Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway) Recipe

If you’re looking to spice up your weekend dinner routine with a burst of vibrant flavors and a dash of comfort, this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway) is exactly what you need. With its perfectly balanced combination of tender chicken chunks, fragrant spices, and fresh chillies, it brings the essence of a restaurant-quality curry right to your home kitchen. This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor and texture, making it an absolute winner for anyone craving something deliciously Indian-inspired without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to unlocking the deliciousness of this dish. Each one plays a vital role in building the layers of taste and the rich texture you’ll love.

• One onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth as the base of your sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed): Brings a robust punch of flavor.
• 1 tbsp ginger (chopped): Injects a fresh, zesty warmth integral to jalfrezi.
• 1 chilli (chopped – keep seeds if you like it hot): Adds a kick and beauty of heat.
• 400g can chopped tomatoes: The rich, tangy heart of the curry sauce.
• 1 tbsp ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, nutty aroma.
• 1 tbsp ground cumin: Provides earthy, smoky undertones.
• 2 tsp turmeric: Gives warmth and that golden curry color.
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For cooking and melding flavors together.
• 3 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks): The succulent protein that absorbs spices beautifully.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Used in the marinade for extra spice depth.
• 1 tsp ground coriander: For marinating the chicken to infuse fragrant flavor.
• 1 tsp turmeric: Part of the marinade’s vibrant spice mix.
• 1 tbsp garam masala: The warm, aromatic blend that brings the curry to life.
• 2 chillies (chopped): Adds fresh zesty heat during the final cooking.
• 1 small onion (sliced): Provides crunch and sweetness in the curry.
• Vegetable oil: For frying chicken and aromatics.
• Handful chopped fresh coriander: For fresh garnish, bringing brightness and color.

How to Make Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken breast pieces with 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of ground coriander, 1 tsp of turmeric, plus a pinch of salt. This marinating step is crucial—it allows the chicken to soak up those foundational flavors. If you can, let it rest overnight in the fridge to get the most tender, spiced bites.

Step 2: Cook the Onion Base

Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and gently fry the chopped onion for about 2 minutes. Next, add the crushed garlic, chopped ginger, and one chopped chilli. Cook this aromatic mixture slowly for around 5 minutes, stirring often as the onions turn a lovely golden color. This gentle frying draws out sweet and mellow flavors—a game changer for your sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Onion Mix

Add 300ml of water to this mix and let it gently simmer for 40 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to marry and mellow beautifully, forming a deep onion base for the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Puree

While your onion base simmers, give your canned chopped tomatoes a quick blitz in the blender until smooth. This creates a silky tomato puree that’s key to the vibrant jalfrezi sauce texture and tangy taste.

Step 5: Spice and Simmer the Tomato Sauce

In a hot pan, add vegetable oil and lightly toast 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 2 tsp turmeric for about a minute—this step wakes up your spices, releasing their aromas. Then pour in your blended tomatoes, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, thickening slightly and intensifying the flavors.

Step 6: Combine Onion Sauce and Tomato Mixture

Once your onion and water mix is ready, blend it smooth and add it to the tomato sauce. Simmer this combined sauce on low heat for 20 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt to taste. This slow cooking deepens the flavor and creates a luscious curry base.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken and Veggies

In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil and fry the marinated chicken chunks until they’re nearly cooked through. Add the sliced onion and two chopped chillies, frying until the onion softens—this adds crunch and fresh heat that is signature to jalfrezi.

Step 8: Add Sauce and Simmer

Pour your simmered sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then lower the heat and let everything meld together for 20 minutes. This final simmer allows the chicken to soak up all those rich, layered flavors perfectly.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Coriander and Serve

Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh coriander on top right before serving. This fresh touch cuts through the warm spices, adding brightness and a pop of color that makes this dish irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway)

Garnishes

Adding fresh coriander on top not only looks inviting but also adds herbaceous freshness that balances the dish’s spice beautifully. You can also serve with thinly sliced red onions or a wedge of lemon to brighten every mouthful.

Side Dishes

This curry shines best accompanied by fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread to mop up that wonderful spicy sauce. A cooling side of raita or cucumber salad works wonders to tame the heat and add contrasting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun weekend feast vibe, dish up the jalfrezi in a large colorful serving bowl, surrounded by small dishes holding different chutneys, yogurt, and pickles. This turns your meal into a vibrant, interactive spread that everyone will love diving into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover chicken jalfrezi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal even tastier!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal.

Reheating

Reheat the curry gently on the stove over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce and keep it luscious and saucy like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully well in this recipe as they stay juicy and tender, adding an extra dimension of flavor to your Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway).

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on how many chillies you include and whether or not you keep the seeds. You can adjust the spice to your taste by adding fewer chillies or removing seeds for a milder version.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can swap the chicken for paneer, tofu, or a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and courgettes, ensuring you get that same vibrant and tasty curry experience.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway) is perfect for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it a convenient and flavorful option for busy weekday lunches or dinners.

What’s the best bread to serve with this curry?

Naan bread is the classic choice, soft and perfect for scooping up the sauce. However, chapatis or parathas also pair beautifully if you prefer something lighter or flakier.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring a burst of vibrant, warming flavors to your weekend table, you’ve got to try this Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe (a tasty weekend fakeaway). It’s a delightful mix of spices, fresh ingredients, and hearty chicken that’s sure to please everyone, even if you’re not usually a curry fan. Whip this up, invite friends or family, and indulge in your very own flavorful fakeaway night—it’s comforting, exciting, and utterly delicious.

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