Healthier Slow Cooked Spicy Chicken Rogan Josh (2024)

Packed with flavour, this lighter slimming-friendly, slow-cooked, spicy Chicken Rogan Josh really hits the spot. Just the thing when you’re trying to eat lighter !

Are you on a bit of a January health kick like me?

Ha ha I like the way that sounds like I’m going to be all about the fitness and good eating for a month. In reality January is so far, more of a comfortable warm-up.

A few workouts and some healthy meals, interspersed with the odd G&T and bar of chocolate.

That probably means I’ll be looking at a gradual weight loss from the pounds I put on over Xmas (and most of last year if I’m honest). But I want those pounds to disappear faster!!! because:

a. I’m lazy. As much as I like theideaof running and lifting weights, and early-morning workout sessions, I just want the results without having to do all that stuff.

b. I’m greedy. I like big portions, snacking and basically planning my day around food.

I’m pretty sure I’m not alone on this.

Fortunately meals like this richly spiced chicken rogan josh mean I can look forward to a delicious dinner, and it’s actually pretty bloomin healthy!

So how to we make it?

First we marinate the chicken in a mixture of fat free yogurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin and black pepper. It needs a good mixture together and then to be covered and refrigerated for around 30 minutes.

• Then, if your slow cooker has a searing function like my crockpot (<– affiliate link) we brown the chicken in a few sprays of frylite (or other low cal spray). If your slow cooker hasn’t got a searing function, you can do this part in a frying pan/skillet. Then remove the chicken and place in a bowl.
• Add chopped onions, red peppers, chopped chillies, the stalks from a small bunch of coriander (cilantro), cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper and tomato puree to the pan. Cook for 5 mins, then add a good splash of stock and carefully (cover if needed) whizz into a puree with a hand blender (or transfer to a food processor if you prefer).
• Add the cooked chicken to the pan with the curry sauce you’ve just whizzed up. Add stock, tinned chopped tomatoes and cardamom. Stir and bring to a simmer, then slow cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
  

Whilst the Rogan Josh is cooking, I like to make an onion, mint and tomato salad by mixing all of the salad ingredients together in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Serve the Rogan Josh with a dollop of plain yogurt and the tomato and onion salad. If you’re affording yourself a few extra calories then I’d recommend serving up some homemade chapatis too.

I’m using Frylite instead of regular oil for this syn free curry, and I’m flavouring with tomatoes, garlic and lots of spices. No creamy coconut milk or double cream in this rogan josh! It really does taste rich, delicious and satisfying.

If you’re on slimming world – this rogan josh recipe is a great free dinner option – so long as you use the fat-free yogurt.

Chicken thighs or breast?

I’ve used breast for this recipe, but you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. I often swap between the two. I find chicken breast is easier to slice and prepare, but chicken thighs are juicier.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, you can make the rogan josh ahead, then cool, cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in a pan over a medium heat until the chicken is hot throughout.

Can I freeze this chicken rogan josh?

Yes, you can. Freeze in freezer-proof container with lid as soon as the rogan josh is cool. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat the curry in a pan – as per above.

Gluten free curry:

Yes, use gluten free stock and ensure your tomato puree/paste is gluten free too, and you’re good to go.

Can I cook it in the oven or on the hob instead?

Yes. If you want to cook this in the oven, preheat it to 150C/300F. Place a lid on the pan at the end of step 4, and cook in the oven for 1 1/2 – 2 hours – check and stir once or twice during cooking.

Alternatively, you can cover and cook on the hob for 1 1/2 – 2 hours on a low heat, stirring regularly.

Watch How To Make It

This post was first published in February 2018. Updated in January 2020 with video, tips and step-by-step photos.

Even MORE Delicious Curries:

Equipment:

In order to make this slow-cooker Rogan Josh you will need:

• Slow Cooker. We love our crockpot!
• A good Kitchen knife. In the video I use my Leiths knife however I have recently bought this Dalstrong one and love it.
• Chopping Board
• Garlic Press
• Measuring Spoons
• Frying Pan/Skillet
• Wooden or Silicon Coated Spoons.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our