There’s something truly special about the rich, aromatic flavors of a well-made chicken bhuna. This classic dish has deep roots in Indian cuisine, with a history that dates back centuries.
Traditionally, bhuna refers to a cooking technique where meat is simmered in spices and onions until the flavors meld together beautifully. The result is a dish that is both bold and comforting, with layers of complex flavors that will leave you craving more.
Originating from the Indian subcontinent, chicken bhuna has become a beloved dish all around the world. Its popularity lies in its versatility – whether you’re enjoying it with warm, fluffy rice or crispy, buttery naan, this dish never fails to satisfy.
While the process of making chicken bhuna may seem intimidating to some, it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. The key lies in patience and attention to detail, as the slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your home cooking game and impress your friends and family with a dish that is sure to delight, why not give chicken bhuna a try? With a bit of practice and a whole lot of love, you’ll soon be creating a masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Expert Tip: To speed up the cooking process, parboil the diced potatoes before adding them to the pan.
Chicken Boneless: Chicken boneless is the main protein used in this recipe. It is cut into small pieces for quick cooking and easy consumption.
Oil: Oil is used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the onions and spices. It helps in evenly cooking the ingredients and adds flavor to the dish.
Onions: Onions are sliced and added to the chicken bhuna for a sweet and savory flavor. They also help in thickening the curry as they cook down.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are chopped and added to the dish for a tangy flavor. They also provide a slight sweetness and help in creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
Green Chillies: Green chillies are added for heat and a bit of spice. They add a kick to the dish and can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Garlic: Garlic is minced and added to the dish for a strong and pungent flavor. It enhances the overall taste of the chicken bhuna.
Ginger: Ginger is grated and added for a warm and spicy flavor. It complements the other spices used in the dish.
Coriander Powder: Coriander powder is a key spice used in Indian cooking. It adds a warm and citrusy flavor to the chicken bhuna.
Cumin Powder: Cumin powder is added for a nutty and earthy flavor. It enhances the overall aroma and taste of the dish.
Turmeric: Turmeric is used for its vibrant color and earthy flavor. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and adds depth to the dish.
Chilli Powder: Chilli powder is added for heat and spice. It gives the chicken bhuna its characteristic kick and can be adjusted to suit personal preference.
Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. It helps balance the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness of the dish.
Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves are used as a garnish for the chicken bhuna. They add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish and enhance its appearance.
Expert Tip: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or amchur (dried mango powder) towards the end of cooking.
To serve the Chicken Bhuna, you can plate it up with some fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread on the side. The rice will soak up all the delicious curry sauce, while the naan bread is perfect for scooping up the chicken and sauce.
For a healthier option, you can serve the Chicken Bhuna with some quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular basmati rice. These alternatives add a different texture to the dish and make it more nutritious.
If you want to add some extra freshness to the dish, garnish it with some chopped coriander leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some sliced red onions. These toppings will add a pop of color and flavor to the Chicken Bhuna.
Expert Tip: Be sure to wash the fenugreek leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris before chopping.
Chicken Bhuna is a popular Indian curry dish made with chicken cooked in a thick, spicy gravy with tomatoes, onions, and various spices.
Yes, Chicken Bhuna is typically on the spicier side as it is made with a variety of spices like chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
Chicken Bhuna is cooked for a longer period of time, allowing the spices to fully integrate with the chicken, resulting in a richer and more intense flavor compared to other chicken curries.
Yes, you can adjust the spice level of Chicken Bhuna by adding more or less chili powder or other hot spices according to your preference.
Chicken Bhuna is delicious when served with rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also pair it with a side of raita or salad for a complete meal.
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Latest comments (6)
So, I have read both last comments.
Yes too much sauce for the chicken and I doubled everything for a dinner party. The corn flour worked a treat.
If you’re doubling things like I have make sure you double the time!
I cooked the onions and tomatoes (4 mins) extra for each so they really simmered down.
I also added fresh coriander along with spinach and grilled pineer cheese towards the end.
I deseeded the fresh chilli (not everyone likes it hot) and added more later for the people that liked a kick!
Served it with rainbow basmati rice, Garlic & Coriander nann!
Everyone wants the recipe. Thank you x
Great to hear how you adapted the recipe for your dinner party! Your additions and modifications sound delicious. It’s wonderful that everyone enjoyed it and wants the recipe! Feel free to share it with them so they can recreate their own flavorful meal.
I followed the recipe exactly and the flavor was good but it was way too much sauce for the amount of meat called for. I would double the meat next time. My sauce wasn’t as smooth as yours either so I would puree the tomatoes and cook the onions for longer and use bone in chicken so that the sauce has time to cook down without overcooking the chicken.
Thanks for trying out the recipe! I’m glad you enjoyed the flavor overall. Your suggestions for modifying the sauce consistency and cooking process sound great—I’ll definitely give them a try next time. It’s always fun to experiment and tailor recipes to personal taste.
What a beautiful curry thank you for sharing. I followed the recipe exactly as described ( unusual for me😀) and it turned out fantastic. What I learned was rather than adding corn starch to thicken the curry much better to reduce the liquid. Again beautiful and can’t wait until next Friday for curry night!! Will follow and perhaps one day you could do a chicken Dhansak 😀😀. Thankyou once again
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the chicken bhuna recipe! I’ll definitely keep your request for a chicken dhansak in mind. Thank you for your kind words! 🙌🏼😊