Bhuna Chicken Masala Recipe

by Aleezay Khan

Explore the essence of traditional Pakistani cuisine with this Bhuna Chicken Masala recipe. This dish, a staple in Pakistani cooking, features succulent chicken pieces perfectly cooked in a rich, thick gravy made from a blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, and a carefully selected mix of spices.

The result? A deeply flavorful, aromatic meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Ideal for those seeking a ideal dinner option, this Bhuna Chicken Masala offers a blend of spice, tang, and sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients used in bhuna chicken masala recipe

Experience the authentic flavors of Bhuna Chicken Masala with these  carefully selected ingredients:

1. Chicken: 1 kg, cut into pieces. The star of the dish, providing a rich source of protein.
2. Tomatoes: 3 medium, finely chopped. They add a tangy sweetness and form the base of the gravy.
3. Onions: 2 large, thinly sliced. They lend a natural sweetness and thickness to the sauce.
4. Ginger-Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons, for that indispensable, aromatic flavor foundation.
5. Green Chilies: 2-3, slit. They introduce a subtle heat that can be adjusted to taste.
6. Yogurt: 1/2 cup, whisked. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
7. Coriander Powder: 2 teaspoons, for a fresh, citrusy undertone.
8. Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon, adds earthiness to the dish.
9. Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon, a blend of ground spices that gives warmth and depth.
10. Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for color and its mild, aromatic essence.
11. Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon, adjusts the heat and adds a vibrant color.
12. Salt: to taste, to enhance the overall flavors of the dish.
13. Oil: 3-4 tablespoons, for sautéing and cooking the masala.
14. Fresh Cilantro: for garnishing, adds a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tools required for bhuna chicken masala recipe

Explore the art of making Bhuna Chicken Masala with these cooking tools:

1. Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Ideal for bhuna (sautéing) the spices and chicken, ensuring even cooking without burning.
2. Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the masala, its sturdy nature allows for easy mixing without damaging the pan.
3. Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring spices, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.
4. Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping your ingredients, ensuring they are the right size for even cooking.
5. Mixing Bowl: Useful for marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
6. Ladle: For serving the Bhuna Chicken Masala, ensuring you get plenty of sauce along with the chicken.

How to make bhuna chicken masala recipe: Step by step process;

Discover the rich flavors of Pakistani cuisine by following this simple guide to make authentic Bhuna Chicken Masala Recipe:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by marinating the chicken in yogurt, half the ginger-garlic paste, salt, and a teaspoon of red chili powder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook the Onions: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This caramelization is key to the dish’s flavor.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Mix in the remaining ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sautéing until the raw smell disappears, about 2 minutes.
4. Tomatoes & Spices: Introduce the chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and the rest of the red chili powder. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala, indicating it’s well-cooked.
5. Bhuna the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, then reduce to medium. This process allows the chicken to sear and lock in flavors.
6. Simmer: Once the chicken is well-coated with the masala, cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the masala seems too thick, add a splash of water.
7. Final Touch: Sprinkle garam masala and adjust salt to taste. Cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking.

Expert Tip

The secret to a perfect Bhuna Chicken Masala lies in the “bhunao” process. This involves cooking the masala (spice mix) on a low flame until the oil separates, ensuring the spices are fully cooked and their flavors deeply infused into the dish. This step is crucial, as it concentrates the flavors and gives the dish its characteristic depth and aroma. Skipping or rushing this step can result in a less flavorful dish. By allowing the masala to cook thoroughly, you not only enhance the taste but also achieve the rich color and thick consistency that Bhuna Chicken Masala is famous for.

Serving Tips

Bhuna Chicken Masala Recipe

Master the art of making Bhuna Chicken Masala with this easy, flavorful recipe. Perfect for a delicious and mouthwatering dinner.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• Chicken: 1 kg cut into pieces. The star of the dish, providing a rich source of protein.
• Tomatoes: 3 medium finely chopped. They add a tangy sweetness and form the base of the gravy.
• Onions: 2 large thinly sliced. They lend a natural sweetness and thickness to the sauce.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons for that indispensable, aromatic flavor foundation.
• Green Chilies: 2-3 slit. They introduce a subtle heat that can be adjusted to taste.
• Yogurt: 1/2 cup whisked. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
• Coriander Powder: 2 teaspoons for a fresh, citrusy undertone.
• Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon adds earthiness to the dish.
• Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon a blend of ground spices that gives warmth and depth.
• Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon for color and its mild, aromatic essence.
• Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon adjusts the heat and adds a vibrant color.
• Salt: to taste to enhance the overall flavors of the dish.
• Oil: 3-4 tablespoons for sautéing and cooking the masala.
• Fresh Cilantro: for garnishing adds a burst of freshness.

Instructions

 

• Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by marinating the chicken in yogurt, half the ginger-garlic paste, salt, and a teaspoon of red chili powder. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Cook the Onions: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This caramelization is key to the dish's flavor.
• Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Mix in the remaining ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sautéing until the raw smell disappears, about 2 minutes.
• Tomatoes & Spices: Introduce the chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and the rest of the red chili powder. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala, indicating it's well-cooked.
• Bhuna the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, then reduce to medium. This process allows the chicken to sear and lock in flavors.
• Simmer: Once the chicken is well-coated with the masala, cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the masala seems too thick, add a splash of water.
• Final Touch: Sprinkle garam masala and adjust salt to taste. Cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking.
• Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve your Bhuna Chicken Masala hot with naan or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

The secret to a perfect Bhuna Chicken Masala lies in the "bhunao" process. This involves cooking the masala (spice mix) on a low flame until the oil separates, ensuring the spices are fully cooked and their flavors deeply infused into the dish. This step is crucial, as it concentrates the flavors and gives the dish its characteristic depth and aroma. Skipping or rushing this step can result in a less flavorful dish. By allowing the masala to cook thoroughly, you not only enhance the taste but also achieve the rich color and thick consistency that Bhuna Chicken Masala is famous for. This technique is a game-changer and mirrors the practices of seasoned chefs who understand the importance of patience and precision in cooking.