Chicken Karahi Recipe – The Ultimate Pakistani Classic (Easy & Authentic)

Chicken Karahi
By The Klassic Kitchenware Team
What do you cook when guests come over unexpectedly, or when you just want to bring that dhaba-style magic to your home kitchen? Enter Chicken Karahi—a Pakistani favorite that's rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and one reliable karahi, this iconic dish comes together in under an hour. Whether it's a quiet weeknight or a festive daawat, this recipe never disappoints.
At Klassic Kitchenware, we’ve cooked this recipe countless times in our Klassic karahi to test its flavor, texture, and authenticity — and now we’re bringing you a foolproof version that works every time.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cooking oil (use less with non-stick cookware)
- 1 kg bone-in chicken, skin removed
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds
- Salt to taste
- 2–3 green chilies, sliced
- A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- (Optional) 1 tbsp yogurt for richness
Preparation Instructions
- Heat oil in your Klassic Non-Stick Karahi over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until aromatic.
- Add ginger garlic paste. Stir for 30 seconds, then add chicken. Cook for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, black pepper, coriander, and salt. Mix well.
- Cover and simmer for 15–17 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add green chilies and coriander. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Cooking Tips From Our Kitchen
- Fresh Tomatoes: Always use ripe tomatoes for richer flavor.
- Spice Control: Adjust chili according to your family’s spice level.
- Non-Stick Advantage: Our non-stick karahi reduces oil usage while enhancing flavor.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Karahi
✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
✅ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
✅ Rich, bold flavor with minimal oil
✅ Perfect for weeknights or family daawat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken cooks faster — reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes and adjust spices to taste.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. Chicken Karahi tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors deepen.
Q: What’s the best cookware for karahi?
We recommend using a non-stick or die-cast karahi with thick walls, like the ones at Klassic Kitchenware, to retain heat and prevent burning.
Cook with Klassic – The Right Tools Make the Difference
This iconic dish deserves cookware that brings out the best in it. Our non-stick karahi pans are designed for everyday desi cooking — they’re durable, easy to clean, and ideal for low-oil recipes like this one.
👉 Shop our Klassic Karahi Collection now »