White Chicken karahi is a rich and creamy dish made with cream, yogurt and some other spices. This dish is a true reflection of authentic Pakistani flavours — rice, aromatic and delightful creamy with every bite. Unlike the red karahi, which is made with tomatoes, red chilli powder. In this karahi, it has no tomatoes — giving in a smooth white gravy full of flavour and fragrance. This Dhaba style Chicken White Karahi recipe is perfect for family dinners, occasions, and casual weekend gatherings.
If you want that restaurant-style creamy texture and mouthwatering aroma, follow this Authentic Pakistani chicken karahi recipe with simple ingredients.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Chicken – 1 kg
- Yogurt – 1 cup (optional)
- Fresh cream – ½ cup
- Onions – 2 medium size
- Tomatoes – 1 (optional)
- Green chillies – 5–6
- Ginger garlic paste – 2 tbsp
- Oil or ghee – 1 cup
Spices
- Salt (adjust to taste)
- Black paper – 1 tsp
- White paper ½ paper
- Garam masala powder – ½ tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Cumin powder – 1 tsp
Garnishing
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Ginger – julienne cut
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Detailed recipe of Chicken Karahi
In a deep pan, heat the oil and add chicken. Stir until the colour is changed. At that moment, remove half of the oil in it. Add ginger-garlic paste and half cup water. Cover it for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender. Remove the cover and add cumin powder, coriander powder, and white paper. Lower the flame and stir well continuously.
Adding Cream
Next, add cream and cook for at least 3-4 minutes on medium to low flame. Cook until the oil will separate. Then add green chillies, black paper, and garam masala. Mix well and turn off the flame.
Garnishing
Once done, garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves, julienne cut ginger, and lemon slices. Your Chicken White Karahi without tomatoes is ready to serve. Serve with hot naan and tandoori roti.
Serving tips
- Always serve hot and fresh karahi.
- Pair with mint raita and salad.
- Also add onion rings and green raita on a plate.
- Also serve with zeera rice and plain rice.
- Serve with naan, or tandoori roti for a perfect combo.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and lemon wedges before serving.
Variations of Traditional White Karahi
- Dhaba Style Chicken White karahi
- Creamy Chicken White karahi
- Garlic Chicken White karahi
- Spicy Chicken White karahi
- Smoky Chicken White karahi
- Boneless Chicken White karahi
- Green chilli Chicken White karahi
- Chicken White karahi without yogurt
- Chicken White karahi with cream.
- Restaurant style Chicken White karahi
Enjoy the authentic Dahi Bhalla recipe for Ramadan iftar — soft lentil fritters soaked in creamy yogurt, topped with tangy chutneys, and perfect for your iftar table.
Common mistakes
- Add too many tomatoes.
- Overcook the karahi.
- Cooking on low flame.
- Adding too much water.
- Ignoring the garnishing step.
- Not using fresh vegetables.
- Skipping green chillies.
- Using Extra yogurt and cream.
- Using old spices.
- Not heating oil properly.
- Adding extra black paper and white paper.
Frequently Ask Question
Q:1 How is Chicken White Karahi made?
The chicken is cooked with yogurt, cream, garlic, and black pepper, which gives it a white colour and unique flavour.
Q:2 What is the difference between white karahi and red karahi?
Red karahi uses tomatoes and red chillies, while white karahi uses curd and cream.
Q:3 Can white karahi be made without cream?
Yes, you can make delicious white karahi with yogurt and milk.
Q:4 Which chicken is best for white stir-fry?
Boneless chicken cooks quickly and is best for white stir-fry.
Q:5 What to serve with White Karahi?
It goes best with naan, tandoori roti or saffron rice.
Q:6 Can white rice be refrigerated?
Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Try this Authentic Pakistani Chicken White Karahi recipe for a rich, creamy, and flavourful dish made with yogurt, cream, and aromatic spices — perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Conclusion
Chicken White Karahi is a unique Pakistani dish that has become a favourite with its smooth sauce, yogurt, and cream flavours. Whether it’s an Iftar, an Eid occasion, or a house party, this traditional recipe always impresses everyone. If you prepare it correctly, it will smell and taste like a restaurant every time.
