Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe – Chicken and Bell Peppers in Tomato Gravy
Chicken Jalfrezi is a delightful North Indian dish that blends tender chicken with crunchy vegetables in a rich, spiced tomato gravy. This savory one-pot dish is bursting with flavor from freshly grated ginger, garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with soft phulkas and a refreshing mooli raita to elevate the meal. Here’s how to make this delicious, high-protein chicken recipe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, cut into small pieces | 250 grams |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Red bell pepper (Capsicum), diced | 1 |
| Green bell pepper (Capsicum), diced | 1 |
| Carrots (Gajjar), diced thin | 2 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch |
| Garlic, grated | 2 cloves |
| Tomato, diced | 1 |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves, chopped | 1 stalk |
| Butter, softened | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | As needed |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: One-pot dish
Diet: High-protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare Ingredients
Start by preparing the tomato puree and chopping all the vegetables (onion, bell peppers, carrots). Set them aside. -
Saute Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai. Add the grated ginger, garlic, and diced onions. Saute them over medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent. -
Cook Vegetables
Once the onions are ready, add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, just until they begin to soften slightly. -
Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken breasts to the pan. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly, allowing the pieces to roast and become slightly golden. This should take about 6-8 minutes. -
Add Spices and Tomatoes
Once the chicken is well-cooked, add the diced tomatoes along with turmeric powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir everything together and cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft. -
Incorporate Tomato Puree
After the tomatoes are mushy, add the homemade tomato puree and stir to combine. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Finish the Dish
Add a teaspoon of honey to balance the spices. Let the chicken jalfrezi cook for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. Taste the dish and adjust salt and spice levels according to your preference. -
Final Touches
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, give it a final simmer for 3-4 minutes to bring everything together. Turn off the heat. -
Serve
Transfer the Chicken Jalfrezi to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve it hot with phulkas or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- You can add a splash of cream at the end if you prefer a richer, creamier texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice preference.
- For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.
Chicken Jalfrezi is a perfect dish for those who enjoy a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite for your weeknight dinners.
