer or tofu. Follow the same creamy masala base method.
9. What to do if the gravy is too thin?
Simmer uncovered until thickened, or add crushed cashews or almond powder to fix consistency.
10. Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté and pressure cook modes. Reduce water slightly for thicker curry.
11. Does methi leave a bitter taste in the curry?
Fresh methi leaves, when blanched or sautéed, reduce bitterness. Use sparingly if using dried methi.
12. Is it suitable for special occasions and festivals?
Absolutely! It's a rich, indulgent curry ideal for Diwali, Eid, or family dinners. See special uses.
13. What breads go best with Methi Malai Murg?
Serve with naan, kulcha, or jeera rice for a complete North Indian meal.
14. Can I make it without onions and garlic?
Yes, skip them and use cashew paste, cream, and ginger-green chili base for flavor.
15. Is this dish part of traditional Indian cuisine?
Yes, it’s a North Indian classic, blending Mughlai richness and Punjabi flavors. Read its origin below.
🔗 Source Links – Learn More About Methi, Chicken Curry & Creamy Gravies
1. Methi Malai Chicken – Archana’s Kitchen
A detailed, trusted version of the classic Methi Malai Chicken with step-by-step cooking instructions and tips.2. Creamy Methi Chicken Curry – Dassana’s Veg Recipes
A flavorful take on methi malai chicken, featuring ingredients, substitutions, and cooking notes for home chefs.
3. Kasuri Methi in Indian Cooking – Spice Up The Curry
Everything you need to know about dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and their role in Indian gravies.
4. Indian Chicken Curries Collection – Whisk Affair
Explore a wide selection of Indian chicken curry recipes, including creamy gravies like Methi Malai Murg.
5. Methi Malai Murg – Zayka Ka Tadka
An easy home-style version of Methi Malai Murg with rich flavors and practical cooking instructions.
📝 Summary and Conclusion:
From its humble origins to its modern-day appeal, Methi Malai Murg remains a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into culinary masterpieces. With the richness of cream, the slight bitterness of fenugreek, and the tender bite of chicken, this dish celebrates Indian comfort food most deliciously.
Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Methi Malai Murg recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s creamy yet light, herby yet rich, and fits both everyday and festive cooking. Try it once, and it might just win your heart.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and whip up a batch of this delicious Methi Malai Chicken Curry today! Don’t forget to leave a comment on how it turned out and tag Pavi’s Food Tales if you post it on social media. I’d love to hear from you!
📘 Explore More Recipes in My Book
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love my Amazon KDP cookbook filled with authentic and flavorful Indian recipes! It’s a treasure trove of culinary delights designed to bring the essence of Indian cooking into your home.
👉 Get your copy here on Amazon
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💖 Ending with a Cute Note
Thanks a bunch for stopping by!
Come back soon for more spice, stories, and soulful dishes.
Happy cooking and happy eating! 🌿🍲
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