Karahi chicken recipe is a traditional dish made using bone-in chicken, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of bold spices cooked in a thick-bottomed pan called a karahi.

This dish turns out incredibly delicious because of its rich, spicy flavors and tender chicken coated in a thick, flavorful masala. I made this karahi chicken recipe after seeing it prepared in a street food video from Lahore, which inspired me.

The main specialty lies in its simplicity and the intense, concentrated flavor from cooking on high heat. I will now show up and present step-by-step how to prepare this karahi chicken recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Choose Karahi Chicken Recipe?

You’ll choose the Karahi Chicken recipe because it’s a flavorful, no-fuss dish that brings authentic taste to your table in under an hour.

The rich blend of spices, fresh tomatoes, and tender chicken makes it a go-to for anyone craving bold, homemade comfort food. It’s quick, satisfying, and doesn’t require any special prep just simple ingredients and big flavor.

How To Prepare Karahi Chicken Recipe?

Recipe overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes

Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Course: Main Course

Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine: Pakistani / North Indian

Yield: Serves 6 people

Kitchen Utensils Needed

Heavy-bottomed karahi or wok
Sharp knife & cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowls
Grater or mortar & pestle (for ginger and garlic)

Ingredients

1 kg bone-in chicken, skin removed and cut into pieces
2 tbsp ghee (or a neutral cooking oil like canola or sunflower oil)
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional for traditional flavor)
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1–2 whole green chilies (Serrano or Thai variety)
1-inch piece fresh ginger, crushed
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to heat preference)
¼ cup plain yogurt, whisked (optional for creaminess)
2 tsp salt, divided (adjust to taste)
8 small ripe tomatoes, finely diced
½ tsp garam masala
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
2–3 fresh green chilies, slit lengthwise
Julienned fresh ginger and additional cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the Karahi

Heat 2 tbsp of ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed karahi or wok over medium heat.

2. Sauté Aromatics

(Optional) Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

Add crushed garlic, ginger, and whole green chilies. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Chicken

Add the chicken pieces and 1 tsp salt. Cook on high heat for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

4. Spice It Up

Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, and red chili powder. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.

5. Tomatoes & Simmer

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook over medium-high heat until the tomatoes break down completely and the oil begins to separate (about 10–15 minutes). Stir frequently.

6. Yogurt (Optional)

Reduce heat and add the whisked yogurt, stirring quickly to prevent curdling. Cook for another 5 minutes.

7. Final Seasoning

Add the remaining 1 tsp salt, garam masala, fresh cilantro, and slit green chilies. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy thickens.

8. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with julienned ginger and more fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts Of Karahi Chicken Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	230–400 kcal
Protein	20–40 g
Fat	14–23 g
Carbohydrates	4–10 g
Sodium	900–1100 mg

Pro Tips And Tricks For Making Perfect Karahi Chicken Recipe

1. Use Fresh Tomatoes Only

Avoid canned tomatoes fresh ripe tomatoes give the best texture and flavor, helping to build a rich, thick masala base.

2. Cook on High Flame Initially

Searing the chicken on high heat locks in juices and enhances flavor. It also helps reduce excess water quickly for a thicker curry.

3. Don’t Add Water

Let the chicken cook in tomato juices and natural moisture. This gives an authentic karahi texture and concentrates the flavor.

4. Grind Your Spices Fresh

Use freshly ground black pepper and cumin for bold, vibrant taste. Pre-ground spices can lose their aroma over time.

5. Add Yogurt Carefully (If Using)

If adding yogurt, make sure it’s at room temperature and whisked smooth to prevent curdling when mixed into the hot pan.

Healthy Nutrition Benefits Of Karahi Chicken Recipe

Karahi chicken recipe offers several healthy nutrition benefits when made with minimal oil and fresh ingredients. It’s a good source of high-quality protein from the chicken, which supports muscle growth and repair.

Fresh tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while garlic and ginger aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Using spices like cumin and coriander can help boost metabolism. When prepared with ghee in moderation, it adds healthy fats that support energy and brain function.

Ways To Use Karahi Chicken Recipe

➣ Serve with Naan or Roti

Enjoy it traditionally with warm naan or roti for a complete meal.

➣ Pair with Steamed Basmati Rice

The spicy masala goes perfectly with plain or jeera rice.

➣ Use as a Wrap Filling

Stuff leftover karahi chicken in a paratha or tortilla for a flavorful wrap.

➣ Top Over Quinoa or Brown Rice

Make it a healthier bowl meal by serving it over whole grains.

➣ Serve as a Party Dish

Use it as a main course for gatherings it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

How To Store The Karahi Chicken Recipe?

To store karahi chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the masala. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This karahi chicken recipe was easy to make and turned out absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the cooking process and the final result was full of rich, bold flavors.

It was a successful dish that brought real satisfaction. I hope you feel inspired to try this karahi chicken recipe for yourself. It’s simple, tasty, and worth making. Now it’s your turn make it soon and let me know how much you enjoyed it and how delicious it turned out for you.

Author
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Popy Aktar

Hello, I'm Popy Aktar, and I'm the chicken recipe creator over at yammichickenrecipe.com blog. With a deep-seated passion for all things delicious and a commitment to healthy creativity in the kitchen, I've dedicated four years to perfecting the craft of chicken recipe development and presentation. Through numerous cooking experiments, I've refined my skills and am eager to share my knowledge and experiences with you. I'm particularly fond of trying out new recipes, especially when they turn out to be irresistibly delicious. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Thank you for your time!

Karahi Chicken Recipe || Spicy Flavors