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Chicken Bhuna translates to “Fried Chicken” in English.
Chicken Bhuna, an aromatic dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of South Asia, is a vibrant delight that’s revered for its explosive flavors. As I cooked this delightful recipe one evening, the complex, spiced aroma wafting through my kitchen brought back memories of family gatherings where spicy curries delighted everyone’s taste buds. Whether it’s family weeknight dinners or special occasions, Chicken Bhuna provides a satisfying, hearty option perfect for warming the soul.
Why You’ll Love Making It
What sets Chicken Bhuna apart is not just its tantalizing flavors but also its remarkable ease of preparation. This recipe is quick enough for a weekday dinner yet impressive enough to present for gatherings. Utilizing common pantry ingredients, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
"This Chicken Bhuna is my go-to dish! Simple to make, yet absolutely delicious. Perfectly spiced and makes for an instant family favorite!" – [User Review]
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Preparing Chicken Bhuna is not just about throwing ingredients into a pot; it’s about building flavors through careful cooking techniques. Start by sautéing your onions until they deepen in color, allowing them to play a flavorful base. Next, the addition of ginger and garlic coaxes out aromatic essences before the chicken takes center stage to absorb all those incredible spices.
What You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients before you dive in. Here’s what you need for a beautiful Chicken Bhuna:
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Feel free to substitute chicken with paneer for a vegetarian option or use coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about a minute.
- Introduce the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Mix in the pureed tomatoes along with cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cover the pan and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens, around 20-25 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle in the garam masala and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a side of rice or naan.
Best Way to Serve
Chicken Bhuna shines best when paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, providing the perfect vessel to scoop up the rich sauce. You might also consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance the spices. For a hearty meal, serve it with lentils or chickpeas.
Storage Tips
To ensure your Chicken Bhuna stays fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. If you need to, you can also freeze it. To do this safely, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Pro Chef Tips
- For enhanced flavor, let the cooked Chicken Bhuna rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the spices to meld beautifully.
- If you like an extra kick, adjust the chili powder to your taste or add some sliced green chilies while cooking.
- A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the dish and add a lovely acidity.
Flavor Variations
- Enhance the taste with a splash of coconut milk for a creamy texture.
- Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or peas for a more nutritious dish.
- For a shortcut, consider using store-bought curry paste or powder to elevate the flavor even more.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Bhuna?
The total time is approximately 45 minutes, including prep and cooking.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well and will reduce cooking time slightly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to avoid drying out the dish.
Is Chicken Bhuna spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder used, making it friendly for all palates.
Embrace the aromas and spices of this Chicken Bhuna recipe, and you may find it quickly becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Chicken Bhuna
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Aromatic Chicken Bhuna, a vibrant dish embodying the rich culinary heritage of South Asia, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about a minute.
- Introduce the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Mix in the pureed tomatoes along with cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cover the pan and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens, around 20-25 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle in the garam masala and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a side of rice or naan.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer. Enhance flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Bhuna, South Asian cuisine, spicy chicken recipe, easy dinner recipe, flavorful curry



