If you're craving a dish that embodies the rich and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, look no further than Slow Cooked Chicken Bhuna! This mouthwatering recipe transforms tender chicken into a symphony of spices, all while simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time that allows the flavors to deepen over 6 hours, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, enticing your taste buds and promising a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the secrets of creating this deliciously comforting dish!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping chicken, onions, and tomatoes. Measure out all spices and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Introduce chicken pieces to the pan and brown them on all sides, which helps seal in the flavors and create a rich color.
- Sprinkle cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with spices.
- Add chopped tomatoes and continue cooking for 5 minutes until tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker if not already using one. Set to low heat and cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb all the spice flavors.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle garam masala and gently stir to incorporate.
- Once cooking is complete, check seasoning and adjust salt if needed. The sauce should be thick and clinging to the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the pieces in the spices and ginger-garlic paste for a couple of hours or overnight before cooking.
- Sautéing Matters: Don’t rush the sautéing of the onions; caramelizing them well will add a depth of flavor to your dish that is simply irresistible.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and ingredients will elevate your Chicken Bhuna. If possible, opt for fresh ginger and garlic instead of pre-made pastes.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Adding a pinch of red chili powder can give it an extra kick!
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid of the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Chicken Bhuna with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of cucumber raita can also complement the spices beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 473kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 64g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
