Chicken Kosha is very popular in eastern India, especially in Odisha and West Bengal. It is also called Murgir Kosha Mangsho in Bengal. It is a semi-dry chicken dish with a spicy, thick gravy. It goes great with rice, roti, paratha, or naan. Chicken Kosha is also found on restaurant menus.

The word "Kosha," "Kasha," or "Kassa" essentially refers to a cooking method where the masala base is slowly cooked until the oil separates.
Chicken Kosha can vary from family to family and from place to place. This is a simple version that requires no marination and uses no coconut, cashews, yogurt, or cream.
It is a semi-dry dish with a thick gravy. The chicken is cooked in the masala and slowly simmered over low heat in its own juices until tender, with a little water added as needed to prevent the masala from sticking to the pan.
Tips
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in pieces add more flavor and help keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
- Don't rush the onions: Cook the onions until properly golden brown. This forms an important part of the flavor and texture of the masala.
- Cook the masala well: Allow the tomato and spices to cook until the oil starts to separate. This helps develop a deeper flavor.
- Add water little by little: Chicken Kosha has a thick gravy, so add only a small amount of water when needed to prevent the masala from sticking.
- Cook the chicken on low heat: Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender while absorbing the flavors of the masala.
- Use mustard oil: Mustard oil gives Chicken Kosha its distinctive flavor. If you're using mustard oil, heat it properly before adding the other ingredients.
You may also like
- Chicken Fry At Home
- Dry Chicken Roast
- Salt And Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Recipe

Chicken Kosha Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) bone-in chicken pieces
- 3 tablespoons mustard oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 green chili sliced lengthwise
- 3 large onions finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- ½ medium tomato grated
- Salt to taste
- â…“ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (or coriander leaves)
Instructions
- Heat the mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, green chili, and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the turmeric powder and red chili powder. Sauté briefly to combine.
- Sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir for another minute.
- Add the grated tomato and salt. Cook until the tomato becomes mushy and the oil begins to separate.
- Add the cumin powder and coriander powder. Mix well. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 2 minutes over medium heat.
- Cover and cook the chicken over low heat until cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally. If the masala starts to stick to the pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of water as needed. Do not add too much water.
- Add the garam masala powder, chopped cilantro (or coriander leaves), and kasuri methi. Turn off the heat, stir well, cover, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Chicken Kosha is ready to serve. Serve hot with rice, roti, paratha, or naan.
Notes
Â
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in pieces add more flavor and help keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
- Don't rush the onions: Cook the onions until properly golden brown. This forms an important part of the flavor and texture of the masala.
- Cook the masala well: Allow the tomato and spices to cook until the oil starts to separate. This helps develop a deeper flavor.
- Add water little by little: Chicken Kosha has a thick gravy, so add only a small amount of water when needed to prevent the masala from sticking.
- Cook the chicken on low heat: Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender while absorbing the flavors of the masala.
- Use mustard oil: Mustard oil gives Chicken Kosha its distinctive flavor. If you're using mustard oil, heat it properly before adding the other ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is a general estimate only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or use your preferred nutrition calculator.





Anupa says
This is my go to recipe for Chicken Kassa. Absolutely wonderful in looks and taste!
Thankyou for sharing Geetanjali.