Easy Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe
User Reviews
4.3
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4
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Calories
599 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Easy Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe
Description
This Easy Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe uses chicken thighs simmered in ghee alongside a mixture of whole or ground spices including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves. The curry base is formed by softened onions, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and tomato puree, spiced with paprika, coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, fennel, and cayenne pepper. Yogurt is added near the end for creaminess.
The slow cooking allows the chicken thighs to absorb the spices and become tender while the spices provide a complex aroma and warmth. The sauce develops a thick, deep red color, rich with layers of flavor balancing heat, sweetness, and earthiness.
Serving the curry with fresh cilantro adds brightness to the dish. It pairs well with rice or bread for a complete meal.
Chicken thighs are chosen to prevent drying out during cooking. Ground spices are added at specific steps to retain flavor without burning. Tomato puree provides a thicker, smooth texture distinct from tomato paste or crushed tomatoes.
Ingredients
For the curry
- 1.6 lb chicken thighs (see note 1)
- 4 tablespoon ghee see note 2, or substitute butter or oil
- 1 cinnamon stick see note 3, or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 green cardamom pods see note 3, or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4 cloves ground cloves see note 3, pinch
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 onion chopped, large
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 cup chicken broth or chicken stock
- 4 tablespoon tomato puree see note 4, or passata
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the spice blend
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (see note 5)
- 1 teaspoon fennel see note 6, ground
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper see note 7, quantity to taste
Additional Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon garam masala (see note 5)
- ½ teaspoon fennel see note 6, ground
- ¼ cup yogurt natural
To serve
- cilantro aka coriander leaves; fresh; leaves
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into large chunks and set to one side.1.6 lb / 750 g chicken thighs
- Melt the ghee in a large, heavy pan over medium heat. Add the whole spices and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. (See note 3 if you aren't using whole spices)4 tbsp ghee, or substitute butter/oil 1 cinnamon stick, or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 green cardamom pods, or 1 teaspoon of ground cardamon4 cloves or a pinch of ground cloves 2 bay leaves
- Add the chopped onion and fry for 10 minutes until softened and starting to turn golden brown.1 large onion
- Add the spices to the onion and stir to coat.2 tbsp paprika1 tbsp ground coriander1 tbsp ground cumin2 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp garam masala1 tsp ground fennel¼-½ tsp cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
- Add the chopped garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute.4 cloves garlic1 tbsp ginger
- Pour in the chicken broth, tomato puree/passata then add the chopped chicken and salt.1 cup / 250 ml chicken broth/stock4 tbsp tomato puree/passata1 tsp salt
- Stir well to coat, then bring to a simmer.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Add in the yogurt then season with the additional garam masala and ground fennel.¼ cup / 60 ml natural yogurt½ tsp garam masala½ tsp ground fennel
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes and serve garnished with cilantro/fresh coriander. Fresh cilantro/coriander leaves
Notes
- Using chicken thighs prevents drying out during cooking; if using breast, add it later in the cooking process to avoid toughness.
- Ghee provides traditional flavor, but butter or oil can be used as substitutes.
- Add ground spices during the specified steps to avoid burning and preserve flavor.
- Tomato puree (passata) gives a thick sauce; tomato paste is more concentrated and should be diluted if substituted.
- Garam masala adds depth; mild curry powder can be a substitute if unavailable.
- Ground fennel can be found in stores or made from crushed fennel seeds.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 599 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 599kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 218mg | 73% |
| Sodium | 759mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 721mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1961IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 93mg | 9% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
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