Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This medium-heat curry is packed with spices and herbs, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. The result is a satisfying and flavorful meal that will transport you straight to the heart of India.

What is Chicken Bhuna?

Chicken Bhuna is a popular Indian curry known for its aromatic, deeply spiced flavors. Unlike other curries that have a thinner, more broth-like consistency, a Bhuna curry is typically thicker and more concentrated. The name “Bhuna” comes from the Urdu word for “to fry,” referring to the cooking method of frying spices and aromatics to bring out their full flavor before adding them to the curry base. This technique intensifies the spices and creates a rich, flavorful sauce.

The key to a great Chicken Bhuna lies in the combination of fresh ingredients and the perfect blend of spices. The dish is generally medium in heat, offering a zesty kick without overpowering the other flavors. It’s traditionally served with basmati rice or naan, making it the perfect dish for a satisfying family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why Make Chicken Bhuna in the Slow Cooker?

There are many reasons to choose the slow cooker for making Chicken Bhuna. For one, the slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender as it simmers in the rich, spicy sauce. The slow cooker also gives the flavors plenty of time to develop, making it one of the easiest ways to prepare an intensely flavored curry with minimal hands-on effort.

Here are a few reasons why using a slow cooker is ideal for Chicken Bhuna:

• Minimal Prep Time: The prep is simple and quick, and you can spend the rest of your day relaxing or attending to other tasks while the slow cooker does the hard work.
• Tender Chicken: Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the spices and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Set It and Forget It: Once you’ve added the ingredients to the slow cooker, you don’t have to worry about stirring or checking on it frequently.
• Enhanced Flavors: The slow cooking process helps the spices come together beautifully, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful curry.

What Are the  Ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna?

Like many Indian dishes, Chicken Bhuna relies on a rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients. The most important ingredients include chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of flavorful spices. Below are the key ingredients that bring the dish to life:

• Chicken: For the best results, use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender even after long cooking times, unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out.
• Onions: Onions form the base of the curry sauce. They add sweetness and depth to the dish when cooked down.
• Tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes create the tangy foundation of the sauce and help balance the richness of the spices.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for their aromatic qualities. They provide a base layer of flavor that enhances the entire dish.
• Green Chilies: These add a mild heat to the curry. Be sure to taste the chilies before cooking to gauge their heat level, as it can vary.
• Spices: The spices used in Chicken Bhuna typically include turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. These create a fragrant, warm flavor profile that is both comforting and complex.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the spices.
• Cornflour: This is used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, velvety texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna is incredibly easy and takes just a few minutes of prep work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this flavorful dish:

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into thirds. This ensures that they cook evenly and absorb all the spices.

2. Sauté the Onions and Spices: While this recipe uses the slow cooker for the majority of the cooking, it’s best to sauté the onions and spices briefly to release their flavors. This can be done in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.

3. Combine the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Add the cut chicken, sliced onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and all the spices to the slow cooker. Mix everything together so that the chicken is well-coated with the spice mixture.

4. Add the Tomatoes and Liquid: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and lemon juice. The liquid helps form the curry sauce as the chicken cooks.

5. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle in the cornflour and stir well to ensure the sauce will thicken during cooking.

6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.

7. Serve: Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be tender, and the sauce should be thick and aromatic. Serve with freshly cooked basmati rice or naan.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Bhuna

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna is a success, here are a few helpful tips:

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier curry, feel free to add more green chilies or a pinch of chili powder.
• Don’t Skip the Cornflour: This ingredient is crucial for achieving that thick, glossy sauce that makes Chicken Bhuna so delicious.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Fresh ingredients add depth to the curry and enhance the overall dish.
• Allow Time for the Flavors to Develop: Slow cooking allows the spices to infuse the chicken and sauce. Resist the urge to rush the cooking process.
• Taste the Sauce: Always taste the sauce towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more tang, add extra lemon juice. If it’s too sour, a pinch of sugar can balance it out.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna

Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best options to serve alongside your curry:

• Basmati Rice: The fluffy, fragrant grains of basmati rice complement the rich flavors of the curry and soak up the sauce.
• Naan or Roti: These traditional Indian flatbreads are perfect for scooping up the curry.
• Vegetable Sides: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber raita for a cool contrast to the heat of the curry.
• Indian Pickles: A side of tangy Indian pickles will add an extra layer of flavor and spice to the meal.

Can You Store Leftovers?

Yes! Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the curry cool completely before transferring it to a storage container. When reheating, add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick.

Slow Cooker Chicken Bhuna Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 500g (1 lb) chicken thighs, cut into thirds

• 1 large white onion or 2 small white onions, sliced

• 400g (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes

• 100ml (0.5 cups) water

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 green chilies, seeds removed and sliced

• 2 tsp dried or chopped coriander (cilantro)

• 2 tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1.5 tsp fenugreek (ground)

• 1 (2cm or 1 inch) piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped

• 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled

• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Cut each chicken thigh into 3 pieces and place in the slow cooker, followed by the sliced onion.

2. In a bowl, mix together garam masala, turmeric, fenugreek, coriander, cumin, salt, and sugar.

3. Add the spice mix, green chilies, garlic, ginger, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Crumble the stock cube and mix well.

4. Sprinkle cornflour over the mixture and stir thoroughly.

5. Add the water, lemon juice, and chopped tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.

6. Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

Notes:

• Chilies: Test the heat of your green chilies before using them in the recipe. If they’re mild, consider adding extra chili powder for more heat.

• Ginger: If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can substitute it with ¼ tsp ground ginger.

• Cornflour: Do not skip this step, as it helps to thicken the sauce and give it a rich, glossy texture.

• Chicken Thighs: Always use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs as they remain tender during slow cooking.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 240 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 119mg

• Sodium: 1251mg

• Potassium: 741mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g

• Vitamin A: 343 IU

• Vitamin C: 25mg

• Calcium: 72mg

• Iron: 4mg

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours (low) / 3 hours (high)
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (low) / 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Calories: 240 kcal (per serving)
Yield: 4 servings