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Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

4.6 from 511 reviews

Easy Chicken Jalfrezi is a flavorful and colorful Indian stir-fry dish made with tender chicken breast cubes, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. This quick and vibrant recipe features a tangy tomato-based sauce enhanced with ginger, garlic, and green chilies, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into cubes
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into cubes
  • 1 medium onion, cut into cubes
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, finely chopped
  • 2 fresh green chilies, slit
  • ¼ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped

Protein

  • 500 gram (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes

Oils and Fats

  • 3 tablespoon sunflower oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon tomato ketchup
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (divided as ¼ tsp + ¾ tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (divided as ¼ tsp + ¾ tsp)
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté bell peppers and onion: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pot or pan over medium-high flame. Once hot, add the cubed onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes to develop a slight color on the vegetables, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high flame. Add the chicken cubes and sauté for about one minute to start cooking the chicken.
  3. Spice the chicken: Add salt, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, and ¼ teaspoon red chili powder to the chicken. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes over medium-high flame ensuring the chicken is well coated with the spices and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Heat the remaining oil and the butter in the pan over medium flame. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes or until the onions soften and become translucent.
  5. Add dry spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, ground black pepper, remaining turmeric powder, and remaining red chili powder to the pan. Stir to combine well with the sautéed onions and spices.
  6. Moisten the spices: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water into the pan and sauté for a few seconds. This prevents the spices from burning and helps to release their flavors.
  7. Add tomatoes and cook: Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook the mixture while stirring until the tomatoes turn mushy and break down into a sauce.
  8. Incorporate tomato ketchup: Stir in the tomato ketchup, mixing it thoroughly into the sauce for a hint of sweetness and tang.
  9. Combine chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes over medium flame to allow the flavors to meld.
  10. Add water and simmer: Pour in ½ cup of warm water and mix well, creating a semi-thick gravy.
  11. Add vegetables and cook: Add the sautéed onions and bell peppers along with the slit green chilies back to the pan. Stir well, then reduce the flame, cover, and let it cook until the chicken is tender and flavors are well blended.
  12. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle garam masala, chopped fresh coriander, and kasuri methi if using. Stir to mix and serve hot with rice or bread.

Notes

  • Kasuri methi is optional but adds a lovely aroma; crush it between your fingers before adding to enhance flavor.
  • Adjust green chilies and red chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for quick cooking and tenderness.
  • This recipe pairs well with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute sunflower oil with mustard oil or use ghee instead of butter.

Keywords: Chicken Jalfrezi, Indian Chicken Curry, Spicy Chicken Stir Fry, Chicken Bell Pepper Curry