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Easy Indian Chicken Jalfrezi Stir Fry Curry Recipe

Published: Aug 3, 2021 · Modified: Nov 22, 2021 by Enozia Zehra · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

We all love a good curry! It can be a nice comforting meal to dig into when you're feeling a bit down- right? But making a curry can be a teeny bit time-consuming, especially if you're making a chicken curry. You'll need to marinate the meat, let it cook on a low flame, and then get it ready. On the other hand, a simple chicken jalfrezi recipe needs you to quickly cook the meat and the veggies along with the spices, without any additional prep needed. 

Black plate of chicken with vegetables on black table next to plate of naan

Indian Chicken Jalfrezi

Chicken Jalfrezi is relatively new to India when compared with the other traditional dishes. This dish was developed by the cooks of the British Empire when they were in India. It was actually developed as a way to utilize leftovers using a cooking method developed by the Chinese cooks.

Normally in Indian dishes, the chicken is marinated and rested for some time before being cooked. But in this recipe, the ingredients are quickly stir-fried like in Chinese cuisine. This makes this dish quite an easy and less time taking dish, which at the same time preserves the flavors of the spices and veggies.

Of course, if you like a stir fry recipe, you might also enjoy this aloo gobi Indian potatoes & cauliflower recipe made in a classic stir fry manner.

Jump to:
  • Indian Chicken Jalfrezi
  • What is Chicken Jalfrezi?
  • What Veggies Can I Add to the Recipe?
  • How Do I Store Leftover Curry?
  • Ingredients For the Chicken Jalfrezi
  • Kitchen Tools Needed
  • How to Cook Chicken Jalfrezi
  • Indian Chicken Jalfrezi Stir Fry Curry Recipe
Red skillet of chicken stir fry sitting on black table

What is Chicken Jalfrezi?

Think of it as an Indian version of a stir fry. Unlike most other Indian curries, you don't need to marinate the meat, and you can quickly whip this up and put it on the plate. 

It is one of those recipes you can try making when you're short of time and want to enjoy some Indian food after a long day at work. 

A simple chicken jalfrezi recipe involves cooking the meat (which can also be precooked) with some veggies in a spiced tomato base. 

Chicken Jalfrezi in round black plate next to naan

What Veggies Can I Add to the Recipe?

Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are three key ingredients that make up the chicken jalfrezi recipe, apart from the chicken of course. 

You can, of course, add in some more veggies if you want. While it might not be the authentic chicken jalfrezi you're looking for, it'll still be your twist on the recipe.

Here are a few ideas for veggies that you can consider adding to your chicken jalfrezi. 

  • Boiled sweet corn
  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots 
  • Broccoli
  • Peas 
  • Green beans
  • Asparagus
  • Pumpkin
  • Butternut squash

How Do I Store Leftover Curry?

Leftover curry is easy to store in an airtight container for up to 3 days after making it. Of course, you want to remember the rules of letting it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator and bringing it up to temperature again before serving.

It can also be frozen for up to 3 months if you prefer making larger batches for easier meals down the road. Just date and label the recipe before placing it into the freezer.

Remember that frozen and thawed chicken and veggies won't have the same texture as they would have in a freshly prepared curry. 

Picture of chicken and vegetables on black plate taken from above

Ingredients For the Chicken Jalfrezi

Chicken, veggies, and spices, that's all you really need to whip up this flavourful and quick Indian curry! 

  • Chicken
  • Ghee
  • Mustard seeds
  • Curry leaves
  • Cumin seeds
  • Onions
  • Ginger garlic paste
  • Green chillies
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Carrot
  • Green bell pepper
  • Tomatoes
  • Garam masala
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper powder

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

How to Cook Chicken Jalfrezi

In a large skillet, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add in the mustard seeds, curry leaves, and cumin seeds cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until they begin to crackle.

Curry leaves in skillet with ghee

Next, add the turmeric, chili powder, and coriander, stir and cook for 1 minute.

Chili powder and turmeric in hot oil in skillet

Add the onions and saute, stirring regularly, for 2 minutes.

