Another Indian curry that I love making is this Chicken Jalfrezi, made in the slow cooker with 4 chicken breasts (about 500g to 600g), 400g passata, 100ml water, and 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced).

In order to make Chicken Jalfrezi in the slow cooker, start by toasting 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds, then sauté onions, add spices, and fry chicken pieces. Combine all with passata and water in the slow cooker, cook on high for 2 ½ hours, add bell peppers, and cook for another hour.

Trust me, you’ll want to see how this all comes together; it’s a game-changer for your dinner routine, easy and delicious!

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What is Jalfrezi?

Jalfrezi is a type of Indian curry featuring a spicy tomato-based sauce, bell peppers, onions, and a choice of protein, commonly chicken. It’s characterized by its rich, tangy flavor, achieved by using spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, along with fresh green chilies and sometimes tamarind paste.

How Spicy is Chicken Jalfrezi?

Chicken Jalfrezi’s spiciness can vary but is generally considered medium-hot. It includes 2 teaspoons of Kashmiri chili powder or paprika and ½ teaspoon of dried chili flakes, which contribute to its heat. Adjust these amounts to tailor the spiciness to your preference.

Slow Cooker Chicken Jalfrezi Ingredients

For Toasting and Onion Preparation:

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons rapeseed or canola oil (part of the total 3 tablespoons)
• 2 onions, thinly sliced

For the Spice Mix:

• 1 tablespoon rapeseed or canola oil (remaining from the total 3 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon dried chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder or paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 teaspoons grated ginger

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 4 chicken breasts (approximately 500g to 600g), chopped into large chunks
• 400g passata
• 100ml water

For the Final Cooking Stage:

• 2 bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

For Garnishing:

• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander (cilantro)
• Lemon wedges for serving

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Jalfrezi

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker to ensure nothing sticks during the cooking process.
2. Toast Cumin Seeds: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and toast them for about a minute, or until they start to release their aroma.
3. Cook Onions: Pour two tablespoons of oil into the frying pan. Add the sliced onions and fry for 5 minutes until they’re soft and golden. Then, transfer the onions to the slow cooker.
4. Spice Mix: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir in the ground coriander, turmeric, chili flakes, fenugreek seeds, Kashmiri chili powder, salt, pepper, tamarind paste, tomato puree, chopped green chilies, crushed garlic, and grated ginger. Cook this spice mixture for two minutes.
5. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the spice mix. Fry for about 5 minutes, then move the chicken to the slow cooker.
6. Combine Ingredients: Pour the passata and water into the slow cooker. Stir everything well to ensure the chicken and spices are evenly distributed.
7. Cooking Time: Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2 ½ hours, or switch to low for a longer cooking time of 4 ½ hours.
8. Add Final Touches: After the cooking time, stir in the garam masala and sliced bell peppers. Continue cooking on high for an additional hour.
9. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, mix in the freshly chopped coriander. Serve your delicious Chicken Jalfrezi with a side of lemon wedges, alongside rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with a smaller amount of chili and gradually increase according to taste preference. This allows you to control the heat level, ensuring the dish is enjoyable for everyone.
• Marinate Chicken: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least an hour before cooking can enhance its flavor and tenderness. The acidity in the yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, ginger, and chilies to maximize the flavor of the dish. Fresh ingredients provide a more vibrant and aromatic profile compared to their dried counterparts.
• Perfect Basmati Rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and soak it for 20 minutes before cooking. This process helps to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice that pairs beautifully with the Jalfrezi.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Jalfrezi: Replace chicken with paneer, cauliflower, and green peas for a vegetarian version. This combination offers a rich, satisfying alternative, providing a variety of textures and flavors that complement the Jalfrezi spices.
• Coconut Milk Jalfrezi: Use coconut milk instead of water to create a creamier sauce. This addition introduces a subtle sweetness and richness, enhancing the overall depth of the dish and making it more indulgent.
• Seafood Jalfrezi: Swap chicken for a mix of shrimp and scallops. This variation introduces a delicate seafood flavor that pairs well with the bold spices of the Jalfrezi, offering a lighter but equally flavorful alternative.
• Beef Jalfrezi: Use beef chunks in place of chicken for a heartier meal. Beef offers a robust flavor and texture that stands up well to the intense spices, providing a satisfying and filling option.

What to Serve With Chicken Jalfrezi

Chicken Jalfrezi can be served with delicious sides like restaurant-style basmati rice, fluffy naan breads, masala chips, Bombay potatoes, and veggie pakora. These choices offer a blend of textures and flavors that perfectly complement the spicy and savory notes of the Jalfrezi.

How To Store Chicken Jalfrezi

In The Fridge:

Place Chicken Jalfrezi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before storing to maintain its best quality.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Jalfrezi can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

How To Reheat Chicken Jalfrezi

Reheat Chicken Jalfrezi gently on the stove over medium heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave it in a suitable container, covered, stirring midway through for even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Dhansak
• Slow Cooker Curried Prawns
• Slow Cooker Katsu Curry