Restaurant-Style Chicken Bukhara: An Authentic Mughlai Recipe
1 hour 35 minutes
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About Restaurant-Style Chicken Bukhara: An Authentic Mughlai Recipe
Experience the rich tapestry of Mughlai cuisine with this authentic Chicken Bukhara recipe. Imagine tender chicken enveloped in a luxuriously creamy tomato gravy, infused with fragrant spices and a hint of earthy fenugreek.This dish is a symphony of flavors, artfully balancing tangy tomatoes, nutty cashews and poppy seeds, and the warmth of traditional spices. It's a culinary masterpiece that's both comforting and impressive.Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, serve this Chicken Bukhara with fluffy naan or steamed rice to capture every last drop of its delectable sauce.
Recipe Time & More
Prep1 hour
Cook35 minutes
Total1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 500 gm Chicken with bone
- 100 gm Hung Yogurt greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Tandoori Masala
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder red
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 Tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
For the Bukhara Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Oil
- 2 large Onions chopped
- 1 large Tomato chopped
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 Tbsp Poppy Seed And Cashew Paste
- 1/2 cup Coriander chopped
- 1 Tbsp Fenugreek Leaves kasoori methi, dried
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, hung curd, tandoori masala, red chili powder, salt, and ginger-garlic paste. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish.
- Heat the oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and lightly golden. This builds a flavor base for the sauce. Add the chopped tomato and salt, stirring well. Now, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and stir for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.
- Add the turmeric powder, poppy seed and cashew paste, and red chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine. Adding the spices at this stage allows them to bloom in the oil, releasing their full aroma. Add a little water, enough to create a light gravy, and cover the pan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Remove the lid and stir in the chopped cilantro and dried fenugreek leaves. The fenugreek leaves add a distinct aroma and slightly bitter flavor that is characteristic of Chicken Bukhara. Finally, stir in the butter for richness and gloss. Serve hot with parathas, naan, or steamed rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the poppy seeds before grinding them into a paste—this enhances their nutty aroma and depth in the gravy.
- If you prefer a smokier taste, finish the cooked chicken by placing a heated piece of charcoal in a small bowl within the pot, drizzle with ghee, and cover for 5 minutes to infuse a traditional 'dhungar' aroma.
- To achieve the signature silky Mughlai texture, strain the tomato puree before adding it to the gravy, removing seeds and skin for a smoother sauce.
Expert Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor penetration.
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer, more flavorful gravy.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
Storage Instructions
- Leftover Chicken Bukhara tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop; store in an airtight container and gently reheat for best results.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 19.8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1710mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
5 Comments
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Absolutely mouthwatering! Thanks for sharing.
What a flavorful dish! Thanks for sharing.
Perfect dish! Can’t wait to cook it.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
Such a scrumptious dish! Thank you.