Easy Chicken Kosha (Kosha Murgir Mangsho) – Bengali-Style Curry

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
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Chicken Kosha, also known as Kosha Murgir Mangsho, is a classic Bengali chicken curry known for its slow-cooked richness and deep, layered flavours. In Bengali, kosha refers to slow-cooked or simmering, allowing the onions and spices to caramelize and develop a bold, aromatic masala that coats every piece of chicken...

Easy Chicken Kosha (Kosha Murgir Mangsho) – Bengali-Style Curry recipe
Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr 10min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

For Marination

  • chicken (curry cut)
    chicken (curry cut)
    500g
  • thick curd (yogurt)
    thick curd (yogurt)
    3tbsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    1/2tsp
  • Kashmiri chilli powder
    Kashmiri chilli powder
    1tsp
  • mustard oil
    mustard oil
    1tbsp

For Masala Paste

  • ginger-garlic paste
    ginger-garlic paste
    1/2tbsp
  • Kashmiri chilli powder
    Kashmiri chilli powder
    1tsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1tsp
  • cumin powder
    cumin powder
    1/2tsp
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    1/4tsp
  • Salt, to taste
    Salt, to taste
  • mustard oil
    mustard oil
    1tbsp

For Cooking

  • mustard oil
    mustard oil
    2tbsp
  • large potato, peeled and cubed
    large potato, peeled and cubed
    1
  • dry red chillies
    dry red chillies
    2
  • green cardamoms
    green cardamoms
    3
  • cinnamon stick
    cinnamon stick
    1in
  • bay leaf
    bay leaf
    1
  • onion, sliced
    onion, sliced
    2cups
  • sugar
    sugar
    1/2tbsp
  • green chillies, slit
    green chillies, slit
    2
  • garam masala powder
    garam masala powder
    1/2tsp

How to make Easy Chicken Kosha (Kosha Murgir Mangsho) – Bengali-Style Curry

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.

  2. Step 2

    In a bowl, mix the chicken with curd, salt, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, and mustard oil.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, mix the chicken with curd, salt, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, and mustard oil
    Step 1.2: In a bowl, mix the chicken with curd, salt, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, and mustard oil
  3. Step 3

    Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavour.

Prepare the Masala Paste

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, and mustard oil.

    Step 2.1: In a small bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, and mustard oil
  2. Step 2

    Mix well and set aside.

    Step 2.1: Mix well and set aside

Fry the Potatoes

  1. Step 1

    Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai.

  2. Step 2

    Fry the cubed potatoes until golden on all sides.

    Step 3.1: Fry the cubed potatoes until golden on all sides
  3. Step 3

    Remove and keep aside.

Start Cooking the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In the same pan, add dry red chillies, cardamoms, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Sauté until aromatic.

    Step 4.1: In the same pan, add dry red chillies, cardamoms, cinnamon, and bay leaf
  2. Step 2

    Add sliced onions and cook for 1–2 minutes.

    Step 4.1: Add sliced onions and cook for 1–2 minutes
  3. Step 3

    Sprinkle in the sugar and continue to cook until the onions soften and turn golden brown.

    Step 4.1: Sprinkle in the sugar and continue to cook until the onions soften and turn golden brown
  4. Step 4

    Stir in the prepared masala paste with a splash of water. Cook on low-medium heat until the masala is cooked and fragrant.

    Step 4.1: Stir in the prepared masala paste with a splash of water
    Step 4.2: Stir in the prepared masala paste with a splash of water

Add the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Add the marinated chicken to the kadhai and mix well.

    Step 5.1: Add the marinated chicken to the kadhai and mix well
  2. Step 2

    Sauté on high heat to seal in the juices, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

    Step 5.1: Sauté on high heat to seal in the juices, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes
  3. Step 3

    Add the fried potatoes and green chillies. Mix everything well, cover again, and let it cook until the chicken and potatoes are fully cooked and tender. If there’s excess water left, increase the heat and cook uncovered until the gravy thickens and oil floats to the top — this helps reduce moisture quickly without overcooking the chicken.

    Step 5.1: Add the fried potatoes and green chillies
    Step 5.2: Add the fried potatoes and green chillies

Final Touch

  1. Step 1

    Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Step 6.1: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving
    Step 6.2: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

308.5kcal (15.43%)

Protein

22.3g (44.5%)

Carbs

14.0g (5.09%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

10.1g

Unhealthy Fat

4.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. You can add more potatoes to this dish, as per your choice.

  2. Add a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) at the end for extra richness and aroma.

  3. Adjust the chilli to your spice preference — use less for a milder dish or more for a spicy kick.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of oil instead of mustard oil?

    Yes, you can use vegetable or sunflower oil, but mustard oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.

  2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

    Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marination will result in deeper flavors.

  3. Can I make this dish spicier?

    Yes, you can increase the amount of Kashmiri chilli powder or add more green chillies for extra heat.

  4. What can I serve with Chicken Kosha?

    Chicken Kosha pairs well with luchi, roti, paratha, or steamed rice.

  5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors often deepen with time.

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Leena Kohli

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