Delicious Chicken Jalfrezi – A Must-Try Dinner!

This Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe is a dinner you absolutely need to make! Tender pieces of chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce with vibrant bell peppers. Serve it over fluffy Basmati rice for a delightful Indian-inspired meal.

Chicken jalfrezi in a bowl.
Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

What Makes This a Great Dinner Recipe

  • Flavor: Marinating the chicken and creating a sauce from scratch gives this dish rich and deep flavors that are simply irresistible.
  • Make Ahead: Although this recipe takes some time, you can prepare it ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day!
  • Simple Cooking Method: Everything is cooked on the stovetop, and you won’t need any fancy equipment to whip up this dish.
Chicken Jalfrezi in a skillet.
Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 1 large onion (roughly chopped)
  • 1 large can of whole tomatoes
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 4 cloves of garlic (crushed)
  • 4 dried chilies (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken and Remaining Dish

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into slices)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 large green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 onion (thinly sliced)
  • 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions for the Sauce

  1. Cook and blend the onions: In a large skillet over high heat, combine olive oil, garlic, chilies, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, add water, and continue to cook uncovered until the mixture is soft and reduced by half, about 5-8 minutes. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  2. Finish the sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and spices. Blend the canned tomatoes until smooth and stir them into the spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes until well combined, then remove from heat.

Instructions for the Chicken

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet over high heat, add the marinated chicken and sear for a few minutes until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Cook the peppers and onions: In the same skillet, add red and green peppers along with onion. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Then add the cooked vegetables to the sauce.
  4. Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  5. Garnish and serve: Stir in garam masala and fresh cilantro. Remove from heat and serve over rice or couscous for a complete meal.
You may also like  Tandoori Chicken Tenders

Recipe Tips

  • Read the full recipe before starting: This will familiarize you with the steps and help everything come together smoothly.
  • Don’t skip the marinade time: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor immensely. Aim for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight.
  • Prep ahead: Given the number of steps and the time involved, pre-chopping your vegetables can make the process quicker.

Possible Substitutions

  • Chicken breast: Substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
  • Canned tomatoes: Whole canned tomatoes can be replaced with chopped canned tomatoes.
  • Bell peppers: Any variety of bell peppers works; don’t hesitate to mix colors.
  • Cilantro: Feel free to skip cilantro or replace it with fresh parsley.
  • Chilies: If dried chilies aren’t available, you can opt for red pepper flakes or fresh green chilies, but adjust to your heat preference.

What To Serve With This Dish

This flavorful Chicken Jalfrezi pairs excellently with Fluffy Basmati Rice or light Couscous. You can also enjoy it with naan bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garam Masala?

Garam Masala is a warm spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine, typically including cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, bringing depth and richness to dishes.

What is Chicken Jalfrezi?

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular Indian dish made with spiced chicken, stir-fried in a sauce with bell peppers and a blend of spices, resulting in a vibrant meal.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of water for the sauce.

How spicy is Chicken Jalfrezi?

The spiciness can vary depending on the type and amount of chilies used. This recipe uses dried chilies, making it milder than traditional versions that use fresh green chilies.

Can I freeze Chicken Jalfrezi?

Absolutely! The dish freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat completely before serving.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you soon for more delightful recipes!
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