White Chicken Karahi (30 Minutes Recipe) (2024)

White Karahi, also known as “Safed Karahi,” is a popular Pakistani dish that showcases a unique and flavorful twist on traditional karahi cuisine. Unlike the traditional red-hued karahi dishes, White Karahi stands out with its creamy and ivory appearance. The dish features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy made from a combination of yogurt, cream, and a blend of spices. The addition of ginger, garlic, and green chilies adds a refreshing and zesty touch to the creamy base, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredienst for White chicken karahi

Chicken
I always use a whole chicken cut into 16-20 pieces for karahi with bone in for best results. I cut chicken myself, perks of living abroad. Boneless chicken can also be used but will not have the same flavors.

Spices
This karahi uses minimum spices. I used freshly ground black pepper, dry roasted cumin-coriander powder, and garam masala. I like to dry roast my cumin and coriander seeds because dry roasting brings out the aroma and the flavors. Add cumin and coriander seeds in a pan without any oil. Start roasting until the color changes a little bit, take them off of the stove and roughly crush them to make a coarse powder.

Yogurt
In chicken white karahi we don’t add any tomatoes and onions. All of the gravy and tartness comes from yogurt. I used regular full-fat yogurt, but Greek yogurt is also a good alternative.

Heavy cream
I like to add a splash of heavy cream, about 1/4 cup, at the end before I garnish it. However, skipping the heavy cream is not recommended because it gives the karahi that delicious, rich taste that we all love.

Ginger and garlic
Subcontinental food is incomplete without some ginger and garlic. I like to make ginger and garlic paste in advance and freeze it in small portions. I used a tbsp of ginger and garlic paste in this recipe.

How to serve chicken karahi

Serving Chicken White Karahi is a delightful experience that brings the flavors and aroma of this unique Pakistani dish to life. Garnish the dish generously with freshly sliced ginger, and green chilies to add a burst of color and freshness. For an extra touch of elegance, you can place a dollop of fresh cream on top. Accompany the Chicken White Karahi with warm naan bread or steamed rice on the side to create a satisfying and complete meal. This visually appealing and deliciously creamy dish is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds with its exquisite blend of flavors.

How to store leftover chicken

To store Chicken Karahi properly, allow it to cool down to room temperature before handling. Transfer the leftover Chicken Karahi into an airtight container, ensuring all the gravy and chicken pieces are fully covered. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 2-3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Reheating the dish gently on the stovetop or microwave is recommended before serving again.