why make this recipe
This Chicken Bhuna is warm, full of spice, and easy to make. It cooks down to a thick, tasty sauce that coats the chicken. You will love it on rice, with bread, or alone. The dish uses simple ingredients and gives big flavor.
introduction
This recipe for Irresistible Chicken Bhuna uses everyday spices and fresh tomatoes to make a rich, dry-style curry. It cooks quickly and stays moist because of the thighs. If you want something lighter to pair with it, try a soup like Broccoli Chicken Orzo Soup with Spinach as a starter.
how to make Irresistible Chicken Bhuna: Cozy Up with This Flavorful Dish
Follow these steps in order. Work simply and keep the heat medium to medium-high when frying the spices and onions. Stir often so nothing burns.
Ingredients :
1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs (Perfectly juicy and tender), 4 cloves garlic (freshly chopped), 2 pcs green chili (adjust to spice preference), 1 inch fresh ginger (finely chopped), 1 medium onion (finely diced), 1 tsp turmeric powder (for earthy flavor), 1 tsp chili powder (optional), 1 tsp ground cumin (freshly ground), 1 tsp ground coriander (freshly ground), 1 tsp garam masala (add towards the end), 4 medium fresh tomatoes (chopped), 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed), 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking), 1 tsp salt (to taste), 1 cup water (for sauce consistency), 1/4 cup fresh coriander (for garnish)
Directions :
How to Make Chicken Bhuna
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Pat dry.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and light brown.
- Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Fry 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Stir and fry 1–2 minutes to release the spice aroma.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the oil separates from the mix.
- Add the chicken pieces and salt. Stir well so the chicken gets coated with the spice mix.
- Pour 1 cup water, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and cook on medium-high to reduce the sauce to a thick bhuna texture. Stir often.
- Add lemon juice and 1 tsp garam masala near the end. Stir and taste. Adjust salt or lemon if needed.
- Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh coriander and serve hot.
how to serve Irresistible Chicken Bhuna: Cozy Up with This Flavorful Dish
Serve this bhuna with steamed rice, warm naan, or flatbread. A side salad or light soup works well. For a cozy meal, pair it with a warm noodle soup like Chicken Noodle Soup — Warm and Cozy Homemade Comfort.
how to store Irresistible Chicken Bhuna: Cozy Up with This Flavorful Dish
Cool the bhuna to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a splash of water.
tips to make Irresistible Chicken Bhuna: Cozy Up with This Flavorful Dish
- Use chicken thighs for best moisture and flavor.
- Cook the onions until they are golden brown for a deeper taste.
- Fry the spices briefly to bring out their aroma before adding tomatoes.
- Reduce the sauce well for a true bhuna texture that clings to the chicken.
- Taste and adjust lemon and salt at the end for brightness.
- For an easy meal plan, make extra and use with bread or rice the next day. You can also try it with a light bowl like Chicken Pho-Style Noodle Soup with Baby Bok Choy & Lemongrass on the side.
variation (if any)
- Add potatoes for a heartier dish; add them with the chicken so they cook through.
- Use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer white meat, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying.
- Make it richer by stirring in a spoon of yogurt or a small pat of butter at the end.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole chicken pieces instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Bone-in pieces work, but cook a bit longer until the meat is tender.
Q: Is bhuna very spicy?
A: Not necessarily. Adjust the green chilies and chili powder to your taste.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the onions and spices first, then add to a slow cooker with chicken and tomatoes. Cook on low 4–6 hours.
Q: Do I need fresh tomatoes?
A: Fresh tomatoes give the best texture, but canned chopped tomatoes can work in a pinch.
Q: How do I reheat without drying the chicken?
A: Reheat gently on low heat and add a little water to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
If you enjoy bhuna flavors and want to try a different meat version, this lamb variant offers a bold taste: Hunter’s Bhuna (Lamb) – Shikari Gosht.
Chicken Bhuna
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Pat dry.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and light brown.
- Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Stir and fry for 1–2 minutes to release the spice aroma.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the oil separates from the mix.
- Add the chicken pieces and salt. Stir well so the chicken gets coated with the spice mix.
- Pour in 1 cup of water, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and cook on medium-high to reduce the sauce to a thick bhuna texture. Stir often.
- Add lemon juice and garam masala near the end. Stir and taste. Adjust salt or lemon if needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.