Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Bhuna is the perfect dish for those who love bold, complex flavors. The tender chicken, simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, absorbs all the spices, creating a comforting and rich meal. The blend of turmeric, chili powder, ground cumin, and garam masala creates an aromatic and flavorful base, while the tomatoes add a lovely richness to the sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that will surely become a favorite for any curry lover!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bhuna:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 green chili, deseeded and chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 onions, diced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 5 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- 100 ml water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics:
Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic, green chili, and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. - Add Spices:
Once the onions are golden, stir in the turmeric, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors. - Cook Tomatoes:
Add the chopped tomatoes and water to the pan, along with a pinch of salt. Stir well, cover the pan, and bring it to a boil. Let the sauce simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally. - Add Chicken:
Stir in the diced chicken pieces, coating them well with the masala sauce. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, ensuring it is well combined with the sauce. - Finish the Dish:
Stir in the lemon juice to add a fresh zing to the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or peas for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Kick: If you like your curry spicier, add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder to intensify the heat.
- Creamy Bhuna: For a creamier version, add a splash of coconut milk or a tablespoon of yogurt towards the end of cooking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but chicken thighs will provide more tenderness and flavor. If using chicken breast, be sure not to overcook it to keep it from becoming dry.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Chicken Bhuna can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop even more as it sits. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can add vegetables like potatoes, peas, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish to increase the vegetable content and make it even heartier.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe has a mild to medium level of spice due to the green chili and chili powder. Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne pepper, depending on your spice preference.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with lamb, beef, or even seafood like shrimp for a variation of this dish.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. After sautéing the onions and spices, transfer everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Bhuna is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all your spices and ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add cream to make it richer?
Yes, adding a little heavy cream or coconut cream at the end of cooking will make the dish richer and creamier if you prefer a more indulgent version.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be tender and no longer pink in the center. If you cut into a piece of chicken, the juices should run clear.
What should I serve with Chicken Bhuna?
Serve it with fluffy basmati rice, naan, or roti to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of cooling yogurt or a cucumber salad is also a great complement.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bhuna is the perfect dish for anyone craving a comforting and flavorful Indian meal. The aromatic spices, tender chicken, and rich tomato-based sauce make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy dinner, Chicken Bhuna will bring warmth and delicious flavors to your table. Try this recipe today for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Chicken Bhuna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Chicken Bhuna is a rich, flavorful Indian curry made with tender chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal served with rice or roti.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch chunks
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 green chili, deseeded and chopped
2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
2 onions, diced
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
5 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
3 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
100 ml water
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic, green chili, and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in the turmeric, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for 1 more minute to release the flavors.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and water to the pan, along with a pinch of salt. Stir well, cover, and bring to a boil. Simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the diced chicken pieces, coat them well with the sauce, and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Finish by adding the lemon juice, then garnish with chopped coriander before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like potatoes or cauliflower.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and green chilies.
For a creamier version, add a splash of coconut milk or a tablespoon of yogurt at the end of cooking.
This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and ingredients are gluten-free.
Feel free to add extra vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or spinach to make it heartier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
