Quick and Easy Chicken Bhuna
Chicken Bhuna is a classic Indian curry known for its rich, thick gravy and deep, aromatic flavors. Originating from the Bengal region, this dish is a favorite in Indian households and restaurants alike. The word “Bhuna” refers to the cooking technique where spices are fried in oil to release their essential oils, creating a robust and flavorful base. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a spicy tomato-onion gravy, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, authentic Indian flavors.
What makes Chicken Bhuna special is its versatility. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The dish is also customizable—you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this Chicken Bhuna recipe is sure to impress!
Why This Chicken Bhuna Recipe Works
This Chicken Bhuna recipe is a winner because it uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The combination of whole and ground spices, along with fresh aromatics, ensures a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, even for beginners.
Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you serve it with rice, naan, or roti, this Chicken Bhuna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What’s In Chicken Bhuna?
The magic of Chicken Bhuna lies in its carefully balanced ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Bone-in or boneless chicken pieces work well. Bone-in adds extra flavor, while boneless is quicker to cook.
- Spices: A blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder creates the signature Bhuna flavor.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes form the base of the gravy, adding tanginess and richness.
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and ginger form the flavor foundation of the dish.
- Oil: Used for frying the spices and cooking the chicken.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish and a fresh finish.
How To Make Chicken Bhuna
This Chicken Bhuna recipe is straightforward and requires a bit of patience to let the flavors develop. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. If using bone-in chicken, make small cuts to allow the marinade to penetrate.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add whole spices (cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cardamom) and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
- Add ground spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder) and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and the oil separates from the mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix well to coat it in the spice mixture.
- Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
- Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
- Uncover and cook for another 5-10 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Sides for Chicken Bhuna
Pair your Chicken Bhuna with these delicious sides:
- Steamed Basmati Rice: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Garlic Naan: Soft and fluffy, ideal for scooping up every last bit of curry.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side to balance the heat.
- Pickled Onions: Adds a tangy crunch to complement the rich curry.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Use Boneless Chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken works well and cooks faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How Spicy Is Chicken Bhuna?
Chicken Bhuna is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder.
How Long Does Chicken Bhuna Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Beef Madras, check out these other flavorful recipes:
- Chicken Tikka Masala: A creamy and mildly spiced curry.
- Lamb Rogan Josh: A rich and aromatic lamb curry.
- Vegetable Korma: A creamy and mild vegetable curry.
Rich Flavorful Chicken Bhuna
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs 900g chicken, bone-in or boneless
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Curry:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 2 large onions finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cardamom. Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in ground spices and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.
- Simmer and Finish: Add water, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and cook until the gravy thickens. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: The curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Bhuna! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!