Slow-Cooked Chicken Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chilies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-cooked Kashmiri chicken curry rich with Kashmiri red chili powder and warming spices, yielding tender meat in a vibrant red sauce. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, mustard oil, medium onions, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp mustard oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it smokes lightly, then reduce to medium-low.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 thinly sliced medium onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp ground fennel seeds, stirring constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and 1 1/2 tsp salt, stirring to coat the chicken evenly in the spice mixture.
  6. Step 6: Mix in 1/2 cup whisked yogurt and 1 cup water, bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan or steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Chicken Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Chicken Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chilies?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chicken Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chilies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Chicken Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chilies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Chicken Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chilies?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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