Name: Chicken Bhuna Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: ¼ cup vegetable oil, divided; 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ cubes; 2 onions, chopped; 2 tablespoon minced ginger; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced; 2 teaspoon chili powder; 2 teaspoon cumin; 2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cardamom; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 6 cherry tomatoes, diced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ⅓ cup water; 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; Fresh lemon juice, as needed

If you’re craving an effortless yet vibrant Indian dish that’ll wow your taste buds, look no further than Chicken Bhuna. Imagine tender bites of chicken coated in a thick, intensely spiced sauce with bursts of ginger, garlic, and warming garam masala. This one-pot wonder fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and is on the table in about 40 minutes! Every forkful is bursting with flavor, making it irresistible for weeknight dinners or dinner parties. Trust me, Chicken Bhuna is about to become your new go-to curry night hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Bhuna is how down-to-earth the ingredient list is—you probably have most of these at home! Each item adds to the punchy, slightly smoky flavor profile and bold colors that make this dish so iconic.

Vegetable oil: A neutral cooking oil is perfect for browning the chicken and helping the spices release their true aroma.
Boneless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and infuse the sauce with deep, meaty flavor.
Onions: When sautéed, they build the savory-sweet backbone of the curry.
Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a zesty, slightly peppery lift that’s key to authentic Chicken Bhuna.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a gentle heat.
Jalapeño pepper: This brings just the right warmth—leave the seeds in for an extra kick or take them out for a milder sauce.
Chili powder: Offers that smoky, spicy edge that makes the sauce so addictive.
Cumin: Ground cumin creates an earthy, nutty base.
Ground coriander: Adds citrusy notes, brightening up the flavors.
Cardamom: Lends a subtly sweet perfume, perfectly balancing the robust spices.
Garam masala: A signature Indian spice blend that ties everything together.
Salt and black pepper: These foundational seasonings sharpen all the flavors.
Cherry tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes help create that rustic, chunky sauce.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce’s color and tangy richness.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce just enough to coat the chicken beautifully.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped as a garnish, it brings a pop of color and herbal freshness.
Fresh lemon juice: Squeezing a bit on top brightens the final dish and balances the spices.

How to Make Chicken Bhuna

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating half of the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches—don’t crowd the pan! Browning them boosts their flavor and adds color. Cook each batch for about 3 minutes per side, then set them aside. You want a nice sear that locks in the juices, so take your time on this step.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining oil. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn translucent and soft. Next, add the ginger, garlic, and jalapeño. Stir and cook for about a minute—you’ll instantly smell that fragrant base coming together.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Now, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, cardamom, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything for just about a minute, stirring constantly. This step is all about waking up those spices—letting them bloom in the oil, filling your kitchen with warmth and complexity.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the diced cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir well, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan for an extra hit of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down, intensifying that rustic, rich texture Chicken Bhuna is famous for.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Return your browned chicken (and all its juices!) to the skillet. Gently stir so that each piece is enveloped in the aromatic sauce. Let the Chicken Bhuna simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly, clinging to every morsel of chicken.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Right before serving, sprinkle over the chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. This finishing touch lifts all the flavors and adds gorgeous color, making your Chicken Bhuna look as fantastic as it tastes.

How to Serve Chicken Bhuna

Garnishes

Garnishing Chicken Bhuna is your chance to add a final flourish. Scatter plenty of chopped fresh cilantro over the top—it contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a few slim slices of red onion or a dollop of yogurt on each serving look amazing and cool down any heat. A few lemon wedges on the side are always welcome!

Side Dishes

Chicken Bhuna pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, perfect for scooping up the thick, spicy sauce. If you’d like a lighter option, try it with a crisp cucumber salad or cooling raita to balance the spice. Even a simple side of roasted vegetables or Indian pickles makes for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Chicken Bhuna truly memorable, try serving it in individual bowls with a swirl of yogurt or chutney. For a dinner party, pile it high on a large platter, surrounded by grilled naan and lemon wedges, so everyone can help themselves. Or, spoon it over a bed of fragrant rice and top each plate with fresh herbs for restaurant-quality style at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Bhuna keeps surprisingly well. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, so you might just find the leftovers even tastier the next day!

Freezing

Looking to meal prep? Chicken Bhuna freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool, then package into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and you’ve got a ready-to-go curry for busy days.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your Chicken Bhuna again, simply reheat it gently on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and always check that it’s piping hot all the way through before serving.

FAQs

What makes Chicken Bhuna different from other curries?

Chicken Bhuna stands out for its thick, reduced sauce and rich, concentrated flavors. Unlike some curries, there’s very little liquid added, and it’s cooked uncovered, allowing the sauce to cling tightly to the chicken pieces for an irresistibly bold taste.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

While you can use chicken breast if needed, I highly recommend thighs for Chicken Bhuna. Thighs stay more tender throughout cooking and bring a richer, juicier result, but if you prefer breast meat, just make sure not to overcook it.

How spicy is Chicken Bhuna?

Chicken Bhuna is medium-spiced by default, with most of its heat coming from the jalapeño and chili powder. If you want it hotter, leave the jalapeño seeds in, or add a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, simply use less chili powder and remove all hot pepper seeds.

Can I make Chicken Bhuna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower. The Bhuna method and spiced sauce work beautifully with plant-based proteins too.

Is it possible to make Chicken Bhuna ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, Chicken Bhuna tastes even better when made in advance. You can prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve—the flavors deepen, and the texture gets even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Chicken Bhuna with people you care about. The bold spices, tender chicken, and mouthwatering sauce make every meal feel like a celebration. Trust me, give this one a go: you’ll be hooked after the first bite!