Description
Spicy chicken bhuna brings fiery flavors from Indian cuisine, delivering a rich blend of aromatic spices and tender meat. Bold seasonings and slow-cooked techniques create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or ghee)
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water (if needed)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize sliced onions in a heated pan until they develop a rich, golden-brown hue, releasing their sweet aromatics.
- Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chili, allowing the ingredients to dance and release their intense fragrance for a brief moment.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes, gently breaking them down and melding them with the golden onion base, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
- Awaken the spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, black pepper, and salt – stirring thoroughly to distribute their complex flavors evenly.
- Introduce chicken pieces, meticulously coating each morsel in the vibrant spice mixture, then allow them to simmer and absorb the rich, layered seasonings.
- Monitor the moisture level during cooking, adding a minimal amount of water if the mixture appears dry to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Continue simmering until the chicken reaches perfect tenderness, developing a thick, clinging sauce that embraces each piece with intense flavor.
- Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a bright squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.
- Present steaming hot alongside fluffy steamed rice or warm, pillowy naan bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Boost the flavor by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and depth.
- Create a milder version by reducing green chili and red chili powder, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance.
- Transform this dish into a vegetarian option by substituting chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers.
- Minimize oil usage by using a non-stick pan and reducing oil quantity, making the recipe healthier without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg