This chicken rogan josh is a delightfully easy-to-make Indian curry recipe made with seared chicken cooked low and slow in a rich, tomato-based gravy packed with warm spices. Grab some naan and dive in!

 

Easy Chicken Rogan Josh

Check it: Your skillet is working its magic, browning the chicken and cooking it in a hearty tomato-based sauce. The aroma of Indian spices – curry, cumin, garam masala, cinnamon, and more, wafts through your kitchen. It’s a delightful sensory overload. You serve up bowls of this chicken rogan josh, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top, and get ready to dig in. The first bite? It’s all those mouth-watering smells packed into a single, flavor-bursting morsel of tender chicken. And you think, “Man, I could chow down on this forever!”

Does that sound like I love Indian food? Good, ’cause I do! It’s one of those things that people, including yours truly, often go to restaurants for rather than cooking Indian dishes in their homes. It can be intimidating and foreign for many, but that doesn’t need to be the case when you have a simple recipe such as this one.

Why I Love This Chicken Rogan Josh Recipe

• Flavor-packed. Indian curries are known for their bold, unique flavors, and this chicken rogan josh is no exception. Just like a hearty beef Massaman curry or a flavorful vegetarian coconut chickpea curry, this dish delivers a delicious punch of taste. The warmth of the toasted spice mix combined with the acidity of the tomatoes and subtle hints of garlic make this curry something to write home about.
• So tender. The low and slow cooking method used to make this dish results in incredibly tender chicken thighs that practically melt in your mouth as you bite into them.
• Quick and easy. This recipe only requires about 25 minutes of active time in the kitchen, full of simple, easy-to-follow steps. Then all you have to do is turn down the heat and enjoy the aromas of the simmering curry as the chicken soaks in all of the flavors of the sauce.

Recipe Ingredients

Ready to make some truly awesome chicken rogan josh? Here’s what you’ll need to make it. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for precise measurements.

• Spice blend. Curry powder, cumin, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ground ginger.
• Chicken thighs: I used boneless, skinless thighs but you could easily use breasts of bone-in, skin-on thighs. Just check the chicken for doneness as this might affect the cook time.
• Salt & Black pepper: To enhance all the flavors of the curry.
• Ghee: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps to sear the chicken
• Yellow Onion: You’ll need one large onion. A white onion will also work.
• Garlic: Use two fresh garlic cloves.
• Tomato Puree: Provides a tangy sweetness that deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: The tomatoes add a juicy, chunky texture to the sauce while adding brightness and acidity to the entire dish.
• Chicken stock: You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Chopped fresh cilantro: For garnish.

How to Make Chicken Rogan Josh

Indian curry might sound like an intimidating thing to tackle but I promise you this recipe is actually manageable. Here’s a basic overview of how to make it.

• Make the spice blend. Whisk together the ingredients for the spice blend and set aside.

• Sear the chicken. Season the chicken and sear it in ghee over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on either side. Remove the chicken from the pan.

• Build flavor. Sauté the onions and garlic in the pan. Stir in the tomato puree and cook until darkened. Add the spices and cook for 1 minute.

• Make the gravy. Stir in the diced tomatoes and the chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in the chicken and cook, covered, over low heat for 40 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

While your rogan josh is simmering away, I highly encourage you to whip up a tasty side dish or two to serve with it.

• Naan. Grab some from the store or make my Easy Two Ingredient Naan Bread and dip it into this flavorful curry.
• Rice. Chicken rogan josh is most commonly served over white rice. I suggest long-grained rice such as Instant Pot Jasmine Rice or basmati. Feeling more adventurous? Try this flavorful Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice), Lemon Rice Recipe, Vegetable Biryani Rice, or even Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice.
• With a yogurt sauce. Make a classic Indian Raita or try the garlic yogurt sauce from this Grilled Salmon Kabobs recipe.
• With other Indian classics. Serve chicken rogan josh as part of a feast. I have been loving this Indian Samosa Chaat platter as an appetizer. You could serve it alongside this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe, Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken, or my Mulligatawny Stew as well.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Allow the curry to cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Seal the cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Thaw the curry in the refrigerator before reheating, if applicable. Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat on the stovetop until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, transfer the desired portion into a bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring intermittently.

More Chicken Dinner Ideas

Chicken is a miracle protein in my eyes. It’s affordable, delicious, and so versatile. Rogan josh is just one example of how you can take this simple ingredient and turn it into a nutritious flavor explosion. Here are some of my other favorites.

• Easy Chicken Adobo Recipe
• Szechuan Chicken
• Mandarin Chicken
• Moroccan Chicken Tagine
• Marry Me Chicken
• Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast

ENJOY!