Chicken Rogan Josh

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Chicken Rogan Josh is a spin on the beloved lamb version. It’s a fantastic way to savour this flavourful curry sauce when you’re watching your spending, and you want a more affordable option that still keeps every bit of flavour!

I’m absolutely a fan of a great curry. I also enjoy cooking them myself and trying out different spices until the taste feels just right.

Another love of mine is bending the rules.

I prepare a wonderful lamb tikka masala, which is usually made with chicken, and for this Rogan Josh, I’m using chicken breasts instead of lamb.

Don’t misunderstand me—I adore a lamb Rogan Josh.

However, this is a budget-friendly substitute that’s just as tasty!

What is a Rogan Josh?

Rogan Josh is a kind of Indian curry that traces its roots back to the Kashmir area of India. Most often, it’s created using red meat—like lamb or goat—and a mix of spices that may include Kashmiri red chilli powder, ginger, garlic, and cardamom seeds.

Rogan Josh is frequently recognized for its bright red hue, which is a result of Kashmiri chilli powder. It’s usually served with rice or naan bread. Over time, Rogan Josh has grown into a well-loved dish across Indian cooking and is now enjoyed all over the world.

Is This an Authentic Rogan Josh Curry Recipe?

Not at all. There genuinely isn’t a truly authentic chicken Rogan Josh recipe.

You won’t find any red meat, no Kashmiri chilli, and no tomatoes. Instead, there’s red chilli puree and tomato puree.

Still, this chicken Rogan Josh recipe tastes incredible—chicken curry recipes are brilliant, and we can’t get enough!

Spices for Rogan Josh

Some of the main spices used in the classic Rogan Josh recipe are:

• Kashmiri red chilli powder – gives the dish its signature deep red colour and gentle heat.
• Ginger powder – brings a cosy warmth and extra depth.
• Fennel powder – contributes a lightly sweet, liquorice-like flavour.
• Cumin powder – adds rich, earthy, and slightly nutty flavours.
• Cardamom pods – these small green pods give a sweet, floral flavour along with lovely aroma.
• Cinnamon sticks – delivers a warm and slightly sweet note.
• Cloves – offers a bold, pungent, and mildly sweet flavour.
• Bay leaves – adds a subtle, earthy flavour.
• Asafoetida – also called “hing”; this pungent spice brings a distinctive taste to the dish.
• Black peppercorns – provides gentle heat and an earthy flavour.

These spices are typically mixed with yoghurt, tomato puree, and lamb or goat meat to make the delicious, fragrant Rogan Josh.

My version uses most of them, in the form of ground spices, though not every single one.

Can You Make Rogan Josh with Chicken?

If you want to cook an authentic

Rogan Josh, this isn’t the dish for you! I’d recommend choosing a lamb or mutton take, using more of the classic ingredients.

However, if you’re after a tasty weeknight dinner for the whole family, then yes—go ahead and make a Rogan Josh with chicken.

I even put pineapple on my pizza too!!

Ingredients for Chicken Rogan Josh

When I cook my quick chicken Rogan Josh, I use:

Chicken Breasts

Garlic

Ginger Puree– Feel free to replace it with grated ginger root if you’d rather.

Red Chilli Puree– You can also use red chilli powder or a chopped fresh chilli.

Cooking Spray– Olive oil, or any other cooking oil, works just as well.

Sesame Oil

Ground Cardamom– The seeds work too; just take them out of the pods and crush them.

Cinnamon– I use a stick, but if you don’t have it, swap in a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Onions

Salt

Ground Cloves

Ground Cumin

Paprika

Ground Coriander

Bay

Tomato Puree

Chicken stock

Natural Yoghurt– Choose full-fat, since it’s far less likely to split when it’s stirred into warm liquid.

Black Pepper

How Spicy is Chicken Rogan Josh?

It’s definitely a spicy recipe, though chicken Rogan Josh isn’t mouth-burning. It’s a curry that works for the whole family.

If you’d like to turn up the heat, add extra chilli—and for a gentler version, use less.

Can You Use Chicken Thighs?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fantastic for curry, and you can use them in this Chicken Rogan Josh.

Can You Add Extras to Make More?

This recipe makes enough for four people.

If you want to stretch it further, add more chicken breasts, or perhaps a can of chickpeas, plus more water. You can also add another can of chopped tomatoes to the sauce.

How to Make Chicken Rogan Josh – Step-By-Step Instructions

You’ll find the full recipe and measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post, but below are step-by-step instructions, along with photos and helpful notes to make this simple chicken Rogan Josh Recipe.

Step one

Cut the chicken into small, bite-size pieces.

Step Two

Add everything to a bowl with the garlic, ginger, and red pepper purees. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated, cover, and refrigerate for about an hour.

You can let it marinate for longer, but it isn’t required.

Step Three

Peel the onions, then chop them into 8 wedges each.

Step Four

Put them in a deep bowl with a splash of water, then use a blender, food processor, or stick blender to process into a puree.

I use a stick blender.

No need to worry if you still notice a couple of larger lumps.

Step Five

Warm a little cooking spray or oil in a large, lidded flameproof pan over medium heat on the hob.

I use my cast-iron Dutch Oven, but a big frying pan with a lid is just as good.

Step Six

Add the chicken and cook, stirring regularly, for a few minutes until it turns browned.

Step Seven

Take it out of the pan and set it aside.

Step Eight

In the same pan, warm the sesame oil.

Step Nine

Add the cardamom and cinnamon stick, and fry for about a minute while stirring continuously.

Step Ten

Tip in the pureed onions, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Step Eleven

Mix in the cloves, cumin, coriander, paprika, and bay leaf until the mixture is evenly coloured.

Step Twelve

Add the chicken back in and stir well to combine.

Step Thirteen

Pour in the stock and add the tomato puree. Bring it back to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step Fourteen

Cover and cook for about an hour. Take the lid off to stir and scrape the bottom from time to time.

Step Fifteen

Remove the lid and stir in the yoghurt, along with a pinch of ground black pepper.

Stir and simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If your sauce is still quite runny, continue simmering until it thickens. If it starts to look like it’s getting too dry, add more water or stock.

What to Serve with Chicken Rogan Josh

I love a proper big curry night, so we usually put naan bread, poppadoms, dips, and either boiled rice or pilau rice on the table.

That said, you can pair it with whichever standard curry sides you enjoy.

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