Recipe

Chicken Kosha (চিকেন কষা)

Traditional Bengali chicken kosha with mustard oil, slow-cooked onions, and a rich masala-coated finish.

Bengali chicken kosha with thick masala served in a bowl.

Recipe information

Prep time
30 min
Cook time
75 min
Total time
115 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
medium

About this recipe

Chicken Kosha is a classic Bengali chicken curry where the focus is not just on ingredients but on the slow koshano (bhuna) process. The chicken is gradually cooked with onions, spices and mustard oil until the masala thickens, darkens and clings beautifully to every piece, creating the signature rich texture and flavour.

Equipment

Atomberg Zenova Mixer Grinder

Atomberg Zenova Mixer Grinder

Powerful mixer grinder designed for grinding spices, making fresh masalas, chutneys, batters, and smooth pastes with consistent results.

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Prabha Heavy Gauge Round Bottom Kadhai

Prabha Heavy Gauge Round Bottom Kadhai

Heavy-gauge round-bottom iron kadai that distributes heat evenly, retains heat exceptionally well, and is perfect for frying, sautéing, and slow cooking.

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INKULTURE Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons

INKULTURE Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons

Premium stainless steel measuring cups and spoons with engraved measurement markings that won't fade over time.

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Ingredients

Cooking method

  1. Marinate chicken with curd, turmeric powder and salt for 30 minutes

  2. Heat mustard oil until smoking, then reduce the flame slightly

  3. Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves

  4. Add chopped onions and a pinch of salt, then cook on medium-low heat until deep golden and slightly sticky

  5. Add ginger paste and garlic paste, cook until the raw smell disappears

  6. Add chopped tomatoes if using, add a little sugar and cover for 5 minutes until softened

  7. Mix all powdered spices with a little water and add to the kadai

  8. Cook until the masala becomes smooth, thick and starts releasing oil

  9. Add the marinated chicken and bhuna on high flame until the chicken turns slightly pale and firms up

  10. Lower the flame and continue the koshano process by cooking, scraping and adding small splashes of water repeatedly 4-5 times

  11. Add green chillies

  12. Continue cooking until the masala darkens, coats the chicken and releases light oil

  13. Cover and cook until the chicken is fully done

  14. Remove the lid and do a final bhuna

  15. Add garam masala and sugar

  16. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Pro tips

  • The onion stage is critical; cook slowly until deep golden and sticky
  • Always cook powdered spices with a little water to prevent burning
  • Add only small splashes of water during bhuna
  • The koshano process creates the signature texture, not simply reducing gravy
  • A good kosha should have masala clinging to the chicken with slight oil release but not be overly oily

Frequently asked questions

Can I skip the tomato?

Yes, increase the curd slightly and the recipe will still work

Why mix spices with water before adding?

It prevents burning and helps flavours develop smoothly

Why is my kosha turning into jhol?

Too much water during bhuna can loosen the gravy

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, the flavour improves after a few hours of resting

Watch the recipe

Video preview: Chicken Kosha Watch on YouTube

Chicken Kosha