Chicken Bhuna is a flavorful and aromatic dish from Indian cuisine that is known for its rich, thick sauce and intense flavor profile. Unlike curry, which is saucy, Bhuna focuses on slow-cooking the spices and meat to create a concentrated and thick sauce that clings to the chicken. This dish features tender pieces of chicken simmered with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that infuse the meat with warmth and depth. Easy to make yet full of complexity, Chicken Bhuna is perfect for serving with naan or rice, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Spices:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the Chicken:
- Increase the heat to medium and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lemon wedges, along with naan or steamed rice.
Enjoy your Chicken Bhuna, a fragrant and delicious dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indian cuisine!
