Welcome to our mouth-watering guide on how to make a simple chicken bhuna, an authentic and delicious Indian curry that will ignite your taste buds! This homemade chicken bhuna curry is the perfect blend of spices, creating a spicy chicken curry that is sure to impress.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, sprinkle in the garam masala during the final 2 minutes of cooking. This aromatic blend of spices adds a magical touch to the dish, enhancing its taste and aroma like nothing else. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute the garam masala throughout the curry.
With this easy chicken bhuna recipe, you can recreate the magic of traditional Indian curries in the comfort of your own kitchen. Impress your friends and family with this authentic chicken bhuna recipe that is packed with flavour and warmth.
So why wait? Grab your apron and cooking utensils, and let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
What is Chicken Bhuna?
Chicken bhuna is a traditional Indian dish that originates from the Bengal region. “Bhuna” means “fried” in Urdu, and the dish is made by frying a mixture of onions, garlic, ginger, and spices until they form a thick coating sauce.
The key to making a good bhuna is slowly frying the onion mixture to enhance the flavours and thicken the sauce. Chicken thighs are added to the mixture and cooked slowly in their own juices until tender. Bhuna is considered a medium hot curry, but the level of spice can be adjusted to personal preference.
Chicken Bhuna Recipe Ingredients
To make a simple chicken bhuna, you’ll need
- medium onions
- vegetable oil
- ginger
- garlic purée
- mild curry powder
- ground turmeric
- chilli powder
- chicken thighs
- natural yoghurt
- tomato purée
- garam masala
How to Make Chicken Bhuna?
To make a delicious homemade chicken bhuna, follow these simple steps:
- Start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add finely sliced onions and green chillies to the pan and fry them until they turn golden brown.
- Next, add ginger garlic paste to the pan and fry for around a minute.
- Now, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, and fry them for another minute to release their aromatic flavours.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and blend well with the onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk yoghurt and then add a portion of the onion and tomato masala to it. Mix well.
- Pour the yoghurt mixture into the pan and sauté until the yoghurt cooks down and the sauce thickens.
- In another pan, fry the chicken with whole spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaves until it becomes golden brown.
- Add the fried chicken to the bhuna masala and mix well.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken cook on low heat until it becomes fully cooked and tender.
- Finally, garnish the chicken bhuna with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and aroma.
Now, you have a flavourful and aromatic chicken bhuna that you can enjoy with rice, naan bread, or any other accompaniments of your choice. Bon appétit!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bhuna
Chicken bhuna is a versatile Indian curry that can be paired with various accompaniments to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your chicken bhuna experience:
1. Rice
Serve your chicken bhuna with steamed basmati rice for a classic combination. The fluffy grains of rice perfectly complement the rich and spicy flavours of the bhuna curry. Alternatively, you can try flavoured rice like pistachio pilau rice to add an extra layer of nuttiness and aroma.
2. Naan Bread
Enjoy your chicken bhuna with warm and fluffy naan bread. Tear off a piece of naan and scoop up the flavorful sauce and tender chicken pieces. The soft texture of the bread complements the bold flavours of the bhuna curry, creating a truly satisfying bite.
3. Indian Banquet
Elevate your chicken bhuna experience by serving it as part of an Indian banquet. Start your meal with tantalizing starters like onion bhajis or samosas.
For side dishes, consider classics like saag paneer (creamy spinach with Indian cottage cheese) or roasted aloo gobi (spiced potatoes and cauliflower). Array these dishes on the table and let your guests indulge in a feast of flavours.
Don’t forget to garnish your chicken bhuna with a sprinkling of chopped coriander for a fresh and vibrant touch. You can also serve it with salted yoghurt to balance the heat of the spices.
Experiment with these serving suggestions to create a memorable meal with chicken bhuna as the star. Whether you choose rice, naan bread, or a grand Indian banquet, each bite will transport you to the vibrant and aromatic world of Indian cuisine.
Variations of Chicken Bhuna Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Bhuna: Increase the number of green chillies and use extra hot chilli powder for an extra kick.
- Chicken Bhuna with Vegetables: Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach for a healthier twist.
- Chicken Bhuna with Coconut Milk: Add coconut milk for a creamy and mildly sweet version.
- Lamb Bhuna: Replace chicken with lamb for a different meat option.
- Chicken Bhuna with Yogurt: Stir in yoghurt for a tangy flavour and a slightly creamier texture.
- Chicken Bhuna with Almonds: Add ground almonds for a richer taste and nutty texture.
- Chicken Bhuna with Tomatoes: Use more tomatoes to make a saucier version.
