Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

This quick and easy Chicken Jalfrezi recipe combines the wonderful flavours of tender chicken, peppers, onions, tomatoes and green chillies, with a bold hit of spice… The result is a delicious fakeaway dinner that can be on the table in under 30 minutes!

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Chicken makes such a delicious base for curry, so it’s not surprising that quick curries are some of my most popular recipes.

But I can go one better… because chicken pairs so wonderfully with peppers and heat, I’ve created this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi. This delicious recipe brings that takeaway style excitement while staying simple enough for any night, combining bright veggies and a rich sauce that clings beautifully to each piece.

The result is a comforting, sizzling pan of food and the perfect dish to spice up a busy evening… or to serve when you crave bold flavor but time is short.

If you like bold spices and vibrant colours, you are going to LOVE this curry!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Jalfrezi keeps things exciting without feeling heavy or complicated.

Perfect Flavor: Big flavor payoff happens with everyday ingredients already sitting in the kitchen.

Great Texture & Color: Bright peppers stay slightly crisp, giving great texture with the tender chicken.

Adjustable Spice: Spice levels stay flexible, so heat can be adjusted easily.

Easy Cooking: Quick cooking time makes it perfect for weeknights.

One-pan Game: One pan cooking means cleanup stays stress free.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

• 1½ pounds chicken breast boneless skinless cut into 1 inch cubes
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Jalfrezi Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion sliced
• 6 garlic cloves sliced
• 1 inch ginger piece cut into thin strips
• 2 green chilies sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
• ⅓ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup water

Spices and Finish:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Chicken cubes are placed into a bowl and coated evenly with turmeric, chili powder, salt, and oil. Each piece gets fully covered so flavor stays consistent while cooking. A short rest allows the spices to settle into the meat.

2. Heat the Pan

Oil is heated in a wide pan over medium high heat. The surface should look glossy before adding anything. This helps prevent sticking and builds good color quickly.

3. Sear the Chicken

Seasoned chicken gets added in a single layer. Browning is allowed without stirring too much. The outside firms up while the inside stays juicy. Once lightly golden, the chicken gets removed and set aside.

4. Cook the Aromatics

Onion slices are added to the same pan. They soften and pick up flavor from the base. Garlic, ginger, and green chilies follow, releasing aroma within seconds. Gentle stirring keeps everything moving.

5. Build the Sauce

Tomato sauce and water are poured in slowly. Spices including paprika, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and salt get stirred in. The sauce simmers until slightly thickened and glossy.

6. Add Peppers and Chicken

Bell peppers slide into the pan and stay vibrant. Chicken returns along with any resting juices. Everything gets tossed so sauce coats evenly.

7. Final Simmer

A short simmer brings everything together. Peppers stay crisp tender while chicken finishes cooking. Cilantro is folded in right before heat gets turned off.

Tips and Variations

• Extra heat can be added using additional green chilies.
• A thicker sauce can be achieved by simmering uncovered a few extra minutes.
• Chicken thighs work well for a juicier texture.
• Bell peppers can be mixed with yellow peppers for more color.
• Fresh tomatoes can replace tomato sauce when chopped finely and cooked longer.
• One helpful trick involves slicing peppers slightly larger so they stay crunchy after simmering.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Chicken Jalfrezi pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice where the sauce soaks in nicely. Warm naan works great for scooping every bit from the pan. A simple cucumber salad on the side keeps things fresh. When serving guests, everything looks vibrant when topped with extra cilantro and thin chili slices. This dish fits casual dinners and special meals without any changes needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes. Flavors deepen after resting and reheating stays easy on the stove.

How spicy is this dish?

Heat stays moderate and can be adjusted by reducing chili powder and green chilies.

Can frozen chicken be used?

Thawed chicken works best so moisture stays controlled.

Does this freeze well?

Yes. Once cooled, portions can be frozen and reheated gently.

What oil works best?

Neutral oils such as vegetable oil handle the heat well.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Jalfrezi brings bold color, strong spice, and quick comfort together in one pan. Cooking feels relaxed, cleanup stays minimal, and the result tastes like something special without extra effort. The mix of tender chicken and crisp peppers keeps every bite interesting.