Spicy Chicken Bunny Chow Delight
Experience the savory flavors of South African cuisine with this irresistible Spicy Chicken Bunny Chow Delight. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant curry sauce, served in a hollowed-out loaf of crusty white bread that soaks up every delicious drop. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves 15 to 20, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of this unique, finger-licking meal. Accompanied by a refreshing carrot salad, it's a complete feast that brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 cups (none)
onions
3 (chopped)
cumin seed
1 tablespoon (none)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
grated ginger
1 teaspoon (none)
cardamom pods
5 (cracked)
whole cloves
5 (none)
cinnamon sticks
4 (none)
star anise
3 (none)
curry powder
3 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
to taste (optional)
chicken breasts
5 lbs (boneless, skinless, chopped into small pieces)
fresh cilantro
1 cup (chopped)
salt
2 tablespoons (none)
tomatoes
5 (chopped and pureed)
potatoes
3 (chopped)
fresh curry leaf
1 stem (leaves picked)
unsliced firm white bread
8-10 loaves (halved)
carrot
1 (for salad, grated or sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn a golden brown, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
2
Stir in the cumin seeds, minced garlic, grated ginger, cracked cardamom, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Cook the spices for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing them to infuse their flavors into the oil.
3
Add the curry powder and optional chili powder for heat, stirring for an additional minute to combine.
4
Introduce the chopped chicken into the pot, stirring well to coat the pieces with the aromatic spice mix. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink.
5
Add the chopped cilantro, salt, pureed tomatoes, chopped potatoes, and fresh curry leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7
While the curry simmers, prepare the bread. Carefully hollow out the center of each bread loaf half, saving the 'plug' that comes out.
8
Once cooked, spoon the curry mixture into the hollowed bread halves, then place the reserved plugs back on top.
9
Serve immediately with a refreshing carrot salad on the side. Encourage guests to tear off pieces of bread to scoop up the curry and salad for a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bunny Chow?
Bunny Chow is a South African fast-food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry.
Where did Bunny Chow originate?
Bunny Chow originated in the Indian community in Durban, South Africa.
How many people does this Spicy Chicken Bunny Chow recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve a large group of 15 to 20 people.
What type of bread is best for Bunny Chow?
Unsliced firm white bread is the best choice as it maintains its structure while soaking up the curry gravy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts and often provide a more tender result.
Is this Spicy Chicken Bunny Chow recipe very hot?
The heat is adjustable; it uses curry powder and optional chili powder which can be scaled to your preference.
What are the primary spices in the curry sauce?
The base uses cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and curry powder.
How long should I cook the onions for the base?
The onions should be cooked over medium heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown.
What is the 'plug' in a Bunny Chow?
The plug is the piece of bread removed from the center of the loaf, which is served on top to dip into the curry.
How do you eat Bunny Chow?
It is traditionally eaten with your hands by tearing off pieces of the bread to scoop up the curry.
What side dish is recommended with this recipe?
A refreshing carrot salad is recommended to balance the warmth and spice of the chicken curry.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute the 5 fresh tomatoes with canned pureed tomatoes if fresh are not available.
How long does the chicken curry need to simmer?
The curry should simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
Why are potatoes added to the chicken curry?
Potatoes add heartiness to the dish and help thicken the sauce as they cook.
What role do curry leaves play in the recipe?
Fresh curry leaves provide a distinct, authentic aroma and savory flavor that is characteristic of South African curries.
How do I hollow out the bread without breaking it?
Carefully cut the loaf in half and pull the bread from the center while leaving a thick enough wall and base to hold the gravy.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
The curry can be made in advance as flavors often improve over time, but the bread should only be filled right before serving.
What can I use as a substitute for star anise?
If star anise is unavailable, you can omit it or use a small pinch of ground cloves or aniseed.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, since it serves up to 20 people and uses 8-10 loaves of bread, it is an ideal dish for large gatherings.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
This large-batch recipe requires 2 cups of vegetable oil to properly fry the large volume of onions and spices.
Can I use whole wheat bread for Bunny Chow?
While white bread is traditional for its texture and absorption qualities, whole wheat bread can be used as a healthier alternative.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts chopped into small pieces.
What is the purpose of cardamom and cinnamon in the curry?
These whole spices add warmth and a complex aromatic profile to the spicy sauce.
Is the carrot salad cooked?
No, the carrot salad is typically served fresh and raw as a crisp contrast to the hot curry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beans (like sugar beans) or a variety of hearty vegetables to make a vegetable bunny chow.
How do I ensure the bread doesn't get soggy too quickly?
Using firm, high-quality white bread and serving the dish immediately after filling helps manage sogginess.
What kind of ginger and garlic should I use?
The recipe recommends grated fresh ginger and minced garlic for the best flavor infusion.
Is cilantro necessary for the recipe?
Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the curry, but it can be omitted or replaced with parsley if preferred.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces so it fits easily inside the hollowed bread.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons for this large batch, you should taste and adjust the seasoning during the simmering stage.