Go Back
–+ servings
overhead shot of spoon dipped in kadai chicken in cast iron skillet
Print

Chicken Karahi

This chicken karahi recipe is a traditional Pakistani dish that is loaded with fresh ginger, garlic and spices cooked with fresh tomatoes.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Pakistani
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 268kcal
Author Ryan Beck

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup ghee
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2" chunks
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 3 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-2 whole Thai green chilis
  • 3 cups Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  • Heat ghee in large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches of two or three so you don't overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add ginger, garlic and whole green chilis and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and spices and cook for an additional minute. Add chicken back to skillet.
  • Bring to simmer then cook for 15 minutes. Once slightly reduced, stir in yogurt and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with green chilis, cilantro and ginger.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatoes. They cook down quickly, making a rich and rustic sauce.
  • If you like more spice, slice some chilis with the seeds.
  • You can replace the paprika with kashmiri red chilli if you can find it. Paprika works fine however.
  • Never cover the skillet/pan when simmering if you want to be traditional. It is considered a sin to cook karahi with a lid on!
  • You can also use a slower cooker and throw all of the ingredients in it on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.
  • Leftovers will store well in the fridge for 2-3 days in an air-tight container or be frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g