The first step in making Chicken Bhuna is to marinate chicken pieces in a mix of yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin, and coriander. Searing the chicken in hot oil until it’s golden brown and caramelised on the outside keeps the juicy flavour inside.
The next step is to make a tasty soup by cooking onions, tomatoes, and whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom until they’re soft and fragrant. The chicken that has been grilled is then added to the gravy along with a little water or broth. This lets the flavours mix and the curry get thicker.
The chicken soaks up the rich flavours of the spices as it cooks in the gravy. This makes a dish that is juicy and full of flavour. For a filling meal, serve the finished Chicken Bhuna hot with rice or bread and chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
Chicken Bhuna is sure to become a favourite in your kitchen because of its strong and fragrant flavours. Now that you know how good Chicken Bhuna tastes, you can enjoy the best Indian food in the comfort of your own home.
Bhuna Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 1 kg Chicken cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons Yogurt plain
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- Salt to taste
For Bhuna Masala (Spice Mix):
- 3 tablespoons Oil
- 2 Onions finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 Green chilies slit
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Mix well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Bhuna Masala
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sautรฉ until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and pulpy.
- Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the masala mixture until the oil starts to separate from the spices, indicating that the masala is well-cooked and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan along with any remaining marinade.
- Mix well to coat the chicken pieces with the masala.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the pan and cook on medium heat for a few more minutes to allow the gravy to thicken.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish Chicken Bhuna with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your preference for spice.
- Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or peas to the Chicken Bhuna for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Option: Chicken Bhuna tastes even better when reheated the next day as the flavors have a chance to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Indian Chicken Bhuna is an aromatic and savoury meal with succulent chicken chunks encased in a thick sauce and a harmonious blend of spices. Chicken Bhuna will become a regular part of your home-cooked meals because it tastes great and fills you up.
