Chicken Bhuna is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and aromatic flavor profile. This classic recipe involves cooking marinated chicken with a blend of spices until the sauce thickens and coats the tender pieces of meat. With its bold spices and deep flavors, Chicken Bhuna is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. Follow this recipe to learn how to make Chicken Bhuna at home and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Table of Contents
Chicken Bhuna: Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2. Heat Oil and Ghee:
- Heat vegetable oil and ghee in a large skillet or kadhai over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add Onions and Green Chilies:
- Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies to the skillet. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized.
4. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add Spice Powders:
- Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the skillet. Mix well to combine with the onion mixture.
6. Cook the Tomatoes:
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, and the tomatoes are cooked down to a thick paste.
7. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, along with any remaining marinade. Stir well to coat the chicken with the masala.
8. Simmer and Cover:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook in its own juices for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the Chicken Bhuna and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt or spice powders according to your preference.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and remove from heat.
- Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chicken Bhuna!
Cooking Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the masala while cooking.
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your taste preferences.
- Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the puree to achieve a vibrant color and rich flavor in the Chicken Bhuna.
Conclusion
Chicken bhuna is a classic Indian dish that never fails to impress with its bold flavors and aromatic spices. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of chicken bhuna in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, Chicken Bhuna is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Try it today and experience the magic of Indian cuisine!