Authentic Chicken Bhuna Recipe – A Rich & Flavorful North Indian Curry

Introduction

Chicken Bhuna is a North Indian classic that’s all about deep, intense flavors. Unlike other curries, Bhuna refers to a slow-cooking technique where spices, onions, and tomatoes are roasted together until they develop a thick, clingy gravy. This results in a beautifully rich and aromatic dish, where every bite is infused with bold masala flavors.

Perfectly paired with naan or steamed basmati rice, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. Plus, with a simple marination process and a slow-cooked masala, the flavors only get better with time. Let’s dive into this easy yet irresistible Chicken Bhuna recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Rich & Flavorful – The bhuna cooking technique ensures every bite is packed with intense spice and deep flavors.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to meld.
• Customizable Spice Level – Adjust chili levels to suit your heat preference.
• Pairs Well with Everything – Serve it with naan, roti, or rice for a complete meal.

Taste & Texture

Chicken Bhuna has a thick, velvety gravy that clings to the chicken pieces, making every bite incredibly satisfying. The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves creates a deeply aromatic experience, while the slow-cooked onions and tomatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the heat.

Dietary Attributes

• High in protein
• Gluten-free
• Can be made dairy-free by skipping the yogurt or using a plant-based alternative

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds bone-in, skinless chicken (use leg pieces for extra juiciness)

For the Spice Mix (Bhuna Masala)

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 4 cloves
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• 4 green cardamoms
• ½ teaspoon shahi jeera

For Marination

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Curry

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 dried red chili peppers
• 1 ½ cups onions, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon grated ginger
• ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup pureed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup whisked whole milk yogurt

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Julienned ginger

Possible Substitutions

• Chicken: Can be swapped with boneless thighs, but bone-in chicken provides the best flavor.
• Yogurt: Use dairy-free yogurt or skip for a dairy-free version.
• Shahi Jeera: Regular cumin seeds can be used instead.
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Swap with paprika for color without heat or cayenne for extra spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make Bhuna Masala

1. Heat a pan on low heat and dry roast all the whole spices for 3-5 minutes until aromatic.
2. Let the spices cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder. Set aside.

Marinate the Chicken

3. In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, lime juice, and half of the bhuna masala powder.
4. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Sear the Chicken

5. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add marinated chicken and sear on high heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

Make the Gravy

6. In the same pan, add ghee. Once hot, add cumin seeds and dried red chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds.
7. Add finely chopped onions and cook on medium heat for 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
8. Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
9. Add tomato puree and cook for 5-6 minutes until the masala thickens and oil separates.
10. Return the chicken to the pan, add the remaining bhuna masala powder and Kashmiri chili powder, and mix well.
11. Lower the heat, add whisked yogurt, and stir continuously to prevent curdling. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
12. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Final Touch

13. Garnish with chopped cilantro and julienned ginger. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Dry roasting the whole spices enhances their aroma and depth of flavor.
• Slow-cooking the onions until golden brown is key to achieving the best bhuna texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the marination: This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
• Adding yogurt too quickly: Always lower the heat before adding yogurt to avoid curdling.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-ground spices if short on time, but freshly ground spices deliver the best taste.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for a quicker cooking process the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Serve with fluffy naan or jeera rice for an authentic meal.
• Pair with a side of raita or pickled onions for a refreshing contrast.

Beverage Pairings

• A glass of lassi balances the spice beautifully.
• Chai or a crisp white wine like Riesling pairs well with the deep flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.

Reheating Methods

• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in chicken gives the best flavor and juiciness.

How can I make it less spicy?

Use paprika instead of Kashmiri chili powder and reduce the red chili amount.

What if my gravy is too thick?

Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Skip the yogurt or use coconut yogurt.
• Low-Carb: Pair with cauliflower rice instead of naan or regular rice.

Flavor Twists

• Add a dash of garam masala at the end for extra warmth.
• Stir in coconut milk for a creamier version.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add roasted bell peppers for a vibrant summer twist.
• Serve with spiced saffron rice for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Chicken Bhuna is a flavorful, aromatic dish that delivers a perfect balance of spice and richness. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and let me know how it turns out in the comments.

For more delicious dinner ideas, check out my Creamy Chicken Marsala and this easy Sheet Pan Gnocchi.

Follow along on Pinterest for more tasty recipes: Cooking with Callie Pinterest

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