Bhutanese Bliss: Spicy Chicken Curry Rice & Chicken Delight!

Lunch 5 Last Update: Jan 13, 2026 Created: Jan 06, 2026

Serves: 4 People
Prepare Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Calories: -
Difficulty: Medium

Ever wondered what pure culinary bliss tastes like? Prepare to have your taste buds ignited with Bhutanese Bliss: Bja Sha Maroo, a truly unforgettable spicy chicken delight. This isn't just any curry rice and chicken; it's an authentic journey to the heart of Bhutan, a land known for its vibrant flavors and generous use of chilies. While many global cuisines boast a spicy chicken sauce, Bja Sha Maroo stands out with its unique blend of warmth, heat, and savory goodness, making it one of the best chicken food experiences you can whip up at home.
Forget bland meals; this recipe is designed to be a really good chicken dish that’s both comforting and exhilarating. We’ve analyzed countless versions and identified exactly what makes this dish shine, ensuring our recipe is not only easy to follow for home cooks but also superior in flavor and authenticity. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore good Asian food or an experienced chef seeking a new challenge, this spicy chicken foods recipe will guide you to perfection. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying chicken over rice meal that will leave everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil (or ghee) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Ginger & Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Introduce Chilies & Spices: Add the chopped green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and Szechuan peppercorns (if using). Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. A little splash of water can prevent burning if needed.
Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Increase heat slightly and brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-8 minutes. It doesn't need to be cooked through, just nicely seared.
Simmer the Stew: Stir in the chopped or crushed tomatoes and chicken broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust salt as needed. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch more red chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in half of the fresh cilantro and spring onion greens. Ladle the spicy chicken sauce over hot steamed rice. Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro and spring onion greens. Enjoy your curry rice with chicken!

Recipe Nutritional Values

The following nutritional values are per serving (one piece of cake)

Calories

380-420 kcal

Carbohydrates

10-15g

Protein

35-40g

Fat

20-25g

Additional Information

serving, based on 4 servings, excluding rice) Calories: 380-420 kcal Carbohydrates: 10-15g Protein: 35-40g Fat: 20-25g Additional Information: This dish is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
This dish is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Packed with immune-boosting spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Offers a good amount of dietary fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, contributing to overall well-being.

Recipe Success Tips

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Chicken Cuts: While thighs are recommended for their juiciness, chicken breast works well too. For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, just increase the simmering time slightly until cooked through.
Spice Level: This is a spicy chicken delight, but you can easily adjust the heat. For less spice, deseed the green chilies or reduce their quantity. For more fire, add an extra chili or a pinch of dried red chili flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu, paneer, or a mix of hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Creaminess: For a slightly creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of full-fat yogurt or a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking (after removing from heat to prevent curdling with yogurt).
Bell Peppers: For added color and a subtle sweetness, you can add diced bell peppers (red or yellow) along with the tomatoes.

Cultural Variations

Bhutanese cuisine, while distinct, shares influences with its neighbors. Bja Sha Maroo (often transliterated as Jasha Maroo) is a staple, but its preparation can vary from family to family and region to region. Some versions might include a touch of cheese (like datshi, a Bhutanese cheese) for a unique creamy, tangy kick, or incorporate different types of dried chilies. Our recipe aims for a classic, approachable flavor profile that captures the essence of this beloved dish, making it a perfect introduction to authentic Bhutanese chicken recipes.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead: This spicy chicken delight often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Prepare the curry a day in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Storage: Store leftover Bja Sha Maroo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, allow the curry to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Kitchen Tools

Sometimes, you just want to get dinner on the table without all the fuss. While this recipe is super approachable, a few smart tools and ingredient choices can shave off even more time, letting you enjoy your delicious Bhutanese Bliss sooner!

food processor or mini chopper

Problem: Chopping all those aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger can be a real time-sink, not to mention a bit messy.
Agitate: Who wants teary eyes and sticky hands when you're trying to get dinner on the table quickly?
Solution: A food processor or mini chopper is your best friend here! You can blitz all your onions, garlic, ginger, and chilies in mere seconds, saving you precious minutes and making clean-up a breeze.

pre-cut chicken thighs or breasts

Problem: Cutting raw chicken can be a bit of a chore, especially if you're not super confident with your knife skills or are just plain tired.
Agitate: Dealing with slippery raw meat and extra cutting boards just adds to the prep work when all you want is to cook.
Solution: Look for pre-cut chicken thighs or breasts at your grocery store. Many butchers are also happy to cut them for you if you ask. It’s a small shortcut that makes a surprisingly big difference!

pre-minced garlic or ginger

Problem: Peeling and mincing fresh garlic and ginger adds extra steps to your prep, and sometimes you just don't have the energy.
Agitate: While fresh is always best for flavor, sometimes convenience wins, especially on a busy weeknight.
Solution: Keep a jar of good quality pre-minced garlic or ginger in your fridge. It’s a lifesaver for those times when you're rushing but still want that authentic flavor.