Red onions stacked in center of skillet

Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and stir to combine, cooking for another 1 minute.

Onions in skillet with oil and ginger

To the skillet, add the carrots, bell peppers, green chiles, and tomatoes. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until just softening.

Carrots peppers and tomatoes in large red skillet

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, and mix to combine with other ingredients. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring regularly until the chicken is mostly cooked through.

Raw chicken in skillet by vegetables

To the chicken, add a small amount of water or broth to create a gravy. Add more or less until you get the desired consistency. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Chicken and vegetables in skillet with red sauce

Add in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper and mix to combine.

Spices on top of chicken jalfrezi being cooked in red skillet

Serve hot with rice and naan or roti along with freshly chopped coriander.

Close up image of large plate of chicken and vegetables

Tips and Tricks to Nail the Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

The recipe is super simple, and if you follow it right, you'll be able to get that perfect taste you're craving for. And of course, keep in mind these few tips and tricks to take the flavors of the curry up a notch! 

  • If your curry has become thicker than you'd like it to be, you can add a bit of water to make the curry thinner. 
  • To reduce the spice in the gravy, and add a bit of creaminess, you can add in a couple of spoonful's of heavy cream into the mixture, right before you serve. 
  • Remember to allow the onions to sauté until they're nice and golden. 
  • If you've got some extra boiled chicken or some rotisserie chicken left over, this recipe can be an excellent way to put it to use. Just add the chicken towards the end, instead of letting it cook in the beginning, and you're pretty much sorted. 
  • If you don't have the spices that make up the ingredients list, you can substitute with a basic curry powder too! 
  • If you're a vegetarian, but still really want to try out this recipe, you can use paneer cubes instead of chicken, and turn it into a classic paneer jalfrezi recipe! 
  • To lend the chicken jalfrezi a nice touch of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice on the top and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves right before you serve. 
Chicken Jalfrezi in skillet on black table

Serving Ideas & Suggestions

Chicken jalfrezi is actually pretty versatile. You can have it just like you would any other curry- serve it on a bed of steamed Basmati rice, but if that's not what you have in mind, here are some other ideas to get you started. 

  • If you're a bread person, you can team the chicken jalfrezi up with some naan bread! 
  • If you love hot and spicy food, you can pair the curry with some lemon rice instead of regular rice. 
  • Most Indian curries are served with roasted poppadum's, mango pickle or sliced onions on the side. If you're trying to eat healthy, you can also serve it with a side of a simple salad with carrots, cucumber, beets and onions. 
  • Chicken jalfrezi also tastes great with a layered paratha or any stuffed paratha.
  • If you're inclined towards eating healthy, you can also serve this with a helping of brown rice or quinoa. 
Spicy Chicken Jalfrezi

Indian Chicken Jalfrezi Stir Fry Curry Recipe

A simple chicken Jalfrezi stir fry curry is a great fast and easy meal that brings all of the classic curry flavors in a fraction of the time!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 serves
Calories 172 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1" pieces
  • 2 tsp Ghee
  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 10 Curry leaves
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1 cup Onions chopped
  • 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp Green chilies chopped
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp Chili powder
  • 2 tsp Coriander powder
  • ½ cup Carrot julienned
  • ½ cup Green bell pepper julienned
  • 1 cup Tomatoes diced
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add in the mustard seeds, curry leaves, and cumin seeds cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until they begin to crackle.
  • Next, add the turmeric, chili powder, and coriander, stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the onions and saute, stirring regularly, for 2 minutes.
  • Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and stir to combine, cooking for another 1 minute.
  • To the skillet, add the carrots, bell peppers, green chiles, and tomatoes. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until just softening.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, and mix to combine with other ingredients. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring regularly until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
  • To the chicken, add a small amount of water or broth to create a gravy. Add more or less until you get the desired consistency. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper and mix to combine.
  • Serve hot with rice and naan or roti along with freshly chopped coriander.

Notes

Serve with rice and roti or naan.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 9.1gProtein: 18.1gFat: 7.2gSaturated Fat: 2.6gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 1241mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 4.1g
Keyword Chicken Jalfrezi
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