Looking for a creamy treat? Try this malai chicken karahi, where tender chicken meets smooth cream, all spiced up for a deliciously rich flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, malai chicken karahi is a fantastic choice. The main ingredient, malai, transforms this traditional Pakistani dish into a creamy sensation. Wondering how these simple ingredients come together to create something so special? Dive into the recipe and discover the magic for yourself.

So, don’t wait any longer; it’s time to unleash your inner chef and enjoy the creamy goodness of Malai Chicken Karahi. Your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients used in malai chicken karahi recipe

Here is a list of ingredients and their quantities needed to prepare Malai Chicken Karahi recipe:

Chicken – 1 kg, cut into pieces
Cooking oil – ½ cup
Onions – 2 medium, finely chopped
Tomatoes – 3 medium, finely chopped
Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tablespoons
Green chilies – 3-4, slit
Yogurt – ½ cup, whipped
Fresh cream (Malai) – 1 cup
Salt – to taste
Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
Garam masala powder – 1 teaspoon
Fresh coriander – for garnishing, chopped
Ginger – 1 inch piece, julienned (for garnishing)
Lemon juice – from 1 lemon.

Cooking Tools required for malai chicken karahi recipe

Here is a list of cooking tools commonly used when preparing Malai Chicken Karahi recipe:

Large Karahi or Wok – for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Cutting Board – for chopping onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
Chef’s Knife – for finely chopping ingredients.
Mixing Bowl – for whipping yogurt and marinating the chicken, if needed.
Wooden Spoon or (Spatula) – for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – for accurate measurement of spices, oil, and cream.
Grater or Garlic Press – for preparing ginger-garlic paste, if not using pre-made.

How to make malai chicken karahi: Step by step process;

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make an authentic Malai Chicken Karahi recipe:

Heat the oil in a large karahi or wok over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the chopped onions to the karahi and fry them until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another 2 minutes until the raw smell goes away.
Add the chicken pieces to the karahi. Cook them until they turn white, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
Once the chicken is half-cooked, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Mix everything well.
Cover the karahi with a lid and let the chicken cook for about 10-15 minutes. The tomatoes should become soft, and the oil should start to separate from the gravy.
Remove the lid, increase the heat slightly, and cook for another 5 minutes to reduce the liquid, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat, and add the whipped yogurt to the chicken. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the fresh cream (malai) and gently mix it in. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook after adding the cream to avoid curdling.
Sprinkle garam masala and lemon juice over the chicken and mix lightly.
Garnish with fresh coriander and julienned ginger.
Serve the Malai Chicken Karahi hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Expert Tip

To elevate the richness of your Malai Chicken Karahi, start by sautéing the spices in oil until they become fragrant before adding the chicken. This simple technique, called ‘bhunna’, enhances the taste and authenticity of your dish. By unlocking the flavors through this method, you’ll achieve a truly delicious and aromatic meal. Plus, your guests will be impressed by the depth of flavors in your Malai Chicken Karahi.

Serving Tips

Here are the options to serve with Malai Chicken Karahi:

Fresh Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy karahi sauce.
Steamed Basmati Rice: Serve the chicken over fragrant basmati rice for a classic pairing.
Roti: Thin and unleavened Indian bread, roti complements the dish well.
Cucumber Raita: A cool cucumber yogurt dip adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the karahi.

Check more chicken recipes

Chicken white handi recipe
Methi Chicken recipe
Chicken Dopiaza recipe
Bhuna Chicken Masala Recipe
Chicken Salan recipe
Nargisi Kofta curry recipe

Storage Instructions

These are the two easy steps to store and reheat the malai chicken karahi for further use:

Storing:

After cooking, allow the Malai Chicken Karahi to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. Be sure to use a container that is freezer-safe if you plan to store it for more than a few days. Refrigerate for short-term storage or freeze for long-term storage. Remember, refrigerated Malai Chicken Karahi should be consumed within 3-4 days, while frozen can last for up to a month.

Reheating:

To reheat, if the dish was frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, you can either use a microwave or a stovetop. In a microwave, transfer the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. On a stovetop, reheat in a pan over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

Conclusion

Just finished cooking up this amazing Malai Chicken Karahi and I can’t wait to tell you about it. It’s a creamy, rich dish that’s a twist on the classic Pakistani Karahi. What makes it special is the addition of malai, which is a kind of heavy cream, giving the chicken this irresistibly smooth texture and a flavor that’s both spicy and slightly sweet.

Perfect for those days when you want something indulgent yet comforting. Give the Malai Chicken Karahi a try and treat yourself to its creamy, flavorful goodness.

Don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with me. I am excited to see how you create this recipe with your own twist.

Frequently asked questions

Is karahi the same as curry?

While often categorized as a curry in the United States, karahi is distinct due to the absence of cream, yogurt, and onion in its gravy. Instead, it relies heavily on tomatoes for flavor.

Does chicken karahi include onion?

Traditional recipes may not include onion, but modern variations often do. Adding caramelized onions can enhance the gravy, but it’s a matter of personal preference.

How to give a smoky flavor to kadai chicken?

For a smoky flavor, heat a piece of charcoal until red hot, place it in a bowl in the center of the curry, pour oil over the coal, cover the pan, and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes is generally sufficient, but if you have more time, a longer marination of 3 to 4 hours can be beneficial.