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Chicken Rogan Josh

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Chicken Rogan Josh is a richly aromatic Indian curry made with chicken thighs gently simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. This homemade recipe builds layers of warmth from a custom spice blend, yielding tender chicken and complex flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy it over rice with naan for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the spice blend
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
For the curry
  • 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup tomato puree
  • 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Lid for skillet

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the curry powder, ground cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Set the spice blend aside.
  2. Season the chicken thighs all over with 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt and the black pepper. Heat the ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on one side for about 2 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for another 2 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 15 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Add the reserved spice blend to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
  7. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cover with a lid, lower the heat to its lowest setting, and let cook for 40 minutes, allowing the chicken to become very tender.
  8. Sprinkle the finished curry with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over rice, with naan on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the ghee with a neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil. Leftover curry keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and often tastes even better the next day; reheat gently with a splash of stock or water if the sauce has thickened. This curry also freezes well for up to three months. For a spicier result, add cayenne pepper or fresh chilies with the garlic. Serve with basmati rice and naan, and consider a cucumber raita or simple salad for a refreshing side.

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