Karhai Chicken
Karhai Chicken is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cooked with aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for a spicy, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. slivered ginger ⓘ
- 2 small cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1-1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 10 whole black peppercorns ⓘ
- 5 whole cloves ⓘ
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- 2 sticks cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 small tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 green chillies ⓘ
- 4 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Add water, ginger, garlic, salt, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin to chicken and boil until chicken pieces are tender and most of the water is dried up.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of green chillies or substitute with bell peppers. For a richer taste, consider adding a dollop of yogurt or cream after cooking. Fresh herbs like mint can also complement the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Karhai Chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. It pairs beautifully with naan or steamed basmati rice, making it a perfect complement to dishes like Curried Chicken Over Rice. Consider serving a side of raita for a refreshing balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karhai Chicken contains roughly 1901 calories, with 53g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (794% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken can add more flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time, as it may take longer to become tender. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
What can I substitute for fresh ginger?
If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. However, fresh ginger provides a more vibrant flavor and aroma, so use ground ginger sparingly.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe calls for green chillies, which add heat. If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the amount or remove the seeds. Alternatively, you can add a bit of sugar to balance the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).