Chicken Jalfrezi

Chicken Jalfrezi: a dish consists of stir-fried chicken cooked with a variety of vegetables, along with a blend of spices.

The dish is known for its spicy flavors, featuring a rich tomato gravy combined with a mix of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. The addition of ginger, garlic, and green chilies provide a depth of flavor and heat to the dish.

I’ll show you how to make this dish using simple ingredients, and it’ll taste amazing.

Ingredient List

I’d like to provide you with a list of the essential ingredients for this recipe to give you a clear idea of the foundational elements needed to make it successfully. To create Jalfrezi, all you need is:

Boneless chicken

Boneless chicken breast or thighs are used in Chicken Jalfrezi as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. Cutting the chicken into small, uniform cubes ensures even cooking and easy serving.

Chopped tomatoes

Adding chopped tomatoes provide a smooth consistency to form
a gravy in this dish.

Vegetables

Dicing (bell pepper, onions, and tomato) these vegetables into small, uniform pieces adds texture and color to the dish. Bell peppers offer a slight sweetness, onions provide a savory base, and tomatoes contribute a tangy element to the overall flavor profile.

Ketchup

Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the sauce, enhancing the depth of flavors in Chicken Jalfrezi. It also helps to thicken the sauce and balance the spiciness of the dish.

Soy sauce

Adding soy sauce for depth and richness to the sauce, complementing the spices and enhancing the overall taste of the Chicken Jalfrezi.

Sugar

Sugar is often used in cooking to balance the flavors of spicy and tangy dishes. It helps to round out the taste of the sauce, mellowing any sharpness from the spices and acidic ingredients like tomatoes and ketchup.

Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures

1. Start by heating oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces and fry them until they change color and are partially cooked.

3. Once the chicken has started to cook through, stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for about a minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.

4. Next, add the crushed green chilies to the pan and continue cooking for another minute, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

5. Sprinkle in the spices coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.

6. Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the mixture. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, adding depth of flavor to the dish.

7. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and allow the chicken to simmer on low heat. This slow cooking process helps the chicken absorb the flavors and ensures it becomes tender.

8. After the simmering process, open the lid, add the remaining spices (cumin and garam masala powder), and mix well. Toss in any desired vegetables, ensuring they are coated in the flavorful sauce.

9. Introduce the ketchup into the pan to add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish, enhancing its overall taste. Finally, add the soy sauce for a savory flavor and sprinkle in the sugar to balance out the flavors. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and seasonings.

10. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Jalfrezi served with rice, naan, or your preferred choice of bread.

Quick and Flavorful Magic of Chicken Jalfrezi

Some dishes might sound tricky because we don’t make them often at home, making us think they take a lot of time to cook. It was one of those recipes for me.

Once my brother visited and asked me to prepare something special for him. Because he loves Chicken Jalfrezi, I decided to make it, hoping it won’t take too long. To my delight, not only I made it ready in minutes, but everyone present at the table couldn’t stop raving about how flavorful the dish turned out to be.

Ever since then, Chicken Jalfrezi has become my go-to dish when I crave something light yet satisfying, especially during busy days when I want a hassle-free meal without compromising on flavor.

For similar Pakistani recipes for chicken, check out these recipes.
Chicken Manchurian
Chicken Karahi

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

We often think it’s puzzling why my friend’s dish tastes better when we both follow the same recipe. Sometimes, small and easily overlooked mistakes we make while cooking can affect the final taste without us realizing it. So it is important to be aware of common pitfalls to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooking the chicken can result in tough, dry meat. To prevent this, ensure you cook the chicken just until it’s cooked through. Remember, the chicken will continue to cook slightly even after you remove it from the heat.

Under-seasoning

Not using enough salt or spices can lead to a bland dish. Adjust the seasoning to taste while cooking to achieve balance of flavors. Remember, spices are key to the distinctive taste of Chicken Jalfrezi.

Adding Too Much Liquid

Adding too much water can make it watery and dilute the flavors. Start with less liquid and add more gradually as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Rushing the Cooking Process

Cooking dishes like Chicken Jalfrezi often requires patience to allow the flavors to develop fully. Rushing the process may compromise the final taste and texture of the dish.

Storage

When it comes to storing leftovers or preparing Chicken Jalfrezi in advance, here are some helpful tips to ensure freshness and convenience

• Allow any leftover Chicken Jalfrezi to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Proper refrigeration helps maintain the flavor and texture of the dish.
• If you want to store Chicken Jalfrezi for a longer period, consider freezing it. Once completely cooled, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.

Frequently Asked Questions