Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi) Complete Recipe + Ingredients List
What is Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi)? – An introduction
Embark on a journey to master the classic array of flavors that define the much-celebrated Kadai Chicken, a staple in Indian cuisine. This dish is a symphony of spices, each playing its part to perfection, creating an aromatic and richly flavored meal that’s truly a crowd-pleaser. Picture succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a robust gravy, with the boldness of freshly ground spices and the subtle crunch of stir-fried vegetables. Not only does preparing Kadai Chicken at home allow you the liberty to adjust the heat and savor to your liking, but it also ensures a freshness that you won’t find in any restaurant. So let’s begin the cook-along, shall we?
Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi) Ingredients List
- ½ kg (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken ((1 inch pieces or ¾ kg (1.6 lbs) bone-in chicken
- curry-cut))
- ¾ cup (100 grams) onions (chopped finely)
- 1¼ cup (300 grams) tomato (puree (2 medium tomatoes pureed))
- ¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 2½ tablespoons oil (or ghee)
- 1 Kashmiri dried red chili (broken )
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (/jeera (optional))
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder ((use up to 1 teaspoon for heat))
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ to 1 teaspoon garam masala ((adjust to taste
- I use ¾ tsp))
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi ((dried fenugreek leaves))
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream/ yogurt ((or 10 cashews pureed
- read notes))
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves ((cilantro finely chopped))
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
- ½ cup onions ((cubed & layers separated) (optional))
- ½ cup capsicums ((bell peppers cubed) (optional))
- 1½ tablespoons coriander seeds ((I use 2 tbsps))
- 1 dried Kashmiri red chili
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 cloves
- ½ inch cinnamon
- 3 green cardamoms
- 2 to 3 black pepper corn ((or ⅛ teaspoon crushed pepper))
Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi) Recipe
- Start by heating a pan on medium heat and dry roasting red chili and coriander seeds for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate cloves, cardamoms, fennel seeds, and cinnamon, roasting until they release their aroma, usually in 1 to 2 minutes.
- Allow the spices to cool, then grind into a fine powder to create your homemade Kadai masala. Set aside for later use.
- Switch to a medium flame and heat The OG oil or ghee in a pan, then sprinkle in cumin seeds and red chili.
- Once the cumin seeds start to sizzle, toss in the onions and sauté until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, stirring for another 30 to 60 seconds until its raw smell has vanished.
- Introduce the chicken to the pan, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until it gets a pale exterior.
- Lower the heat and mix in turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and the prepared Kadai masala.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes, cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens a bit and the tomato loses its raw taste, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.
- Partially cover the pan, allowing the chicken to cook until it’s tender and the gravy reaches a desirable consistency.
- For added texture, melt butter in a separate wok and stir-fry bell peppers and onions until slightly blistered, about 2 to 3 minutes, then combine with the chicken.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed, and add garam masala and kasuri methi to the pot.
- If desired, stir in a cashew puree or blend a small portion of gravy with heavy cream or yogurt before mixing it back into the chicken. Simmer for 2 additional minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, ginger juliennes, and slit green chilies.
- Serve your Kadai Chicken with zeal alongside naan, roti, or steaming basmati rice.
Healthier Version of Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi) Recipe
- Substitute The OG oil with a light spray of olive oil to minimize the amount of fat used.
- Replace heavy cream or cashew puree with low-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat coconut milk, ensuring a creamy texture with fewer calories.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes instead of pureed to add texture and reduce cooking time, preserving more nutrients.
- Opt for chicken breast instead of thigh pieces to cut down on fat content.
- Use brown rice or whole wheat flatbreads as healthier accompaniments.
Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi) Recipe Nutritional Facts
Kadai Chicken Recipe (Chicken Karahi) is a Andhra, Indian dish with a calorie count of 551 kcal calories per serving. Per serving, it is estimated to have 101 g carbohydrates, 10 g proteins, 11 g fats, 19 mg sodium and 9 g sugar!
In conclusion, crafting this dish at home not only fills your kitchen with the authentic aromas of an Indian bazaar but also provides the satisfaction of creating a cherished meal with your own hands. Kadai Chicken, with each spice mindfully chosen, each step eagerly anticipated, becomes more than just food; it is an experience to be shared and savored. Now that you’re equipped with the secrets to perfecting this classic, you can add your personal touch to it, making it lighter or more indulgent to suit the occasion. Happy cooking and delightful eating!