Description
A rich, deeply flavored chicken bhuna made with tender chicken thighs, onions, tomatoes, yogurt, and warming spices cooked down into a thick glossy masala.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 green chili, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat for about 1 minute, then add the oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika or Kashmiri chili powder, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens.
- Lower the heat slightly, stir in the yogurt and spice mixture, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir until fully coated in the masala.
- Pour in the water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced and thickened.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and sliced green chili, if using, then cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- Finely chopped onions help create a smoother, thicker masala.
- Lower the heat before adding the yogurt so it blends smoothly.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: chicken bhuna, indian chicken curry, stovetop chicken curry, thick masala chicken, easy curry dinner
