Easy Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna Recipe

Many people struggle to find unique Bangladeshi chicken bhuna recipes for home. But for the best chicken bhuna, you need to know how to get the right techniques.

You may have attempted to cook Bangladeshi chicken bhuna in the past, only to end up with a dish that lacked flavor, was too spicy, or didn’t have the right balance of ingredients. It can be frustrating when your efforts in the kitchen don’t yield the desired results.

My step-by-step guide to cooking delicious Bangladeshi chicken bhuna is here to save you time. And for secret tips, you can cook a mouthwatering dish that will impress you. Let’s take the flavors of Bangladesh and explore some amazing chicken recipes.

Specialty of Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna

Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna is a popular dish in Bangladeshi cuisine. It is made using bone-in chicken, first marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and more spices until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

The dish is typically served with rice or Ruti bread. Adding some vegetables like Bell peppers and potatoes can make for a good mix and add flavor to the dish. The flavors are bold and delicious, making it a favorite among many who enjoy spicy food.

Ingredients for Bhuna Recipe

For Marination:

1. 500g Chicken, Cut Into Bite-sized Pieces
2. 1 Tablespoon Yogurt
3. 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
4. 1 Teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
5. Salt to Taste

For Bhuna Paste:

1. 2 Large Onions, Finely Sliced
2. 3-4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
3. 1-inch Piece of Ginger, Minced
4. 2-3 Green Chilies, Chopped (Adjust to Your Spice Preference)
5. 2 Tomatoes, Chopped

Spices:

1. 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
2. 1 Teaspoon of Coriander Powder
3. 1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala
4. 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
5. 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder
6. 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder

Other Ingredients:

1. 2-3 Tablespoons Oil (Mustard Oil is Traditional, but You Can Use Any Cooking Oil)
2. Fresh Cilantro (Coriander) Leaves, Chopped, for Garnishing

How to Make Bangladeshi-Style Chicken Bhuna

Step 1: Marination

In a bowl, place 500g fresh chicken pieces. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder over the chicken. Season with salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring the chicken is coated with the spices and yogurt.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This process will help the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Preparing the Bhuna Paste

Set a pan over medium heat, heating up to 3 tablespoons of oil. Add a tiny cumin seed to the hot oil, let it crackle, and release its aroma. Introduce two large onions that have been finely sliced to the pan. Saute the onions until they turn a golden brown color. This might take around 8-10 minutes.

Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves and saute for about a minute until the raw garlic smell disappears. Then add in the minced ginger as well. Continue sauteing for another couple of minutes.

Add 2-3 chopped green chilies into the mixture and cook for another minute. Toss two chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and break down. This step takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Adding Spices and Cooking the Masala

Add a handful of cumin powder, ½ teaspoon of coriander powder, ½ tsp red chili powder, and ½ tbsp turmeric powder to the masala mixture.

Stir well to combine the spices with the onion-tomato base. Cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the masala.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

Create a space in the center of the pan by pushing the masala mixture to the sides. If needed, add more oil to the center of the pan. Then place the marinated chicken in the center of the pan. Allow the chicken to cook for a few minutes over medium-high heat until it browns.

After that, mix the chicken with the masala, ensuring the spices coat the pieces. Keep the chicken cooking until it’s fully cooked and the oil separates again. You should add water during this step to prevent the masala from sticking or burning.

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala over the dish and stir it.

Let the chicken bhuna cook until it reaches your desired consistency, typically with a semi-dry gravy coating the chicken.

Step 5: Finishing and Serving:

Garnish the Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna with freshly chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves. Serve the dish with your choice of bread, such as roti or naan, or steamed rice.

Remember to serve lemon wedges on the side for a tangy flavor boost.

My Secret Tips for Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna

Marination Time: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors. Marinating for a few hours or overnight will yield better results if you have more time.

Yogurt: The yogurt in the marinade doesn’t just add flavor, but it helps tenderize the chicken as well. No added sugars or flavorings are used in plain yogurt.

Consistency: The bhuna has a semi-dry character, with a coating of thick masala on the chicken. You can check the moisture level, then adjust by adding a little water if you notice it is drying out.

Oil: Traditionally, mustard oil has been used to produce authentic flavor, and you can use any cooking oil that is convenient for you. If using mustard oil, heat it until it reaches its smoking point, then cool it slightly before adding other ingredients to reduce its pungency.

Spices: Make sure to add spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, and cumin powder at the right stage, allowing them to bloom and release their flavors into the dish.

What Can I Serve With Chicken Bhuna? 

Several options can complement Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna. Traditional breads like roti, naan, or paratha are perfect accompaniments to this dish. These breads not only act as a base but also help to soak up the delicious gravy.

If you prefer rice, then steamed rice or biryani are both great choices. The mild flavor of the rice pairs well with the spicy chicken curry and helps balance the dish. You can also serve Chicken Bhuna with fresh salad like carrot and cucumber.

Is It Necessary to Use Mustard Oil? 

While mustard oil is traditional and imparts a distinct flavor, you can use any cooking oil, such as vegetable oil. If using mustard oil, heat it until it reaches its smoking point, then cool it slightly before using.

Can I Use Pre-made Garam Masala? 

If you are in a hurry or don’t have the necessary ingredients, using pre-made garam masala can be an easy solution. It is readily available in most grocery stores and can be used in place of individual spices. However, there is a possibility that the flavors may vary slightly from freshly ground herbs.

This is because pre-made garam masala can contain different ratios of spices depending on the brand or manufacturer. If you want to achieve a more authentic taste, it is advisable to grind your spices or make your garam masala blend at home.

Can I Use Bone-in Chicken for Chicken Bhuna?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for Chicken Bhuna. The cooking time might be slightly longer to ensure the bhuna chicken is fully cooked.

Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna Recipe

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 40 Minutes Cooking Time: 30 Minutes 30 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 450 calories 17 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 4 voted )

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Ingredients

1. 500g Chicken, Cut Into Bite-sized Pieces
2. 1 Tablespoon Yogurt
3. 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
4. 1 Teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
5. Salt to Taste
6. 2 Large Onions, Finely Sliced
7. 3-4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
8. 1-inch Piece of Ginger, Minced
9. 2-3 Green Chilies, Chopped (Adjust to Your Spice Preference)
10. 2 Tomatoes, Chopped
11. 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
12. 1 Teaspoon of Coriander Powder
13. 1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala
14. 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
15. 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder
16. 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
17. 2-3 Tablespoons Oil (Mustard Oil is Traditional, but You Can Use Any Cooking Oil)
18. Fresh Cilantro (Coriander) Leaves, Chopped, for Garnishing

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine fresh chicken pieces, yogurt, turmeric powder, salt, and red chili powder. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add a tiny cumin seed let it crackle and release its aroma.
3. Add finely sliced onions to the hot oil and saute until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in minced garlic, chopped ginger, and green chilies. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and break down (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the masala mixture. Stir well and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
6. Add the marinated chicken and continue cooking until it's fully cooked. Add water as needed to prevent sticking or burning.
7. Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and stir until it becomes soft.
8. Garnish the Bangladeshi Chicken Bhuna with freshly chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves.
9. Serve the dish with your choice of bread, such as roti or naan, or steamed rice.

Bottom Line

I hope this step-by-step guide has helped you to cook a delicious Bangladeshi chicken bhuna. By following these instructions and incorporating the secret tips, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your taste buds. The flavors of Bangladesh are waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!