Chicken Bhuna Masala Recipe

To create an authentic British Indian experience at home, I’ll be sharing my secrets for making Chicken Bhuna, a dish renowned for its tantalizing aroma, spicy red gravy, and bold flavors that pair perfectly with chapati or roti. With years of experimentation under my belt, I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver a taste explosion that’s unmatched by many other chicken dishes. While it bears some resemblance to traditional Chicken Karahi, the addition of garam masala and a pinch more spices elevates the flavor profile to new heights. The pièce de résistance is the gravy, which retains a thick, velvety consistency thanks to a judicious amount of Kashmiri mirch – although feel free to omit it if you prefer milder dishes. What’s more, this recipe is an absolute breeze to prepare, requiring mere 30 minutes of your time and no exotic ingredients, making it the perfect ‘dump-and-go’ option like Peshawari Chicken Karahi. The clever use of minimal water also adds a crucial layer of heat to the curry, resulting in a dish that’s both dry and fiery – an unexpected yet delightful combination.

What Will You Love About Chicken Bhuna Recipe?

This delectable chicken bhuna dish is a quick and effortless delight that can be whipped up in just 30-35 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy cooks. The vibrant red hues and tangy flavor profile of this recipe are truly its crowning jewels.

For those who adore spicy recipes with rich, velvety gravies, the chicken bhuna is a must-try. As you cook this dish, the aromatic scent that fills the kitchen is sure to pique your neighbor’s interest and leave them wondering about the recipe. For me, this dish holds a special place in my heart, and it’s always a hit with my sons and husband when served alongside a refreshing glass of cold Coke.

More About Chicken Bhuna And How Do You Make It Special?

When it comes to making chicken bhuna, the key lies in the cooking process – specifically, the act of sautéing or searing the chicken stew to achieve tender and juicy results. This method of cooking with limited water allows for the flavors and colors of spices to meld together beautifully. What’s impressive is that this recipe doesn’t require any specialized karahi masala. Instead, a combination of natural ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and ginger are enough to elevate the dish. To add an extra layer of depth, I like to incorporate cumin, cardamom, and a pinch of Garam masala. The absence of excess water in this curry is what enables the spices to spread quickly, resulting in a tangy flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.

For Marinated Chicken

To start with, you’ll need boneless chicken as the foundation of this Chicken Bhuna recipe. Ground spices are another crucial component, and for this dish, I’m using a blend that includes turmeric, red chili powder, salt, mixed masala, and crushed red chili peppers. This aromatic combination gives the chicken a bold flavor profile.

The yogurt marinade is also essential in making the chicken pieces tender, juicy, and succulent. It’s the perfect addition to bring everything together.

For Recipe:

To create a mouthwatering Chicken Bhuna, you’ll need to incorporate several key ingredients that work together in harmony. Onions are a must-have, as they add a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. Ginger and garlic paste also play a crucial role, contributing their signature aromatic flavor to the curry. The warmth of the chicken is further elevated by the addition of ground spices, which provide a spicy kick.To thicken the curry and give it a vibrant appearance, you’ll need to add some tomato paste. This ingredient also helps to balance out the flavors in the dish. Yogurt is another essential component, as it adds a tangy flavor profile that complements the other ingredients nicely. If you prefer a slightly sour taste, you can opt to include vinegar, but be mindful of its strength when paired with sweet yogurt.Garam masala is another vital ingredient that rounds out the flavor profile of Chicken Bhuna. This blend of spices typically includes bay leaf, cardamom, cumin, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, and dry fenugreek (optional). Finally, garnishing your dish with green chilies, lemons, coriander, and chopped ginger adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished product.

How To Make Chicken Bhuna?

Marinate, The Chicken

To elevate the juiciness of the chicken, start by marinating it in a mixture of yogurt and spices. In a bowl, combine the chicken with an adequate amount of yogurt, allowing the protein to absorb the creamy texture. Next, add the ground spices – including turmeric, salt, red chili, and mixed masala – and blend them thoroughly to create a harmonious medley. Allow the marinade to sit for at least two hours, permitting the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat and rendering it incredibly juicy.

