Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular and flavorful Indian dish that features succulent pieces of chicken cooked with vibrant bell peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a takeout-inspired meal at home, this dish is sure to impress.
Why This Chicken Jalfrezi Is the Best
- Rich and Spicy Sauce: The sauce is made with a blend of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and spices, creating a rich and spicy flavor that enhances the chicken.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Colorful Vegetables: Bell peppers and tomatoes add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a flavorful and satisfying dinner option, Chicken Jalfrezi is the perfect choice. The combination of rich sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Spices: Cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and garam masala create the fragrant base of this dish, layering warm, earthy flavors with a touch of heat.
- Chicken: Diced boneless chicken breast absorbs the spices and becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks in the sauce.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic, ginger, and minced chilis (like jalapenos) provide a spicy, aromatic foundation that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Vegetables: Sliced onions, red, and green bell peppers add a sweet crunch and color, balancing the spices with their natural sweetness.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Diced tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste form a rich, tangy sauce, while a hint of sugar balances the acidity.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Jalfrezi
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables.
- Cook Evenly: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are cooked evenly to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Spices: Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by adding more or less chili.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve Chicken Jalfrezi with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Naan Bread: Pair with warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Raita: Enjoy with a side of raita to cool down the spiciness and add a creamy texture.
A Must Try
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Chicken Jalfrezi is the perfect recipe to try. It’s not only packed with vibrant flavors and colorful vegetables, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a dish that’s bound to become a favorite. Sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones will make the experience even more special!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Jalfrezi
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds 650gr chicken breasts boneless and skinless, diced into 1 inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced into bite size pieces
- 1 green bell pepper diced into bite size pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 chilis opt jalapenos, deseeded and minced
- 1 cup 240 ml water
- 1 14- ounce can 400gr diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tsp fresh ginger root minced or grated
- 1 tsp granulated sugar optional
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, and garam masala. Set the spice blend aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle with half of the spice mixture and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil along with the onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and chili, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of water, then add the diced tomatoes, a pinch of sugar if desired, tomato paste, and the remaining spice mixture.
- Stir the sauce and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken back to the skillet, stirring to warm it through. If the sauce starts to dry out, add a splash of water and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve the dish over basmati or turmeric rice with a side of fresh naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.