Chicken Jalfrezi is a flavorful and vibrant dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. This dish is a delightful fusion of tender chicken pieces, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices, all cooked together to create a mouthwatering experience.

While it may sound fancy, fear not, as this recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for beginners in the kitchen.

Originally hailing from the Indian region, Chicken Jalfrezi has garnered popularity worldwide for its bold flavors and versatility. Its name is derived from the Urdu word “jhal” which means spicy and “frezi” which refers to frying.

True to its name, this dish boasts a delightful kick of heat, balanced with the richness of spices like turmeric, cumin, ginger, and garlic.

Despite its exotic origins, Chicken Jalfrezi doesn’t require any specialized culinary skills to master. With a handful of basic ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Expert Tip: For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and a blend of spices for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

Ingredients

Chicken Boneless: Tender chunks of chicken form the heart of this dish, providing protein and soaking up the rich flavors of the spices.

Onions: These humble yet essential vegetables add sweetness and depth to the dish, providing a flavorful base for the curry.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes lend a tangy brightness to the curry, balancing the richness of the spices.

Ginger Paste and Garlic Paste: These aromatic ingredients infuse the dish with their pungent flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Turmeric Powder: Known for its vibrant color and earthy flavor, turmeric adds warmth and depth to the curry.

Cumin Powder: Cumin offers a nutty and slightly smoky flavor, elevating the taste of the dish with its aromatic presence.

Green Chillies: These fiery peppers bring the heat to Chicken Jalfrezi, adding a spicy kick that tantalizes the taste buds.

Oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients and imparting richness to the curry, oil helps marry the flavors together.

Chilli Powder and Salt: These pantry staples add seasoning and spice to the dish, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.

Bell Peppers: Vibrant and colorful bell peppers not only add visual appeal but also contribute a sweet and crunchy texture to the curry.

Ginger and Coriander: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick, while chopped coriander provides a refreshing herbal note, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different color bell peppers for a visually stunning presentation.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Chicken Jalfrezi, the options are as diverse as the dish itself. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Boiled Rice: Fluffy, steamed rice serves as the perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful curry. Basmati rice, in particular, complements the aromatic spices of Chicken Jalfrezi beautifully.
• Naan Bread: Soft and pillowy naan bread is another classic pairing for this dish. Tear off a piece of warm naan and use it to scoop up the tender chicken and vibrant curry for a truly satisfying meal.
• Roti or Chapati: For a more wholesome option, serve Chicken Jalfrezi with freshly-made roti or chapati. These unleavened flatbreads provide a hearty base for enjoying the rich flavors of the curry.
• Steamed Vegetables: Balance out the richness of the curry with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. The crisp, tender veggies offer a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of Chicken Jalfrezi.
• Side Salad: A crisp and refreshing side salad, featuring fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, can help lighten up the meal and add a burst of freshness to your plate.
• Raita: Cool things down with a side of raita, a yogurt-based condiment flavored with cucumber, mint, and spices. The creamy, refreshing raita provides a contrast to the spicy heat of Chicken Jalfrezi, making it a perfect accompaniment.

Expert Tip: Don’t skip the step of cooking the spices separately before adding the chicken. This helps to bloom the spices and intensify their flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can definitely use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, as bone-in chicken typically takes a bit longer to cook through compared to boneless chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection.

Is Chicken Jalfrezi very spicy?

The level of spiciness in Chicken Jalfrezi can be adjusted according to your preference. While it traditionally has a bit of heat from the green chilies and chili powder, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the green chilies altogether if you prefer a milder version of the dish.

Can I make Chicken Jalfrezi ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Jalfrezi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Just keep in mind that the flavors tend to meld and intensify over time, so it may taste even better the next day!

Can I freeze Chicken Jalfrezi?

Yes, Chicken Jalfrezi freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the curry overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Is Chicken Jalfrezi gluten-free?

Yes, Chicken Jalfrezi is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all the ingredients you use, including spices and condiments, are gluten-free. Double-check labels to be sure, especially with pre-packaged spices and sauces.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chicken Masala
• Chicken Curry
• Chicken 65
• Lahori Chargha
• Chicken Bhuna

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Jalfrezi

by Nabeela Kauser

Chicken jalfrezi is a delicious and flavour packed curry with juicy and tender pieces of chicken and bell peppers coated in a delicious onion and tomato masala gravy. This replica of the Indian restaurant favourite curry is buzzing big and bold flavours.

5 from 47 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 6

Calories 255 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Chicken Boneless
• ▢ 1 Onions
• ▢ 2 Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• ▢ 2 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 2 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 Green Chillies
• ▢ 100 ml Oil
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 2 Bell Pepper
• ▢ Ginger
• ▢ Coriander
• ▢ 2 tbsp Water

Instructions

• Heat up the oil in a pan
• Add the finely diced onions and cook the onions on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened, ensuring that you stir every few minutes, so the onions do not burn.
• When the onions are lightly browned add the tomatoes and cook for a further 3-4 minutes until softened
• Add the salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger paste, and garlic paste then cook the spices for 2-3 minutes.
• Add a tbsp of water and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Add the chicken and mix into the masala before cooking for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked.
• Wash and cut the bell peppers into bite-size chunks then add to the pan and cook for a further 8-10 minutes until the bell peppers soften and the chicken has cooked through.
• Add the finely chopped fresh coriander, sliced ginger, ground cumin and the finely green chillies then cook for 1-2 minutes until the oil has risen to the top and formed a thin layer on top
• Serve with boiled rice or naan bread then enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 9gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 452mgPotassium: 319mgFibre: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1743IUVitamin C: 60mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Bell Peppers, Chicken, Curry, Food, Jalfrezi, Recipe

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