Chicken Karahi
Restaurant-style, ready in under an hour
A fiery, tomato-rich Pakistani chicken curry cooked fast in a wok-like karahi.
- Prep 15 mins
- Cook 35 mins
Karahi is named after the deep, wok-like pan it is cooked in. High heat, fresh tomatoes and plenty of ginger give it a bright, punchy flavour that no slow-cooked curry can match.
Cook it on the highest heat your stove allows and keep stirring — the tomatoes should break down into a thick, glossy masala that clings to the chicken.
2 people made this
Made it? Add your photoChicken Karahi
4.5 (2)Ingredients
-
Swap: Use ghee for a richer, more traditional flavour.
-
Swap: 2 tins (800 g) of chopped tomatoes, cooked a few minutes longer.
Spices
-
Swap: Kashmiri chilli powder gives the same colour with less heat.
To finish
-
Swap: 1 jalapeño, deseeded, for a milder kick.
Equipment
- Wok — a karahi works best
Instructions
-
Sear the chicken
Heat the in a karahi or wok over high heat. Add the and fry until it turns white and lightly golden on all sides.Do not crowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of searing.
-
Add aromatics
Add the and and fry for 1 minute until fragrant. -
Cook the tomatoes
Add the and . Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the tomato skins loosen, then pick the skins out with tongs. -
Reduce the masala
Uncover, add the , and , and cook on high heat, stirring, until the separates and the masala is thick.The masala is ready when oil pools at the edges of the pan.
-
Finish and serve
Scatter over the , julienned and . Serve hot with naan.
Notes
Chef's Notes
Add the green chillies and ginger right at the end so they stay fresh and sharp.
Substitutions
Use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cook (reduce cooking time by 10 minutes).
Storage
Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water until piping hot.
Nutrition Per serving
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. Nutrition values are estimates and can vary with the ingredients used.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken karahi without tomatoes?
What is the difference between karahi and curry?
Reviews (2)
Reader tips
Cook on the highest heat — the masala should cling to the chicken
“Tastes exactly like the karahi from our favourite dhaba. Will make again!”