Proper Chicken Jhalfrezi Recipe

Hey foodie fam, buckle up because I’m about to take you on a flavor-packed ride with my ultimate chicken jhalfrezi recipe—think tender chicken bites dancing in a symphony of spices, vibrant peppers, and a tangy tomato sauce that’ll have your taste buds singing. Let’s dive into this aromatic adventure together! 🍽️✨

I love a classic Jhalfrezi of chicken for its vibrant flavor and nutritional balance. Tender chicken breast is complemented by the classic earthy notes of cumin and coriander, colorful slices of red and green bell peppers, and (for my money) a much more nutritious lineup than the dish’s mainstay of potatoes.

When I find myself in an Indian or Pakistani kitchen, I love to watch the deft hand of the chef as she pours fresh coriander over the top of the dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein source; promotes muscle growth and repair.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants; boosts immune health and adds depth of flavor.
• Ginger: Aids digestion; provides a warm, slightly spicy kick.
• Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C; add sweetness and vibrant color.
• Tomatoes: Provide vitamin C and lycopene; contribute natural acidity.
• Cumin Seeds: Aromatic spice that aids digestion; earthy and nutty flavor.
• Garam Masala: Spice blend adds warmth and complexity; key to authentic taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make this

1. In a large pan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil, then add the cumin seeds and sauté them for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma.

2. In the pan, add onion slices and cook until golden brown.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic and grated ginger, mixing well. Cook the combined ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until they become aromatic.

4. Place the chicken pieces in the pan, cooking until they begin to brown on all sides.

5. Add in the following spices and mix well: ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and chili powder. These should coat the chicken and onions evenly.

6. Add the green and red bell peppers that have been sliced and cook those for 3-4 minutes more until they start to soften.

7. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring well, and allow it to simmer for around 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down.

8. Mix salt to taste, then add garam masala and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

9. After the chicken is completely cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, take the pan off the heat.

10. Jhalfrezi should be finished with fresh coriander and brought to the table hot with some lemon wedges on the side.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pan
2. Mixing bowl
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• What type of chicken should I use?Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces makes for fast, uniform cooking.
• Can I make this recipe spicier?Definitely, the quantity of chili powder can be amplified, or there may be fresh, diced, green chilies added to the amount one already has for an augmentation of the heat in the dish one is preparing.
• What can I substitute for garam masala?In the absence of garam masala, you can use this mixture instead that comprises the same proportion of the following three spices: ground cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper.
• How do I make this recipe vegetarian?To make a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute chicken with paneer or firm tofu.
• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Definitely, you can prepare the mixture of spices ahead of time and cook the chicken when it’s time to serve. This not only facilitates your schedule for serving but also allows the spices to develop and deepen in flavor.
• How long does it take to cook the chicken?Cooking the chicken should take about 10-15 minutes, making sure it is tender and fully cooked.
• What sides go well with Chicken Jhalfrezi?Accompany with basmati rice, naan, or roti for a thoroughly satisfying meal.

Proper Chicken Jhalfrezi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

500 g chicken breast: For a juicier alternative, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For a richer flavor, replace with ghee or coconut oil.
1 large onion: Swap in shallots for a taste that is milder yet still onion-like.
1 green bell pepper: If you want a different color and a bit more sweetness, use yellow bell pepper.
Two tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, use canned diced tomatoes.

Pro Tips

1. Marinating the Chicken Before cooking, marinate the chicken pieces with a little salt, turmeric, and lemon juice for at least 15 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and help tenderize the meat.

2. Balanced Cooking Initially cook the bell peppers at high heat briefly before adding the tomatoes. This helps retain some of their crunchiness, giving the dish a variety of textures.

3. Tomato Purée Boost If you want a richer sauce, consider blending the tomatoes into a purée before adding them, or add a little bit of chicken stock along with the tomato purée for extra depth.

4. Layering Spices Toast the spices lightly in the oil before adding the chicken. This can help release their essential oils and enhance the aroma of the final dish.

5. Coriander Garnish Twist Chop the coriander leaves finely and mix them with a little lemon zest before garnishing. The zest will add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the spices beautifully.