Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe

If you crave those bold, vibrant flavors from your favorite Indian restaurant but want to whip up something delicious at home, this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) will absolutely make your taste buds dance! Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and a lip-smacking tomato-based sauce—all made in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) is just how simple and easy-to-find the ingredients are. Each one plays a vibrant role—giving you juicy bites of chicken, pops of color from bell peppers, and a layered, punchy sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every last bite.

• Chicken breast (500g/1.1 lb), cubed: Boneless and skinless chicken breast works beautifully here, but you can swap for thigh if you like extra juiciness.
• Green and red bell peppers: These add brilliant color and crunch that balances the rich sauce.
• Onions: You’ll need both chopped and cubed onions—one for the base, one for that restaurant-style veggie bite!
• Butter & sunflower oil: This combination adds sheen and flavor—the butter is key for that classic restaurant richness.
• Garlic & ginger, finely chopped: The dynamic duo for real flavor depth—fresh is always best for a zesty kick.
• Tomato & tomato ketchup: Fresh chopped tomato brings brightness, and a little ketchup gives that quintessential tangy sweetness.
• Fresh green chili, slit: Adjust these to suit your heat preference—leave them whole for mild, or chop them for spicy!
• Fresh coriander (cilantro): Stirred in at the end for color and a burst of herby goodness.
• Dry spices (ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, red chili powder, garam masala): Each spice has a job: warmth, color, smokiness, and heat.
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional): A finishing touch for that authentic, earthy restaurant aroma.
• Water: Just enough to bring all the flavors together into a lush, spoonable sauce.

Variations

Jalfrezi is famously adaptable—don’t be afraid to play with what you have or change things up to suit your family’s tastes. This Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) is a perfect template for swapping proteins, dialing up the heat, or even making it plant-based!

• Go vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for paneer, tofu, or even extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms—just adjust the cook time as needed.
• Low-carb option: Skip the ketchup and reduce onion for a lighter sauce while keeping all the flavor.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a rich, silky restaurant-style twist.
• Switch up the peppers: Use whatever colored peppers you have (or even add in some spicy green chilies for an extra kick).

How to Make Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style)

Step 1: Sear the Veggies for Maximum Flavor

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large pan or wok until shimmering, then toss in your cubed onions and both bell peppers. Sauté on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes—don’t overcook! You want them just starting to blister and char in spots to capture that perfect restaurant-style crunch. Once done, set the veggies aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In the same pan, swirl in another tablespoon of oil and add your chicken cubes. Season right away with salt, a dash of turmeric, and a sprinkle of red chili powder. Fry on medium-high, turning often, until the chicken is just golden and almost cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Set aside—the flavors are just beginning!

Step 3: Build Your Aromatic Base

Add the last bit of oil and all the butter to the pan. Toss in your finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté over medium heat until everything is soft and just starting to color (1-2 minutes). This fragrant base is what gives the Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) its irresistible depth.

Step 4: Toast the Spices & Make it Saucy

When your aromatics are soft, sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, pepper, turmeric, and red chili powder. Stir for just a few seconds (don’t let them burn!), then splash in 1–2 tablespoons of water to help bloom the spices and create that signature saucy texture.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes & Cook Down

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt, letting everything simmer until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. Once the sauce looks glossy and rich, add in the ketchup for a little restaurant-style zing.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add back your seared chicken, giving it all a good toss. Pour in ½ cup of warm water, add the slit green chilies, and gently fold in the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is tender and the sauce is perfectly coating everything (this usually takes just a few minutes).

Step 7: Finish & Serve Restaurant-Style

Turn off the heat and finish your Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) with garam masala, freshly chopped coriander, and kasuri methi if you have it. Give everything a final stir—get ready for that gorgeous aroma—and serve piping hot!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style)

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up a plate of Chicken Jalfrezi like a handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) and a few fresh green chili slices. For extra flair and crunch, scatter finely sliced spring onions or a sprinkle of toasted kasuri methi on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) with fluffy basmati rice, garlic naan, or roti to soak up all that luscious sauce. A cooling cucumber raita or crisp kachumber salad on the side adds wonderful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the jalfrezi into bowls and setting out a “build your own” bar with fresh yogurt, lime wedges, and pickled onions for a fun, interactive dinner. You can even stuff leftovers into wraps or pitta bread for a next-day lunch that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happy in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

This jalfrezi freezes surprisingly well—just let it cool, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen in a saucepan, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If it looks a touch dry, add a few tablespoons of water or a squeeze of ketchup to bring back the original sauciness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

With its irresistible blend of spice, color, and saucy goodness, this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (Restaurant Style) might just become your new weeknight hero. I hope you feel inspired to give it a try—and that every bite transports you straight to your favorite Indian restaurant table, all from the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking, friend!

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