Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Jalfrezi is a vibrant and spicy dish that offers a satisfying kick of flavor while keeping the cooking process simple. Combining tender pieces of chicken with bold spices, peppers, onions, and a tangy tomato base, this dish delivers the perfect balance of heat and flavor. The jalfrezi is ideal for those who enjoy their curries packed with punchy flavors, and the best part is that it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent midweek meal choice.
Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Jalfrezi is a traditional Indian curry that features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce spiced with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This version brings in the Hairy Bikers’ signature approach to food: bold flavors, simple methods, and hearty portions. With the added crunch of bell peppers and onions, this dish is both flavorful and texturally exciting.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 40 minutes.
- Bold flavors: The blend of spices gives the dish an authentic, rich flavor profile.
- Healthy option: Low in fat and full of protein, it’s a balanced meal when paired with rice or naan.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better as the flavors develop, making it great for next-day lunches.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
You need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- Chicken breasts (600g / 1.3 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Onion (1 large): Chopped to add sweetness and depth to the curry.
- Bell peppers (2, mixed colors): Sliced into strips for texture and color.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced to bring aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated for added warmth and zest.
- Green chilies (2): Chopped finely for heat, or adjust to your spice preference.
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Add an earthy base to the dish.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Balances the warmth of the curry with a citrusy note.
- Ground turmeric (½ tsp): Provides color and a subtle bitterness.
- Garam masala (1 tsp): A fragrant blend of warming spices.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Forms the tangy base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Adds a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For frying the chicken and vegetables.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnishing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
Follow these simple steps to make Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the spices: Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to the pan. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors, stirring constantly.
- Add the chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped green chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the peppers: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Cook until they are tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and season with more salt, pepper, or chili if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in fresh coriander and serve the jalfrezi hot, accompanied by steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
- Steamed basmati rice: The fluffy texture complements the rich curry sauce.
- Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up the curry and mopping up the sauce.
- Raita: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and mint to balance the heat.
- Papadums: Crisp and light, make a great appetizer or side.
- Mango chutney: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy curry.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime enhances the flavor and adds brightness to the dish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and chilies make a significant difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered options.
- Cook the spices well: Ensure the spices are cooked for at least a minute to release their full aroma and flavor before adding the chicken.
- Control the heat: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer.
- Don’t overcook the peppers: Add the bell peppers towards the end of cooking so they retain some crunch, adding texture to the dish.
- Rest before serving: Let the curry sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of the jalfrezi.
- Add more vegetables: Include zucchini, cauliflower, or potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Make it spicier: For an extra kick, add more green chilies or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Use different meat: You can substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a different take on the dish.
- Creamier version: Stir in a little coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking for a richer sauce.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This curry freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat carefully: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi
- Stovetop method: Reheat the curry over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed through.
- Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the sauce has thickened after storing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi Healthier?
- Use less oil: Cut down on the oil used for frying the chicken and vegetables to reduce the fat content.
- Opt for leaner chicken: Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option instead of chicken thighs.
- Add more vegetables: Boost the fiber and nutrient content by adding more vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Control the salt: Use less salt or choose low-sodium canned tomatoes to reduce the sodium content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 40g
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in chicken jalfrezi?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great option for curries like jalfrezi. Simply adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I make chicken jalfrezi less spicy?
To make chicken jalfrezi less spicy, reduce the number of green chilies or remove their seeds before chopping. You can also skip adding chili powder or serve the dish with a cooling side like raita or yogurt to balance the heat.
Can I freeze Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi?
Yes, chicken jalfrezi freezes well. Let the curry cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What vegetables can I add to chicken jalfrezi?
You can add vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, peas, or carrots to chicken jalfrezi. Simply cook them along with the bell peppers to add extra flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Jalfrezi is a bold, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for spice lovers. The tender chicken, crunchy peppers, and fragrant spices come together in a delicious tomato-based sauce that’s ideal for serving with rice or naan.
This quick and simple recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and warm spices of this classic curry dish!
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Hairy Bikers Chicken Jalfrezi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Jalfrezi is a traditional Indian curry that features succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce spiced with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This version brings in the Hairy Bikers’ signature approach to food: bold flavors, simple methods, and hearty portions. With the added crunch of bell peppers and onions, this dish is both flavorful and texturally exciting.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (600g / 1.3 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Onion (1 large): Chopped to add sweetness and depth to the curry.
- Bell peppers (2, mixed colors): Sliced into strips for texture and color.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced to bring aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated for added warmth and zest.
- Green chilies (2): Chopped finely for heat, or adjust to your spice preference.
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Add an earthy base to the dish.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Balances the warmth of the curry with a citrusy note.
- Ground turmeric (½ tsp): Provides color and a subtle bitterness.
- Garam masala (1 tsp): A fragrant blend of warming spices.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Forms the tangy base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Adds a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For frying the chicken and vegetables.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnishing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the spices: Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to the pan. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors, stirring constantly.
- Add the chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped green chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the peppers: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Cook until they are tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and season with more salt, pepper, or chili if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in fresh coriander and serve the jalfrezi hot, accompanied by steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.
