Chicken Tikka Karahi, Balochi style

This Chicken Tikka Karahi is the epitome of fusion like Tikka cut wedded with Karahi masala and fried spices; a recipe to absolute deliciousness in every bite. This is a typical Balochi style Karahi served on Dhabas near the highway. 

Now, if you don't know what is Balochi? The people of Balochistan, a province of Pakistan are called Balochi. Balochi famous food includes sajji, dumpukht, kaak (stone bread), and roosh. All of these foods are delightful for any meat lover.

You have to try this! I've made this 3-4 times since I tried it first and it is so loved by everyone and gone in minutes. I also posted this on my Instagram and got amazing feedback.

The Taste of Balochi Tikka Karahi

The taste of this Balochi style Chicken Tikka Karahi is a burst of tangy spiciness in the mouth. The fried chicken and fried garlic taste amazing. Make sure to serve it with a sauce or chutney and fresh salad. Do you know this recipe is also gluten-free and keto-friendly Karahi? You just have to add some melted cheese and extra ghee to it to make it keto-friendly.

What makes Balochi tikka karahi unique is the amount of fried garlic, ginger, and chilies in the dish. What more, you can add less your more prepared spice to your taste right before serving without any hassle.

Sometimes, the process of writing detailed recipes and a blog posts can be boring. But recipes like this that are easy to make and yield exciting results can really boost the writer in you. 

Tips to make best Balochi Karahi

• Cut of Chicken: Use "8 pieces cut" of a chicken, that is 2 leg pieces and 2 chest pieces cut into two to make 8 pieces. I used 16 pieces which is fine too but 8 pieces work best.
• Do not overcrowd karahi: 1 chicken per karahi works best. Like this, it gives you enough room to stir. Overcrowding will not allow the chicken to get golden and you will end up having over-cooked not so golden chicken. I recommend using two karahis if doubling the recipe.
• Use medium size chicken: that weighs about 2 kg. The too big chicken will have tough meat and too small chicken will have very little flesh to be enjoyed in the tikka karahi.
• Use Nonstick pan: The masala in Karahi tend to stick on the walls as the water dries. A non-stick pan stops the delicious masala from wasting as you can easily scrap it as you fry chicken.
• Be generous with garlic and lemon juice: I know the amount of garlic and lemon juice will make you doubt the measures. Stick to it and it tastes tangy and with a load of fried garlic to enjoy.
• Keep spice mix handy all the time: This is a super quick and simple recipe. But the spice mix can take some time to prepare. If you make a double or triple batch of spice mix and store it in the fridge. Next time when you make this Karahi on busy a weekend night, it would be a breeze.
• Fresh ingredients: Use freshly minced ginger, garlic, and chilies for the best taste. 
• Be patient in drying water: The water will take some time to evaporate before the chicken starts to turn golden in oil. Don’t get nervous, this is a tested recipe. Just be patient for a few more minutes and you’ll see good results. 
• Spices to taste: Adjust the amount of spice mix to taste after a taste test.

Authentic Baluchi Tikka Karahi Recipe

Now here’s the secret to this Karahi. Authentically, for Tikka Karahi chicken, is deep-fried in oil and about 1 cup water is added in hot oil once chicken turns white. But the spluttering of adding water in hot oil can be dangerous. To avoid it, we are adding water in the beginning before heating oil. 

Why adding water in oil works?

Chicken need some time to become tender. The water allows the chicken to cook before, it starts to get crispy. Without water, the outer skin of chicken will be over-fried and dry. By adding water in oil, you allow the chicken to dip completely with less oil.

How To make Balochi Chicken Tikka Karahi?

Fo Balochi tikka karahi spice mix is essential! Like always, you switch powdered spices for whole ones. If you do not have these spices and you survive on ready-made spice mixes. Try mixing 2 tablespoons of karahi masala and 1 tablespoon of tikka masala to achieve a similar taste.

• To make Balochi Karahi masala roast whole spices for about 1 minute then remove from heat.
• Add the powdered spices and mix well.
• Grind into a powder in a grinder.
• Baluchi Karahi masala is ready. The masala stays good for months so you can double or triple the measure and make more masala for next use.

1. Mix 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add chicken and brine for 20 minutes. (Salty water is called brine.)
2. Now place soaked chicken along with brine water in a Karahi or wok and add enough oil to dip the chicken completely. Cook on high heat for about 20 minutes. Stir at intervals.
3. After cooking for 15 minutes on high heat, the color of the chicken will change to white. At this stage add the ginger and garlic.
4. First, the water will evaporate and simultaneously the chicken will cook. When most water has dried and added slitted green chilies. (Tip: Slitting chilies is important as chilies tend to burst upon frying and can cause burns.) Cook for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is light golden.
5. Remember the chicken will get crisper as it cools so a few light golden spots are good. Strain the chicken and fried ginger and garlic. You can see the ginger and garlic has turned lovely.
6. Add prepared spices mix, lemon juice, and fresh coriander. Mix well and cover. Let chicken tikka karahi sit for 5 minutes so it absorbs the flavor. Then serve!

Hungry for more chicken? Check these

• Pakistani Chicken Karahi
• Bohra fry chicken 
• White Karahi 
• Hariyali Chicken 
• Cashew chicken curry