Chicken Karahi
Chicken Karahi is a medium Pakistani recipe that serves 4. 698 calories per serving. Recipe by Samina Food Story on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $8.95 total, $2.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil (use any neutral oil; can reduce to 1/3 cup for lighter version)
- 750 g Chicken Pieces (bone‑in pieces, skin optional, trimmed)
- 1.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste (store‑bought; add a splash of water to thin)
- 2 tbsp Water (for thinning ginger‑garlic paste)
- 3 large Tomatoes (blended into a smooth paste; skin can be left on)
- 1.5 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 5 Dried Red Chilies (whole, for mild heat)
- 0.5 cup Plain Yogurt (unsweetened, not overly sour)
- 0.5 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Black Peppercorns (coarsely crushed)
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (adds richness at the end)
- 4 Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (julienned for garnish)
Instructions
Heat Oil
Place the karahi on medium‑high heat and add ½ cup vegetable oil. Let it warm for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn golden brown on all sides.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Season with Salt
Sprinkle 1½ tsp salt over the browned chicken and give it a quick stir.
Time: PT1M
Add Ginger‑Garlic Paste
Stir in 1 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste along with 2 tbsp water. Mix well so the paste coats the chicken.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Add the blended tomato paste (or the 3 blended tomatoes). Stir to combine with the chicken.
Time: PT2M
Cover and Simmer
Cover the karahi with a lid, reduce heat to medium, and let the mixture simmer for 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium
Add Ground Spices
Uncover the pan and add 1½ tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp turmeric, and 4‑5 whole dried red chilies. Stir and fry for 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Mix in Yogurt
Lower the heat to low, add ½ cup plain yogurt, and stir quickly to prevent curdling. Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low
Finish with Garam Masala & Pepper
Add ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper. Stir for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Final Enrichments
Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream, the sliced green chilies, and julienned ginger. Mix gently for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Turn off the heat and serve the chicken karahi hot, directly from the pan, with naan or rice.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 698
- Protein
- 41 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 29 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Dairy
Last updated: March 15, 2026






