Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular Indian curry known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and a tangy, spiced sauce. Unlike many curries, Chicken Jalfrezi has a slightly tangy, dry texture, making it a perfect pairing with rice or naan. Here’s how to make a delicious Chicken Jalfrezi from scratch:

Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (for tang)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional, but recommended):

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Mix well and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Slice the onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Chop the tomato and mince the garlic and ginger. Set all the ingredients aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Spices:

• In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
• Add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and golden.
• Add the garlic, ginger, and sliced green chilies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add the Vegetables and Tomatoes:

• Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and form a sauce.

6. Add the Ground Spices:

• Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well so the vegetables are coated with the spices.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables and spices.
• Stir everything together, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems too dry. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

8. Add Lemon Juice/Vinegar and Adjust Seasoning:

• Add the lemon juice or vinegar to give the dish a tangy kick.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or garam masala, depending on your preference.

9. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the Chicken Jalfrezi with freshly chopped cilantro.
• Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or paratha.

Tips:

• For a spicier dish, add extra green chilies or increase the amount of chili powder.
• For extra flavor, you can add a small amount of yogurt or cream to the sauce towards the end of cooking for a richer texture.
• Vegetables: While bell peppers are a key ingredient, you can also add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or even mushrooms for added variety.
• Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Chicken Jalfrezi with fluffy basmati rice or naan to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of raita (yogurt with cucumber and spices) or a simple salad of sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber will complement the dish perfectly.

This Chicken Jalfrezi is a vibrant and flavorful curry with just the right amount of heat and tang. The stir-fried vegetables and tender chicken create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Enjoy!