Name: Chicken Rogan Josh
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 kg bone-in chicken; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 2 tbsp garlic paste; 2 tbsp ginger paste; 2 tbsp ground coriander and cumin; 1 tsp hot red chilli powder; 3 tbsp Kashmiri red chilli powder; 0.25 cup full-fat yogurt; 0.25 cup oil; 3 tbsp melted ghee; 3 onions; 4 black cardamom pods; 5 green cardamom pods; 2 small cinnamon sticks; 1 small piece of mace; 1 tbsp coriander seeds; 1 tbsp fennel seeds; 1 tbsp cumin seeds; 2 cups water; Fresh green coriander, chopped

Chicken Rogan Josh

Servings: 8 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Why this recipe works

A yoghurt marinade. It keeps the chicken tender and helps the spices cling.

Whole spices in the onions. Black and green cardamom, cinnamon, mace, fennel, coriander and cumin seeds give rogan josh its fragrance.

Kashmiri chilli. Three tablespoons give the signature red colour without making it too hot.

Tips for the best chicken rogan josh

Fry the onions until golden. About 12 minutes, adding the whole spices at the 8-minute mark.

Add the water gradually. Pour in one cup, stir, then add the second.

Thicken if you like. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes at the end for a thicker gravy.

Use a splatter guard. It saves mess when reducing the sauce.

Chicken Rogan Josh FAQs

What is rogan josh?

A red curry from Kashmir, traditionally made with lamb or mutton, cooked with yoghurt, whole spices and Kashmiri chilli. This version uses chicken so it cooks faster. Read more in what is rogan josh?

Is rogan josh spicy?

It’s medium. Kashmiri chilli gives the red colour with gentle heat, and a teaspoon of hot chilli powder adds a little kick.

How long does chicken rogan josh take?

About 35 minutes, including 15 minutes of simmering.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes. Boneless thighs work well. Check them after 10 to 15 minutes of simmering.

You’ll find the full ingredients, the method and our step-by-step video in the recipe card below.

Chicken Rogan Josh

Chicken Rogan Josh is a rich, aromatic curry hailing from the Kashmir region, reimagined with tender chicken for a quicker preparation

Author: Aamna Bawa Cooking Method: Curry Cuisine: Pakistani Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: High Protein Non Vegetarian

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Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: £ 7 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Instructions

Video

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken with salt, turmeric, garlic paste, ginger paste, dhania jeera powder, hot red chilli powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and yogurt. Massage the chicken thoroughly, ensuring even coating. Set aside while you prep the onions.

Prepare the Base:

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the oil and ghee. Once hot, add the blitzed or finely chopped onions. Fry for about 12 minutes, stirring regularly, until golden.

Toast the Spices:

At the 8-minute mark of frying the onions, add the black cardamom, green cardamom, cinnamon sticks, mace, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Fry for the remaining time until the onions are golden and the spices are aromatic.

Cook the Chicken:

Add the marinated chicken to the pan, including any leftover marinade. Sear the chicken over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning the pieces to develop a lovely colour. If the mixture looks dry, add a few more tablespoons of oil.

Add the Liquid:

Gradually pour in 2 cups of water. Start with 1 cup, stir gently to combine, then add the second cup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

Adjust the Gravy:

After 15 minutes, check the consistency. If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the heat to medium and cook uncovered with a splatter guard for an additional 5 minutes.