A delicious easy recipe to make in your slow cooker is this Chicken Bhuna, made with simple ingredients like chicken thighs, white onion, chopped tomatoes, and green chilies.

To make Chicken Bhuna in the slow cooker, simply combine all spices, chicken, and veggies in the pot. Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

I always enjoy the way the spices meld together over the hours. It’s perfect for when I need a comforting meal but don’t want to fuss over the stove.

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What Is Chicken Bhuna?

Chicken Bhuna is a type of Indian curry where the spices are fried thoroughly with the chicken, creating a thick, flavorful sauce. It typically involves simmering the chicken with tomatoes, onions, and a robust blend of spices until richly aromatic.

Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna Ingredients

• 500 g chicken thighs, each thigh cut into three pieces
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 100 ml water
• Juice of half a lemon
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 green chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried or fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons ground fenugreek
• 2 cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken pieces and sliced onion in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine turmeric, garam masala, fenugreek, coriander, cumin, and salt.
3. Add the Spice Mix to the Pot: Transfer the spice mix to the slow cooker. Add the chopped green chilies, minced garlic, and finely chopped ginger. Sprinkle in the sugar and dollop the tomato paste. Thoroughly mix these ingredients with the chicken and onions.
4. Incorporate the Corn Flour: Sprinkle corn flour over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Crumble the Stock Cube: Evenly distribute the crumbled chicken stock cube into the pot and stir.
6. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the water and lemon juice. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir everything together until evenly mixed.
7. Cook the Dish: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 5 hours, or set to high and cook for 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the ingredients do not stick to the bottom and are evenly cooked.

Recipe Tips

• Monitor Spices Closely: Adjust the spice levels to taste by increasing or reducing the green chilies and garam masala before cooking begins.
• Enhance Flavor with Browning: For a deeper flavor, brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Stirring Technique: Gently stir the mixture a few times during cooking to prevent ingredients from sticking and to distribute flavors evenly.
• Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced or powdered versions to enhance the flavor profile of your curry significantly.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve this curry with basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce perfectly.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts are leaner and may cook quicker, so monitor the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Chicken breasts are a good choice if you prefer less fat.

How Can I Thicken the Curry If It’s Too Watery?

If the curry is too watery, mix a tablespoon of corn flour with cold water and stir it into the curry. Continue cooking on high for about 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. This method effectively enhances the curry’s texture without altering its flavor.

What To Serve With Chicken Bhuna

You can serve your hearty Chicken Bhuna with aromatic sides like jeera rice, roti, mint yogurt, steamed broccoli, and lentil dal. Or you can pair it with buttered peas, or sliced radishes for a fresh contrast.

How To Store Chicken Bhuna

In The Fridge:

Place Chicken Bhuna in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. This dish can last up to three days in the fridge. Always cool it at room temperature before storing.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Bhuna can be frozen for up to three months. Freeze it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the bags with the date, so you know when it was stored. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Chicken Bhuna

Reheat your Chicken Bhuna in a saucepan over medium heat until hot throughout, which should take about 10 minutes. Or, you can microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Always cover the dish to retain moisture.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Ribeye Steak
• Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Stifado
• Slow Cooker Lamb Saag