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    Home » Pakistani Recipes » Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe with Video - Pakistani

    5 from 14 votes

    Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe with Video - Pakistani

    February 8, 2021 by Sarah Mir

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    We didn't eat a lot of boneless chicken growing up. When my mother defrosted some it was a pretty clear sign that some awesome Chicken Jalfrezi was coming our way. It is to my siblings what Karahi Chicken is to many other families - the classic easy go to chicken recipe.

    This is a lovely homestyle version, it has fantastic flavour, but not the overwhelming 'bazaari' taste of packet masalas. This Easy Chicken Jalfrezi will forever remind of my mother and one of the few that I make almost as well as she does.

    What makes a Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe different?

    This Easy Chicken Jalfrezi is a dish that like my Chicken Masala here starts with an onion base vs a classic Karahi which is decidedly onion free. The ingredient that truly sets Chicken Jalfrezi apart though is Green Pepper or Capsicum. I have to confess at this point that I like the Urdu name - Shimla Mirch - a lot more. More personality you know? I've discussed my love for Shimla Mirch before in this simple sabzi, but every time I add it into a dish I am reminded of it's transfomative effect.

    This Easy Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe also has one other distinguishing feature and that is the addition of soy sauce, a traditionally Asian ingredient. The soy sauce adds an umami that can't be beat. I must confess though that we always had ajinomoto in it growing up, but since public opinion has swung against it I don't use it anymore.

    Easy Chicken Jalfrezi and Pea Pilaf on a plate

    How to Make Chicken Jalfrezi - 5 Steps!

    Step One: Saute an onion till translucent

    Step Two: Add 1 tsp ginger paste, half a tsp garlic paste, & chicken and saute until the chicken changes colour

    Step Three: Mix in tomatoes and spices and simmer covered till chicken is tender and the oil starts to rise to the top

    Step Four: Crank up the heat to 'bhunn' the masala or saute it until the oil rises above the masala

    Step Five: Add the peppers and finishing touches and cook on low until the green pepper is almost tender.

    Want some more Pakistani Chicken Recipe inspiration?

    • Pakistani Chicken Ginger (Boneless)
    • 20 Pakistani Chicken Recipes You HAVE to Make!
    • How to make Chicken Masala (step by step) & some FAQs!
    • Achar Chicken

    Made this recipe? Rate it below by clicking the number of stars you'd want to give it! I'd love to see your recreations so don't forget to tag me on Instagram!

    Chicken Jalfrezi and a Pea Pilaf on a platem glass of water in the background
    Print Recipe
    5 from 14 votes

    Easy Chicken Jalfrezi

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani
    Keyword: chicken jalfrezi
    Author: Sarah Mir

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb boneless chicken
    • ½ onion, diced, approx half cup
    • 1 tsp ginger paste
    • ½ tsp garlic paste
    • 2 tomatoes (diced)
    • ¾-1 tsp red chili powder
    • ¾ tsp salt
    • 1 tsp soy sauce
    • 1 diced green pepper
    • 3-4 sliced green chilies sliced lengthwise (halved)
    • ½-3/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

    Instructions

    • Heat 3-4 tbsp of oil in a wok or saucepan with a lid
    • Add the onions and saute on medium heat until translucent
    • Now stir in the chicken, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Mix well and cook till all the pieces change color.
    • Mix in the tomatoes, salt, chili powder and simmer covered until the chicken is tender. This takes me roughly 20 minutes from previously frozen chicken, fresh is usually quicker.
    • Add the soy sauce, green peppers, mix well and cook partially covered until the green pepper is tender crisp - 5-7 minutes
    • Final steps: stir in your black pepper, your sliced chilies and adjust seasoning - you may need a pinch of salt. Dig in!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anila says

      February 09, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      Perfectly written
      Simple and jhatpat chicken!

      Reply
      • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

        February 12, 2021 at 11:12 pm

        Thank you Anila!

        Reply
    2. Nida Jafri says

      February 10, 2021 at 5:50 am

      Hi Sarah! This recipe seems so easy and delicious! Just wondering if I can use chicken legs instead, would i need to cook , simmer it longer or add any water... usually hesitate to add water to chicken.

      Reply
    3. SAhmad says

      February 12, 2021 at 9:49 am

      Hi! When you say green pepper is that the same as the US bell pepper? If so can I use a red bell pepper if I have that on hand? Thanks!

      Reply
      • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

        February 12, 2021 at 11:07 pm

        Hi! It is the same as the US Bell Pepper but a red pepper is naturally sweeter than a green so I wouldn't use it as a substitute!

        Reply
    4. Khadija says

      February 27, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      Today, inshAllah I'll be making this recipe for the third time this month! At the request of hubs, mom, and bro. Its SO delicious and easy to make. Thank you for making such delicious and easy to follow recipes! My family truly enjoys your dishes!

      Reply
      • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

        March 14, 2021 at 4:38 pm

        Yay Khadija!!!! I am SO SO glad to hear you and your family are enjoying it - especially because it's easy to make otherwise cook ki shaamat!

        Reply
    5. Sara says

      March 24, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      Quick, delicious ans so flavorful.. what else can one ask for!!
      thank you Sarah!

      Reply
      • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

        March 27, 2021 at 11:25 am

        Thank you SO much Sara!!!

        Reply
    6. Haji says

      June 14, 2021 at 7:16 pm

      Just a question...is the soy sauce necessary? Can it be swapped out for something else or omitted?

      Reply
      • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

        July 16, 2021 at 8:35 pm

        You can skip it but it definitely adds great flavour!

        Reply
    7. Nayaab says

      November 02, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      Amazing! I tend to make desi recipes simple and this is how I would make this recipe! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sarah Mir says

        November 03, 2021 at 11:34 am

        I am SO glad to hear it and I get what you mean about keeping it simple!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! Welcome to Flour & Spice, the foodie world of a Pakistani origin Canadian mama of two whose busy life and love for food means practicality reigns supreme! I love baking (duh!), my readers (extra duh!), reading, coffee, singing loudly slightly off key, and aprons.

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