Chicken Rogan Josh

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Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, Chicken Rogan Josh is a dish that brings the warmth of Indian spices right into your kitchen. With its origins in Kashmiri cuisine, this dish traditionally features tender meat slow-cooked in a rich, spiced gravy. Today, we’re giving it a cozy twist with juicy chicken, making it quicker to prepare without losing that unforgettable depth of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a comforting, flavorful meal on a chilly evening, Chicken Rogan Josh is a perfect choice. The blend of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and Kashmiri chili creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced, while the yogurt-tomato base adds creaminess and tang.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most of your Chicken Rogan Josh experience, having the right tools at your fingertips makes all the difference:

• Heavy-Bottomed Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: This ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning the spices during sautéing.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware and for scraping up flavorful bits from the pan.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for cleanly and efficiently prepping your chicken and aromatics.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Accurate measurement of spices is key to achieving the perfect flavor balance.
• Blender (optional): If you prefer a smoother gravy, a quick blend of the sauce works wonders.

With these tools prepped and your ingredients ready, you’re already halfway to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Rogan Josh

• Chicken (boneless or bone-in): The heart of the dish. Chicken absorbs the rich spices beautifully while remaining juicy and tender.
• Greek Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer for the chicken and creates a creamy, tangy base.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth, umami, and a slight sweetness to balance the spices.
• Onions: Caramelized onions bring sweetness and body to the sauce.
• Garlic & Ginger Paste: The foundational aromatics that give the dish its signature punch.
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Offers vibrant color with moderate heat, a Rogan Josh staple.
• Ground Cumin & Coriander: Add earthy and citrusy warmth.
• Ground Turmeric: Gives a hint of bitterness and golden hue.
• Garam Masala: A final warming spice blend that elevates the dish.
• Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Cardamom Pods: Whole spices infuse a subtle, fragrant warmth.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a complex herbal note.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning and balance.
• Vegetable Oil or Ghee: The cooking fat that helps bloom the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish): Adds freshness and color before serving.

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How To Make the Chicken Rogan Josh

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, turmeric, salt, and a touch of chili powder. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Bloom the Whole Spices

Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Let them sizzle until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics

Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Stir in the garlic and ginger paste, letting it cook until the raw smell fades.

Step 4: Build the Masala Base

Add tomato paste, Kashmiri chili powder, ground cumin, coriander, and more turmeric if needed. Cook the mixture until oil begins to separate.

Step 5: Add Chicken & Simmer

Add marinated chicken to the pot, stirring to coat it in the masala. Cook for 5-7 minutes, then add a splash of water. Cover and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Final Spice Touch

Sprinkle garam masala and stir. Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to let the gravy thicken.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan.

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Serving and Storing Chicken Rogan Josh

Chicken Rogan Josh is best enjoyed piping hot, served over a bed of fragrant basmati rice or with freshly made naan to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. You can also pair it with a side of cucumber raita or pickled onions for a cooling contrast.

For storing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Chicken Rogan Josh?

Traditional Rogan Josh isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. The Kashmiri chili gives it color and warmth without too much heat. You can always adjust by adding or reducing chili powder.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain juicier during slow cooking. They’re often preferred for this dish.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative (like coconut yogurt) and ensure the ghee is replaced with oil.

What if I don’t have whole spices?

If whole spices aren’t on hand, you can increase the garam masala slightly, though the flavor won’t be quite as deep or fragrant.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After sautéing the onions and spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the garam masala at the end.

Does this pair well with naan?

Definitely. Naan, roti, or even pita bread works great to scoop up the saucy goodness.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love the rich, comforting flavors of this Chicken Rogan Josh, try exploring these other satisfying dishes from the Life With Olivia kitchen:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a cheesy, crispy restaurant-style favorite at home.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy slow-cooked option full of sweet-savory goodness.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for creamy, southern-style comfort in one pan.
• One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a wholesome dinner that cooks all together.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a weeknight-friendly pasta your family will crave.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your Chicken Rogan Josh turned out. Did you go bold with the spices or keep it mild? Serve it with rice or naan?

I’d love to hear your twists on this cozy classic. Questions and feedback are always welcome—let’s keep cooking better together!

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