Easy Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe

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Discover the rich flavors of North India with this Easy Chicken Rogan Josh recipe. Creamy, aromatic, and perfectly spiced, this homemade curry rivals any takeaway. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners and family meals alike.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods, split
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 400 ml (2 cups) chicken stock
• 400 g (14 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 200 ml (1 cup) passata (or chopped tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 100 g (3.5 oz) natural yogurt (Greek-style optional)

Instructions for Easy Chicken Rogan Josh

1. Heat oil and butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, warm the vegetable oil and melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add whole spices: Once the butter is foaming, stir in the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Sauté for 1 minute to release their aroma.
3. Cook onions: Add chopped onions and cook 5–6 minutes until soft and golden.
4. Add garlic and ginger: Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
5. Toast spices: Mix in paprika, ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Combine chicken: Pour in a quarter of the chicken stock, add chicken pieces, and coat well with the spice mixture.
7. Add tomato base: Stir in tomato paste, passata, and remaining chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10 minutes until chicken is tender.
8. Finish the curry: Remove the lid, simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in garam masala and yogurt, and cook 1–2 more minutes.
9. Serve: Enjoy over basmati or cauliflower rice, with naan bread, and garnish with extra yogurt and fresh coriander.

Pro Tips

• Use chicken breast for a leaner curry or thighs for a richer, juicier flavor.
• Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the aroma and depth of flavor.
• Simmer gently to avoid curdling the yogurt.
• Adjust cayenne to make it mild or extra spicy.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick cooking: Ready in just 40 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Mild spice suitable for all ages.
• Restaurant-quality: Creamy sauce with rich, authentic flavors.
• Flexible: Works with chicken breast or thighs, or can be adapted for lamb.

Substitutions & Variations

• Tomatoes: Use chopped tomatoes instead of passata for a chunkier texture.
• Butter alternative: Swap butter with ghee for a traditional taste.
• Dairy-free option: Replace yogurt with coconut cream.
• Extra heat: Add finely chopped red chili with garlic and ginger.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without yogurt for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on low heat, stirring in fresh yogurt before serving.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Rogan Josh

• Serve with basmati rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Pair with naan, roti, or paratha.
• Top with fresh coriander and a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 329
• Protein: 37 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 247 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this curry spicier?
A: Yes, add a diced red chili or increase cayenne powder.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Absolutely! Thighs provide more flavor and stay juicy.

Q: Can I freeze the curry?
A: Yes, freeze before adding yogurt for best texture.

Q: Can I use a curry paste instead of spices?
A: Yes, a good Rogan Josh curry paste can simplify the process.

This Easy Chicken Rogan Josh is a quick, flavorful, and comforting Indian curry perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Creamy, aromatic, and packed with spices, it’s sure to become a regular favorite.

Easy Chicken Rogan Josh

Ovalioekrg

This Easy Chicken Rogan Josh is a creamy, aromatic Indian curry made with tender chicken, warm spices, tomatoes, and yogurt. Ready in just 40 minutes, it delivers authentic North Indian flavor with simple ingredients and an approachable cooking method.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Curry

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 329 kcal

Equipment

• large heavy-bottomed pot
• wooden spoon
• cutting board
• knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods, split
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp paprika (not smoked)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 400 ml chicken stock
• 400 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 200 ml passata or chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 100 g plain yogurt

Instructions

 

• Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a large pot over medium heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
• Add the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the chopped onions and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
• Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
• Add paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
• Pour in about one-quarter of the chicken stock, then add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them in the spice mixture.
• Stir in the tomato paste, passata, and remaining chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender.
• Uncover the pot and simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce. Stir in garam masala and yogurt, cooking gently for 1–2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve hot with basmati rice or naan, garnished with fresh coriander and extra yogurt if desired.

Notes

Simmer gently after adding yogurt to prevent curdling. For best freezing results, omit yogurt and add it fresh when reheating. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat, and garnish with fresh coriander and extra yogurt before serving.

Keyword chicken rogan josh recipe, easy chicken curry, easy chicken rogan josh, indian curry recipe, quick weeknight curry

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