Easy Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Rogan Josh is a rich, aromatic curry that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This easy recipe captures the classic flavors with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, perfect for home cooks craving a delicious taste of India.

A black bowl holds a dish divided into two main parts: on the left, fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and on the right, a thick, creamy chicken curry covered in a rich orange-brown sauce with visible small chunks of tender chicken and sprinkled with green cilantro leaves. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture surface with two cinnamon sticks and some cardamom pods beside it. In the background, a white bowl filled with more white rice and another white bowl with a creamy white sauce and a spoon can be seen. A striped cloth napkin is partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 20 g (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cardamom pods, split
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 400 ml (2 cups) chicken stock
  • 400 g (14 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 200 ml (1 cup) passata (tomato sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) natural yoghurt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt and foam. Add the cinnamon stick and split cardamom pods, cooking for about one minute to release their aroma.
  2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped onions to the pot and cook for 5–6 minutes until they soften and turn slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.
  3. Step 3: Mix in the paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook while stirring almost continuously for about one minute. Pour in a quarter of the chicken stock and stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot and toss well so the chicken is coated with the spices and stock.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste, passata, and the remaining chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and continue to simmer for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and reduces.
  7. Step 7: Stir in the garam masala and natural yoghurt. Let the curry simmer for another 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  8. Step 8: Serve your Chicken Rogan Josh over basmati rice or cauliflower rice, or with warm naan bread. Add extra yoghurt and fresh coriander on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For a creamier curry, swap natural yoghurt with Greek yoghurt or add a splash of coconut milk.
  • If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a finely chopped chili.
  • Use thigh pieces instead of breast for a juicier result that stays tender during cooking.
  • Fresh coriander sprinkled on top adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Rogan Josh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. This curry also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A black bowl contains two main layers: on the left side, there is a thick layer of white fluffy rice with separate grains visible, and on the right side, a rich layer of orange-brown creamy curry with chunks of cooked chicken coated in the sauce and garnished with small bits of fresh green herbs. The bowl sits on a dark surface with scattered cardamom pods nearby, and in the background, there are white bowls filled with more white rice, all placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.

Is it possible to make this curry vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or chickpeas, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Print

Easy Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe

Easy Chicken Rogan Josh is a flavorful and comforting Indian-inspired curry made with tender chicken breast simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato-based sauce infused with warming spices. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a classic dish perfect for a cozy dinner served over rice or with naan.

  • Author: Viktoria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale

Spices and Aromatics

  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cardamom pods, split
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 20 g (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 200 ml (1 cup) passata (tomato sauce)
  • 400 ml (2 cups) chicken stock

Protein and Dairy

  • 400 g (14 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) natural yoghurt

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and melt butter: In a large, heavy-based pot with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and melt 20 g unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter foams, add the cinnamon stick and split cardamom pods and cook for 1 minute to release their aroma.
  2. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger: Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to combine.
  3. Add spices and chicken stock: Stir in the paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, cinnamon powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook while stirring for 1 minute, then pour in a quarter of the chicken stock and mix well to combine with the spices.
  4. Add chicken pieces: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pot and toss thoroughly to coat them with the spiced mixture.
  5. Add tomato paste, passata, and remaining stock: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 200 ml passata, and the remaining chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover with the lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Reduce the sauce: Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and reduce the sauce to desired consistency.
  7. Finish with garam masala and yoghurt: Stir in 1 teaspoon garam masala and 100 g natural yoghurt, then simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors and add creaminess.
  8. Serve: Serve the Chicken Rogan Josh over basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or with naan bread. Optionally, top with extra yoghurt and fresh coriander for added freshness and presentation.

Notes

  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
  • Ensure not to boil the yoghurt after adding to prevent curdling; gentle simmering is best.
  • Chicken thighs could be substituted for breast for a juicier result.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
  • This dish pairs well with simple rice or Indian breads like naan or roti.

Keywords: Chicken Rogan Josh, Indian chicken curry, easy chicken curry, stovetop curry, quick Indian recipe

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