- Chicken Bhuna with Fenugreek Leaves: Add dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) for a unique, aromatic flavour.
- Chicken Bhuna with Cashew Paste: Incorporate cashew paste for a thicker, creamier consistency.
- Chicken Bhuna with Potatoes: Add potatoes to make the dish heartier.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate Values)
1. Calories: 300-400 kcal
2. Protein: 30-35g
3. Carbohydrates: 10-15g
4. Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
5. Fibre: 2-4g
6. Sugar: 4-6g
7. Sodium: 600-800mg
8. Cholesterol: 90-120mg
9. Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of RDI
- Vitamin C: 20-25% of RDI
10. Minerals:
- Iron: 10-15% of RDI
- Calcium: 4-6% of RDI
Can You Make Chicken Bhuna in Advance?
Yes, you can make chicken bhuna in advance. In fact, it is recommended to prepare and allow the flavours to mingle together ahead of time, as this will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Making chicken bhuna ahead of time gives the spices and ingredients a chance to blend and develop deeper flavours.
If you’re planning to serve chicken bhuna for a special occasion or simply want to save time on busy days, making it in advance is a great option. By preparing the dish a day before serving, you can ensure that the flavours have enough time to develop and marry together, resulting in a more delicious outcome.
After cooking the chicken bhuna, let it cool completely. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve the freshness and taste of the dish. It is recommended to consume the chicken bhuna within 3 days for the best flavour.
Preparing chicken bhuna in advance not only allows you to have a delicious meal ready when you need it but also saves you time on the day of serving. You can simply reheat the dish and enjoy its rich and flavorful taste without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
So, go ahead and make chicken bhuna in advance to enjoy the convenience and enhanced flavours of this spicy Indian curry!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the chicken bhuna recipe offers a delightful and aromatic experience of Indian cuisine. This flavorful curry is prepared by frying onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices to create a rich masala. The medium hot level of spice can be easily adjusted according to personal preference, making it suitable for various taste buds.
To make a simple chicken bhuna, start by frying onions, adding spices and tomatoes, and then cooking the chicken in the resulting masala. The dish can be served with steamed rice, naan bread, or as part of a grand Indian banquet. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for any occasion.
For those who enjoy meal planning, making chicken bhuna in advance allows the flavours to develop and intensify. This convenient option not only saves time but also enhances the overall taste of the dish. So, why not indulge in the rich and delicious flavours of chicken bhuna for your next meal?
FAQs
How spicy is Chicken Bhuna?
The spiciness of Chicken Bhuna can vary depending on the amount of chilli used. Typically, it has a medium level of heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chilli powder or fresh chillies.
Is Chicken Bhuna healthy?
Chicken Bhuna can be a healthy dish as it uses lean chicken and a variety of spices that have health benefits. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used and opt for a low-fat yoghurt in the marinade.
Can I freeze Chicken Bhuna?
Yes, Chicken Bhuna can be frozen for up to three months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What’s the difference between Chicken Bhuna and Chicken Curry?
The main difference between Chicken Bhuna and Chicken Curry is the cooking method and sauce consistency. Chicken Bhuna is cooked with less liquid, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce, while Chicken Curry usually has a more liquid, gravy-like consistency.
Can I make Chicken Bhuna with boneless chicken?
Yes, you can make Chicken Bhuna with boneless chicken. Using boneless chicken thighs or breasts will shorten the cooking time, and the dish will still be flavorful and tender.
Chicken Bhuna Recipe
Ingredients
- medium onions
- vegetable oil
- ginger
- garlic purée
- mild curry powder
- ground turmeric
- chilli powder
- chicken thighs
- natural yogurt
- tomato purée
- garam masala
Instructions
- Start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat.vegetable oil
- Add finely sliced onions and green chilies to the pan and fry them until they turn golden brown.medium onions
- Next, add ginger garlic paste to the pan and fry for around a minute.ginger, garlic purée
- Now, it's time to add the spices. Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, and fry them for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.ground turmeric, chicken thighs
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and blend well with the onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk yogurt and then add a portion of the onion and tomato masala to it. Mix well.natural yogurt, tomato purée
- Pour the yogurt mixture into the pan and sauté until the yogurt cooks down and the sauce thickens.
- In another pan, fry the chicken with whole spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaves until it becomes golden brown.mild curry powder, chilli powder, garam masala
- Add the fried chicken to the bhuna masala and mix well.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken cook on low heat until it becomes fully cooked and tender.
- Finally, garnish the chicken bhuna with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and aroma.
