Restaurant Style Chicken Jalfrezi
Ingredients – Chicken Jalfrezi 🍗🔥
600 g chicken breast (cut into strips)
1 tsp degi red chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
2 tsp curd (beaten)
2 tbsp ghee
1 tbsp oil
1 bay leaf
½ tsp fennel seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 large onion (finely chopped)
1 tsp black peppercorns (crushed)
2 large tomatoes (puréed)
½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp degi red chilli powder
2 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
Little water (as needed)
1½ tbsp ghee
1 large onion (cut into petals)
1 tbsp coriander stems (finely chopped)
2 large capsicum (cut into strips)
2 medium tomatoes (cut into strips)
2–3 tbsp fresh cream
1 tbsp ghee
Fresh coriander leaves & fresh cream for garnish
If you're looking to recreate that authentic restaurant style Chicken Jalfrezi at home, it's all about balancing spices and texture. One tip I found helpful is to marinate the chicken strips in curd mixed with red chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with vibrant flavors. Using a mix of ghee and oil for frying adds both richness and a good frying temperature. Don’t skip the step of frying whole spices like bay leaf, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds first — this releases their aroma and elevates the dish. Finely chopping and then sautéing onions until golden brown brings a natural sweetness that balances the heat of the degi red chilli powder used. For the gravy, blending fresh tomatoes into a purée ensures a smooth base, and adding crushed black peppercorns provides an extra layer of subtle heat. The addition of capsicum and tomatoes cut into strips right before finishing the dish adds crunch and freshness. Stirring in fresh cream toward the end softens the spices, giving the jalfrezi its signature creamy texture. I also recommend garnishing with fresh coriander leaves and an extra drizzle of cream to enhance both presentation and flavor. This recipe is wonderful served with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a hearty, satisfying meal. Experimenting with spice levels and cream quantity helps tailor the dish perfectly to your taste. Happy cooking!