Let’s Prepare The Gravy

Place the wok or pan over medium heat on your stove, then pour in one cup of oil. Sprinkle some garam masala into the mixture before adding two chopped onions. Allow the onions to cook until they turn a light golden brown, which should take around three minutes. Once the onions have reached this stage, add in the paste made from ginger and onions. If you don’t have ginger available, feel free to skip it; however, its aromatic flavor adds a nice depth to the curry. As you combine the ingredients, maintain a low flame and stir for about a minute. Next, introduce the chicken into the wok and follow up with all of the ground spices. Keep the medium heat consistent as you add each spice, taking care to also include a splash of water to help distribute them evenly. Stir everything together for one minute. The next addition is tomato paste; be sure to keep the flame at medium and let the curry simmer for at least five minutes. Finally, incorporate yogurt into the mix along with a pinch of dry fenugreek, then stir well to combine. Allow the stew to continue cooking on medium heat for another five minutes, during which time the chicken will tenderize and absorb the flavors. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure all spices are properly blended.

Variations

1- First Variation

While the Chicken Bhuna recipe offers room for experimentation, I’ll share a specific approach to creating a reddish and spicier gravy. For those who have Kashmiri red chili paprika at their disposal, adding it during the tomato paste step (step four) can result in a lovely red hue. However, for those who prefer milder flavors, using paprika is not recommended. Personally, my family members – including my husband and sons – are not fans of this ingredient, as it can affect digestion. It’s best used by those who have a taste for bold spices.

2- Second Variation

As you combine the yogurt with the gravy, consider introducing a touch of sweet cream to imbue the dish with a rich, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. This addition will also help balance the spices, resulting in a smoother, more harmonious flavor profile. That being said, the cream may slightly mute the vibrant colors of the gravy, so if you prefer a bolder taste in your Chicken Bhuna recipe, it’s best to omit the cream or use it sparingly.

FAQs

While it may seem tempting to incorporate chicken karahi masala into your chicken bhuna recipe, I would advise against it. Instead, consider using a simpler mixed masala that’s likely already stocked in your pantry. When it comes to garnishing this dish, you can’t go wrong with a combination of fresh coriander, a squeeze of lemon juice, caramelized onions, pungent garlic, and a few green chilies. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal to your finished dish. To achieve a thicker gravy in your chicken bhuna, you can rely on the natural thickening properties of yogurt or use an extra paste of tomatoes to both darken and thicken the sauce.

What To Serve With the Chicken Bhuna Curry?

While chicken bhuna’s rich flavors are best enjoyed with warm, fluffy roti or chapati, don’t overlook the importance of accompaniments like rita or chutney – a spicy kick that elevates the dish. To temper the heat, consider pairing your meal with refreshing carrots or sweet mango pickles. If you’re looking to add some crunch and coolness, serve your bhuna with a crisp salad, such as Russian salad, which pairs nicely when topped with creamy mayonnaise sauce or dairy cream.

Chicken Bhuna Masala Recipe

Savor the bold flavors of Chicken Bhuna, a delectable British Indian recipe that fills your kitchen with its aromatic scent. The vibrant red gravy has a satisfying thickness, making it a perfect accompaniment to chapati or roti. This quick and easy-to-make dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Instructions

To marinate the chicken, combine it with half a cup of plain yogurt in a bowl. Then, mix together ground spices including one-eighth teaspoon salt, one-eighth teaspoon turmeric powder, one-eighth red chili powder, and one-eighth mixed masala. Add this spice blend to the yogurt-chicken mixture and toss well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Let it sit for two hours. Next, heat a cup of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garam masala and sauté until fragrant before adding two chopped onions. Cook the onions until they turn golden brown. Once the onions are cooked, add garlic-ginger paste to the pan and stir for one minute. Continue stirring for another minute to fully incorporate the flavors. Now, add the marinated chicken to the pan and toss it with the ground spices. Don’t forget to add a splash of water to help dilute the spice flavors throughout the curry. Simmer everything on medium heat for five minutes before adding tomato paste and yogurt to the mixture. If desired, you can also add dry fenugreek leaves for an extra depth of flavor. Finally, stir the curry for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken becomes tender and juicy.