Creamy Chicken Jalfrezi is a rich, colorful, and flavor-packed twist on the classic Jalfrezi curry that originated during the British colonial era in India. Traditionally, Jalfrezi is known for its bold stir-fried style, loaded with crunchy bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

This creamy version adds a luxurious touch with fresh cream or cashew paste, making it smoother, richer, and slightly milder than the original fiery version.

This dish is a beautiful balance of spice, sweetness from peppers, tang from tomatoes, and velvety richness from cream. It’s perfect for those who love bold Indian flavors but also enjoy creamy, indulgent curries.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Creamy Chicken Jalfrezi because it perfectly combines bold stir-fried flavors with rich, comforting creaminess. The contrast of juicy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, tangy tomato base, and smooth cream makes every bite exciting yet comforting. It feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and it’s one of those dishes that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Combines bold spice with creamy richness
Loaded with colorful vegetables and tender chicken
Perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang
Restaurant-style flavor at home
Great for both special occasions and weeknight meals
Pairs beautifully with naan, roti, and rice

Recipe Overview

Category	Details
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Indian / Anglo-Indian
Preparation Time	25 minutes
Cooking Time	35 minutes
Total Time	1 hour
Servings	4 servings
Calories per Serving	~440–500 calories

Ingredients

For Marinating the Chicken

700 g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
½ cup yogurt (curd)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste

For the Jalfrezi Gravy

3 tbsp oil or butter
1 tbsp ghee (optional, for richness)
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 medium onions, thickly sliced
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3 medium tomatoes, puréed
1 tbsp tomato ketchup (optional for restaurant flavor)
1½ tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1½ tsp garam masala
½ cup fresh cream or cashew paste
Salt to taste

Vegetables for Jalfrezi

1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, square-cut
2 green chilies, slit

For Garnish

Fresh coriander leaves
Julienned ginger
Extra cream drizzle (optional)

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices.
Sauté onions and spices in oil.
Add tomatoes and cook till thick.
Cook marinated chicken in the gravy.
Add bell peppers and onions.
Finish with cream and garam masala.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
Add chicken and coat well.
Marinate for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Heat oil and ghee in a heavy pan.
Add cumin seeds.
Add sliced onions and sauté till golden.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes

Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté 2 minutes.
Add tomato purée and ketchup.
Cook until oil begins to separate.

Step 4: Add Ground Spices

Add coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.
Mix well and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Add marinated chicken.
Cook on medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add bell peppers, onion cubes, and green chilies.
Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes so they stay slightly crunchy.

Step 7: Add Cream

Reduce flame and add fresh cream.
Mix gently until the curry becomes rich and glossy.
Finish with garam masala and turn off heat.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Chicken Jalfrezi hot with:

Butter naan
Tandoori roti
Jeera rice
Plain basmati rice
Vegetable pulao

Side dishes:

Cucumber raita
Onion salad
Lemon wedges

Recipe Tips

✔ Always add cream on low heat to prevent splitting
✔ Keep bell peppers slightly crunchy for authentic texture
✔ Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking
✔ Add a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity
✔ Cook tomatoes thoroughly for rich flavor

Variations (Detailed)

1. Extra Spicy Creamy Jalfrezi

Add extra green chilies and red chili paste.

2. Cashew Cream Jalfrezi

Replace dairy cream with cashew paste for nuttiness.

3. Paneer Jalfrezi

Replace chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian version.

4. Keto Chicken Jalfrezi

Skip onions and ketchup; use heavy cream and bell peppers.

5. Smoky Jalfrezi

Add charcoal dhungar smoke for restaurant-style aroma.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheating: Reheat on low flame with splash of milk or water

Special Equipment Needed

Heavy-bottom kadhai or pan
Wooden spatula
Mixing bowls
Blender (for tomato purée)
Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Q: Is Creamy Chicken Jalfrezi very spicy?
It’s medium-spicy but easily adjustable.

Q: Can I skip cream?
Yes, but it will become a traditional Jalfrezi instead.

Q: Why are my peppers soggy?
They were overcooked. Always stir-fry briefly.

Q: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Q: Is Jalfrezi healthy?
Yes, it’s protein-rich and veggie-loaded when made at home.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Jalfrezi is the perfect blend of bold Indian spice, crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and luxurious creaminess. It’s vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself to a special dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen. If you love colorful, creamy, and slightly fiery curries, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.