Chicken Rogan Josh
A classic Kashmiri curry with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy. The vibrant red color comes from Kashmiri red chilies, offering deep flavor without intense heat. A true North Indian delicacy.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken (15 minutes + 30 minutes resting)
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1/2 cup of the whisked curd, 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry Onions and Chicken (15-20 minutes)
- b.Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat until it's lightly smoking. This removes its pungent raw smell.
- c.Add the sliced onions and fry, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- d.In the same oil, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- e.Remove the chicken and set it aside with the fried onions.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom the Spices (2 minutes)
- b.Reduce the heat to low. To the remaining oil in the pan, add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, black and green cardamoms, and cloves. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they release their aroma.
- c.Add the hing, followed by the remaining 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- d.Add the Kashmiri red chili powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Stir for 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the spices; add a splash of water if the pan is too dry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the Gravy (5-7 minutes)
- b.Turn the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Slowly pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of whisked curd, stirring continuously and vigorously to prevent it from curdling.
- c.Once the curd is fully incorporated, increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala at the edges of the pan.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Curry (20-25 minutes)
- b.Return the fried chicken and onions to the pan. Add the remaining 1 tsp of salt and mix gently to coat everything in the masala.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and stir well. Bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve (5 minutes)
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and the ghee. This final addition of ghee adds a rich aroma and gloss.
- c.Let the curry rest, covered, for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic color, use high-quality Kashmiri red chili powder, which is known for its vibrant hue rather than intense heat.
- 2Always add the curd on the lowest possible heat while stirring constantly. This is the key to preventing a grainy or curdled gravy.
- 3Using bone-in chicken adds significantly more flavor to the gravy as the bones release collagen and marrow during cooking.
- 4Authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh does not use tomatoes. The slight tanginess comes exclusively from the curd.
- 5Letting the curry rest for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to deepen and the oil (rogan) to rise to the surface, giving it its characteristic look.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
The most traditional version of Rogan Josh is made with lamb or mutton. Follow the same recipe, but increase the simmering time to 45-60 minutes or until the meat is tender.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace chicken with 500g of paneer cubes, large-cut mushrooms, or boiled potatoes. Pan-fry them before adding to the gravy and reduce the final simmering time to 10-15 minutes.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the whole spices, or add 1/2 teaspoon of regular red chili powder along with the Kashmiri variety for extra heat.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, less traditional version, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or cashew paste at the end of the cooking process.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The recipe uses spices like turmeric, ginger, and cloves, which are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Gut-Friendly
The use of curd (yogurt) introduces beneficial probiotics into the dish, which can help improve gut health and aid in digestion.
Boosts Immunity
Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and various whole spices contain antioxidants and compounds that can help strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Chicken Rogan Josh contains approximately 500-550 calories, primarily from the chicken and the oil used in cooking. This can vary based on the cut of chicken and the exact amount of oil used.