Chicken Bhuna Recipe

If you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and downright satisfying, Chicken Bhuna is your go-to dish. This classic Indian curry bursts with deep, roasted spices and tender chicken cooked in a thick, aromatic gravy that clings to every bite. The magic of Chicken Bhuna lies in its slow-cooked masala that intensifies the flavors, creating a warm, hearty experience that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re a curry lover or someone venturing into Indian cuisine, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Chicken Bhuna plays an essential role in building the dish’s complex and inviting flavor. From the fragrant whole spices to the creamy yogurt, every element adds texture, color, and that signature depth that makes this curry unforgettable.

• Chicken (1 1/2 pounds, bone-in, skinless): Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and keeps the meat juicy and tender.
• Coriander seeds (1 tablespoon): These add a warm, citrusy undertone to the masala.
• Fennel seeds (1 teaspoon): A subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
• Black Peppercorns (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a sharp, warming heat.
• Cloves (4 pieces): Intensely aromatic, cloves bring a rich, slightly sweet bite.
• Cinnamon (1/2 inch piece): Provides a gentle woody warmth.
• Green Cardamom (4 pods): Imparts a fresh, floral note to the blend.
• Shahi jeera (1/2 teaspoon): This royal cumin adds a nutty, earthy flavor.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors perfectly.
• Ground Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the curry the beautiful golden hue and subtle earthiness.
• Kashmiri red chili powder (1 teaspoon plus optional 1 teaspoon): Adds vibrant color and moderate heat.
• Lime juice (1/2 lime): Brightens and balances the dish with acidity.
• Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken and starting the frying process.
• Ghee (2 tablespoons): Brings a rich, buttery flavor essential to authentic Chicken Bhuna.
• Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds depth when tempered in hot fat.
• Dried red chili peppers (2 whole): For an extra layer of smoky heat.
• Onions (1 1/2 cups, finely chopped): The caramelized base that creates sweetness and body.
• Ginger (1/2 tablespoon grated + julienned for garnish): Adds warmth and a pleasant bite.
• Garlic (1/2 tablespoon minced): Essential aromatic that infuses the masala.
• Tomato puree (1 cup): Provides tanginess and helps form the thick curry sauce.
• Yogurt (1/4 cup, whisked): Adds creaminess and a slight tang that mellows the spices.
• Cilantro leaves (chopped): Bright and fresh finish for garnish.

How to Make Chicken Bhuna

Step 1: Toasting and Grinding the Whole Spices

To capture the essence of Chicken Bhuna, begin by dry roasting coriander seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, green cardamom, and shahi jeera over low heat. This slow roasting awakens their aromas and brings out the rich depth of the masala. Once fragrant and slightly darkened, grind these spices into a fine powder and set aside. This freshly ground masala forms the soul of your dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken pieces with half of the freshly ground bhuna masala, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Let the chicken soak up these flavors for at least 30 minutes — or even better, up to 8 hours in the fridge. Marinating infuses the meat with layers of spice, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Searing the Chicken Pieces

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until shimmering, then add your marinated chicken. Sear the pieces on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes to seal in the juices beautifully. This quick browning creates a mouthwatering crust while locking moisture inside. Remove the chicken and set aside for a moment.

Step 4: Building the Flavourful Gravy

In the same pan, add ghee for a luxurious touch. Temper the cumin seeds and dried red chilies until fragrant and lightly toasted. Next, add the finely chopped onions, stirring patiently as they turn a gorgeous golden brown, which is crucial for a rich-tasting gravy. Mix in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking until their harsh rawness softens. Then pour in the tomato puree, letting it simmer and meld with the onion mix, cooking it down for 5 to 6 minutes until the oil separates, a sign that the base is perfectly developed.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with the Masala

Return the seared chicken to the pan and sprinkle with the remaining bhuna masala powder and additional red chili powder if you like extra heat. Stir to coat the pieces in the spicy mixture, allowing them to absorb the flavors over medium heat for about three minutes.

Step 6: Finish Cooking with Yogurt

Lower the heat and gently blend in the whisked yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Cook for a few more minutes until the yogurt melds smoothly into the curry. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking lets the chicken become tender and the sauce thicken to a luscious consistency.

How to Serve Chicken Bhuna

Garnishes

To elevate Chicken Bhuna’s flavors even further, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and bright ginger juliennes. These garnishes bring a refreshing finish and a hint of zing that perfectly balances the deep spices and richness.

Side Dishes

Chicken Bhuna pairs beautifully with warm naan bread or fragrant basmati rice to soak up its luscious gravy. You can also serve it alongside simple cucumber raita for a cooling contrast or a crisp salad for some crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Chicken Bhuna in a hollowed-out bread bowl or atop buttered mashed potatoes for a fusion flair. You can also create mini curry wraps using soft flatbreads and garnishing with fresh herbs and pickled onions, turning this traditional dish into an irresistible street-food style delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Bhuna keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the rich flavors and moist texture, making for an easy and delicious meal the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Chicken Bhuna later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled curry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the chicken soak back into the sauce. You can add a splash of water or broth if the curry thickens too much during storage. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through is key for even heating.

FAQs

What makes Chicken Bhuna different from other curries?

Chicken Bhuna stands out because of its slow-cooked, dry-style masala that clings to the chicken, resulting in bold, concentrated flavors without too much gravy. The use of whole roasted spices also creates a unique aromatic profile.

Can I make Chicken Bhuna with boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken for a quicker cooking time, but bone-in pieces typically provide more flavor and moisture, making the dish more succulent.

Is Chicken Bhuna very spicy?

The dish has moderate heat mainly from Kashmiri red chili powder, which is vibrant but not overpowering. You can always adjust the spice level by reducing the chili or omitting the dried red chilies.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ghee?

If you’re out of ghee, you can use butter or a mild vegetable oil. Ghee adds a nutty richness, but these alternatives still work well in the recipe.

Can I prepare the bhuna masala spice mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! The whole spice blend can be roasted and ground in advance and stored in an airtight container for a week or two, making your Chicken Bhuna prep quicker on busy days.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Bhuna is truly one of those dishes that feels like home — comforting, richly spiced, and absolutely delicious. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again, thrilled by how simple kitchen ingredients come together to create something magical. Go ahead, give this Chicken Bhuna a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen arsenal.

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