why make this recipe
Savory Chicken Bhuna warms you on a cool day. It uses simple spices and fresh tomatoes for a thick, cozy sauce. The dish cooks fast and keeps well. If you enjoy warm chicken meals, try this easy recipe and also check a simple soup idea at chicken noodle soup for comfort.
introduction
This Chicken Bhuna is rich and full of flavor. It uses chicken thighs so the meat stays juicy. The sauce is thick and made from onions, tomatoes, and spices. The recipe is easy for weeknights and tastes like a home-cooked Indian meal.
how to make Savory Chicken Bhuna
Follow these steps in order. Work at a medium heat and keep stirring so nothing burns. For more slow-cooked chicken ideas, you can look at a crockpot soup example like cozy crockpot chicken parmesan soup for inspiration on slow cooking and flavor building.
Ingredients :
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (Tender and juicy, these thighs absorb flavors beautifully for a rich dish.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (An aromatic base that enhances flavor; omit if sensitive.)
- 1 piece Green Chili (Deseeded and chopped; adjust to taste for desired spice levels.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger (Chopped; essential for authenticity.)
- 2 pieces Onions (Diced; a core flavor component that sweetens and thickens the sauce.)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (Imparts color and earthy flavor.)
- 2 tsp Chili Powder (Adds a kick of heat.)
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin (Brings warmth to the dish.)
- 2 tsp Ground Coriander (Complements cumin for depth.)
- 1 tsp Garam Masala (A crucial spice blend that adds complexity.)
- 5 pieces Tomatoes (Chopped; the backbone of the sauce.)
- 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice (Brightens the flavors with a tangy zing.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Coriander (Chopped; adds a refreshing finish.)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Essential for sautéing.)
- Salt (Enhances and balances flavors; adjust to taste.)
- 100 ml Water (Thins the sauce; adjust based on thickness desired.)
Directions : Cooking Steps
- Clean and pat dry the chicken thighs. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and light brown.
- Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes break down and oil starts to separate from the mix.
- Add the chicken thighs. Stir well to coat them with the spice-tomato mix.
- Add 100 ml water and salt to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and cook a few more minutes to thicken the sauce if needed. Stir in garam masala and lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
how to serve Savory Chicken Bhuna
Serve hot with plain rice, naan, or roti. A side of plain yogurt or cucumber raita cools the spice. For another creamy chicken idea to pair or compare, see this creamy chicken and mushroom recipe.
how to store Savory Chicken Bhuna
Let the bhuna cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
tips to make Savory Chicken Bhuna
- Use chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
- Brown the onions well. This adds a deep, sweet base to the sauce.
- Adjust green chili and chili powder to control heat.
- If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. If too thick, add a little water.
- Taste and adjust salt and lemon at the end.
variation (if any)
- Make it with bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Add bell peppers or peas for extra veggies.
- For a milder version, skip the green chili and reduce chili powder.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but breast can dry out. Cook a shorter time and check often.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It has a medium heat. Reduce chili powder and skip green chili to make it mild.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Swap chicken with paneer or cauliflower and cook until tender.
Q: Do I need fresh tomatoes?
A: Fresh tomatoes give the best taste, but canned crushed tomatoes work in a pinch.
Conclusion
This Savory Chicken Bhuna is a warm, simple dish that tastes like home. If you want to read about a related bhuna-style vegetable, see Bhuna Gobi – Indian Spiced Cauliflower – Honest Cooking for more ideas.
Savory Chicken Bhuna
Ingredients
Method
- Clean and pat dry the chicken thighs. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and light brown.
- Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes break down and oil starts to separate from the mix.
- Add the chicken thighs. Stir well to coat them with the spice-tomato mix.
- Add water and salt to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and cook a few more minutes to thicken the sauce if needed. Stir in garam masala and lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.