Description
Flavorful Bhuna Chicken is an incredible South Asian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic spice blend. This recipe delivers deep, complex flavors with caramelized onions and a perfectly balanced sauce, ideal for serving with naan or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch ginger (grated)
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
- 2–3 green chilies (sliced)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, salt, turmeric powder, and half of the garam masala. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.
- Cook Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pot. Sauté until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Mix In Tomatoes: Pour in the pureed tomatoes and green chilies. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Incorporate Marinated Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pot, and stir well to coat it with the onion-tomato mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the chicken cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spices: Once the chicken is tender, add the coriander powder and remaining garam masala. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes uncovered.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the rich sauce. Adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for an added touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh spices.
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the taste.
- Adjust green chilies to control spice level.
- Ghee can be used instead of cooking oil for added richness.
- Do not rush caramelizing the onions; it’s crucial for the Bhuna taste.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: N/A