If you want an easy chicken jalfrezi recipe that is big on flavor but doesn't keep you in the kitchen all evening, this recipe is for you. It is simple enough for beginners, honestly anyone can make it. You only need one pan, so cleanup is easy. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight dinner or just want something fresh and homemade that beats takeout, this dish delivers.
This Chicken Jalfrezi recipe has a rich and spicy Indian curry sauce with a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the heat. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the peppers stay slightly crisp. There is a little spice, but you can easily make it milder if you prefer. This chicken curry is filling without feeling too heavy, and it's a healthy meal you can feel good about.
Jalfrezi has roots in India and Bangladesh, and it is also very popular in the United Kingdom. Now you can enjoy those restaurant flavors right at home with nothing fancy, just a simple one pan meal. If you want traditional jalfrezi without any fuss, this is the recipe you are looking for.
This Chicken Jalfrezi pairs perfectly with this Indian-style rice. If you're looking for more tasty Indian recipes, be sure to check out these favorites: butter chicken, oven-baked masala chickpeas tofu and gobi Manchurian .
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Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs: The main part of the dish. Boneless chicken pieces cook fast and stay juicy in the sauce.
- Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Ginger): These give the base flavor. Onion adds sweetness, while garlic and ginger add a warm, bold taste that makes the curry smell amazing.
- Spice Mix (Turmeric, Garam Masala, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): This is where all the flavor comes from. The spices bring warmth, color, and a little heat. You can adjust the chili powder to make it mild or spicy.
- Bell Peppers and green chili pepper: Add color, slight crunch, and a little natural sweetness that balances the spice.
- Tomatoes (Fresh or Canned), white sugar, and white vinegar: Create the rich sauce. They add a little tangy flavor and help everything blend together.
- Fresh Cilantro (Optional) - Added at the end for a fresh, bright finish. All these ingredients cook together in one pan, making this dish simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
How to Make Chicken Jalfrezi:
Season the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with some of the spice mix. Set aside to marinate while you prep the vegetables.
Cook the vegetables
Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, and onion chunks. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until slightly charred, then transfer to a plate.
cook the Onion for the sauce
Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Fry the finely diced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
Cook the chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until it starts to brown.
Cook the aromatics and spices
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant
Add tomato Puree and simmer
Add the tomato puree and stir for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate. Pour in some hot water, cover, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
Add the charred vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, return the charred vegetables to the pan. Add the vinegar and sugar. Stir everything together and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Chicken Jalfrezi Cooking Tips:
- Marinate the chicken first and let it rest while you prep the other ingredients.
- Sear the chicken first on medium-high heat before adding the tomato sauce.
- If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender and juicy.
- Layer spices: cook onions, ginger-garlic, then toast spices before tomatoes.
- Keep it semi-dry not too much sauce.
- Add bell peppers and onions last so they stay slightly crisp.
- You can replace white vinegar and sugar with 1-2 tablespoon tomato ketchup for balanced sweetness and tang.
- Finish with fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to your taste.
Storage & Reheat:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking while reheating, especially if using chicken breast.
- For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.
📖 Recipe
Easy Chicken Jalfrezi
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (cut it into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or mix) cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 large (10 oz each) yellow onions (1 onion cut into 1-inch pieces and 1 onion finely diced)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated or minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped green chili pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (or any chili powder)
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes (puree until smooth)
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Method
- Season chicken with 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric.
- Heat 1½ tablespoons of oil on medium-high. Cook bell peppers and onion chunks with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes until slightly charred. Transfer to a plate.
- Heat the remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry finely diced onion with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
- Add chicken and stir-fry for 4 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, green chili pepper, and the remaining turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato and cook for about 5-6 minutes. Add ½ cup of hot water, cover, and cook the chicken over medium heat until is done, about 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add blistered veggies, vinegar and sugar. Stir for about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and serve with chopped cilantro.
Rika says
This Chicken Jalfrezi recipe is absolutely delicious! The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, and the combination of spices with the bell peppers and onions creates the perfect balance of heat and freshness. It's easy to follow, comes together quickly, and tastes just like a restaurant-quality dish at home. You've got to try it out!