Scrumptious Chicken Rogan Josh: Authentic Indian Flavour at Home

Ingredients

500 grams of boneless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
400 grams of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
2 teaspoons of garam masala
1 cup of chicken stock
1 cup of plain yogurt
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become soft and golden.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to the pan and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes.
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pan and cook until they start to brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken stock to the pan and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the plain yogurt. Add salt to taste.
Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - For chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
Chef's knife - To cut the boneless chicken thighs and other ingredients.
Large pan - To cook the chicken Rogan Josh.
Wooden spoon - To stir the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the spices.
Can opener - To open the can of chopped tomatoes.
Spatula - To mix the ingredients and scrape the sides of the pan.
Cover or lid - To cover the pan while simmering the dish.
Tongs - To handle the chicken thighs while cooking.
Whisk - To whisk the yogurt before adding it to the dish.

Recipe variations

Substitute the boneless chicken thighs with boneless chicken breast for a leaner option.
Replace the chicken with lamb or beef for a different meat variation.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with mixed vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and potatoes.
Add a handful of cashew nuts or almonds for a creamy and nutty twist.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies.
Add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to balance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness.
Experiment with different spices like cardamom, cloves, or fennel seeds to enhance the flavor profile.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or coconut cream instead of yogurt.
Try garnishing with sliced red onions, chopped mint leaves, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added freshness.

Recipe overview

This flavorful Chicken Rogan Josh recipe brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. With its rich blend of aromatic spices, this dish will surely tantalize your taste buds. The recipe involves browning boneless chicken thighs and simmering them in a delectable sauce made from onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The addition of plain yogurt towards the end gives this dish a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves, Chicken Rogan Josh is perfect over rice or with naan bread. Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and is perfect for those looking to explore Indian cuisine. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this delectable dish.

Common questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs, but keep in mind that chicken breast can be less tender and may require shorter cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is there a substitute for yogurt? If you prefer, you can use coconut milk as a substitute for yogurt to achieve a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper used. It is moderately spicy as per the recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Rogan Josh by substituting the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, Chicken Rogan Josh can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and the dish tastes even better when reheated the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken and other ingredients.
Large pan - A spacious pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the spices.
Measuring cup - A cup for measuring the chicken stock and yogurt.
Spatula - A tool for scraping any ingredients from the sides of the pan.
Lid - A cover for the pan to simmer the chicken and sauce.
Serving dish - A dish to present the Chicken Rogan Josh for serving.
Garnish - Fresh coriander leaves to sprinkle on top for added flavor and presentation.

Origin stories

Chicken Rogan Josh, a delicious and hearty dish, finds its roots in the beautiful valley of Kashmir in Northern India. It is said to have been brought to India by the Mughals, whose love for aromatic and rich food is well known. The term 'Rogan Josh' itself is an interesting combination of two Persian words, 'Rogan' meaning oil or fat and 'Josh' meaning intense heat. Thus, the name itself symbolizes the method of cooking the dish at intense heat with a good amount of oil or ghee. This dish, originally prepared with lamb, has seen numerous variations over the years, including the Chicken Rogan Josh. Today, it is adored globally, not just for its deep, rich flavors, but also for the fascinating history it carries with it from the royal courts of Mughal India.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.