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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
