Savory Chicken Bhuna: Enjoy This Cozy Indian Delight Recipe

Introduction

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Chicken Bhuna, a classic Indian dish known for its thick, aromatic sauce and tender chicken thighs. This recipe combines warm spices and fresh ingredients to create a cozy meal perfect for any occasion.

The dish shows pieces of cooked chicken in a thick orange-red sauce with a slightly chunky texture. The chicken pieces are light brown and are coated well in the sauce. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding color contrast and freshness. The food is served in a round white metal bowl with gold handles, placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the shiny, rich texture of the sauce and the tender chicken inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs, tender and juicy
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 piece Green Chili, deseeded and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger, chopped
  • 2 pieces Onions, diced
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 2 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 5 pieces Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Coriander, chopped (for garnish)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • 100 ml Water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped green chili, and fresh ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ aromas.
  4. Step 4: Add chopped tomatoes and pour in the water. Season with salt and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Add the chicken thighs, stirring to coat them well with the sauce. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating.
  • Adjust the green chili amount to control the heat level.
  • Add a splash of cream or yogurt at the end for a richer sauce.
  • Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bhuna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also freeze the dish for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl filled with rich orange-brown curry sauce with several large, golden-brown chicken pieces partly submerged in the sauce. Fresh bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding contrast and freshness to the dish. The bowl is white, shiny, and slightly reflective, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright background. The curry looks thick and creamy, coating the chicken well, with some oil pooling slightly on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful in this recipe. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level can be easily adjusted by changing the amount of green chili and chili powder. For a milder version, reduce or omit these ingredients.

Print

Savory Chicken Bhuna: Enjoy This Cozy Indian Delight Recipe

Savory Chicken Bhuna is a cozy Indian dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made from aromatic spices, fresh ginger, garlic, onions, and ripe tomatoes. This dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and depth, garnished with fresh coriander and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Ideal for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs – tender and juicy

For the Sauce

  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 piece Green Chili, deseeded and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger, chopped
  • 2 pieces Onions, diced

For the Spices

  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 2 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala

For the Base

  • 5 pieces Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice

For Garnishing

  • 1 tbsp Fresh Coriander, chopped

For Cooking

  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 100 ml Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add minced garlic, chopped green chili, and fresh ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to build the flavor base.
  2. Sauté the Onions: Add the diced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes, bringing sweetness and texture to the sauce.
  3. Add the Spices: Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
  4. Cook the Tomato Base: Toss in the chopped tomatoes and pour in water. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the tomatoes to break down and form a thick, flavorful base.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken thighs into the sauce, stirring to coat them well. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Squeeze in the lemon juice to add a tangy brightness to the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of green chili according to your heat preference.
  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result compared to chicken breast.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve this dish with basmati rice or Indian bread like naan for an authentic experience.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Chicken Bhuna, Indian Chicken Curry, Spicy Chicken, Indian Cuisine, Chicken Thigh Recipe, Savory Indian Dish

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