๐ฅ Chicken Jhal Fry Recipe | Spicy Bengali Chicken Stir-Fry
Craving bold flavors with a serious kick? This Chicken Jhal Fry is a fiery Bengali-style chicken dish that combines aromatic spices, mustard oil, and green chilies to create a dry, spicy stir-fry that’s perfect with rice, paratha, or pulao. Quick, easy, and full of heat — this is not your average chicken curry!
๐ Ingredients
- 500g bone-in or boneless chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 3–4 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1 tomato, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (or Kashmiri chili for color)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
๐ณ Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, turmeric, and half of the chili powder.
- Let it rest for 15–30 minutes for better flavor.
Step 2: Fry the Onions
- Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches smoking point (for aroma).
- Lower heat and add sliced onions. Fry until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sautรฉ until raw smell disappears.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add marinated chicken to the pan. Cook on high heat for 3–4 minutes to sear.
- Add remaining chili powder, cumin, coriander, and tomatoes (if using). Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 12–15 minutes or until chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Dry It Up
- Remove lid and increase heat. Stir-fry the chicken until all moisture evaporates.
- Add slit green chilies and garam masala. Fry for another 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt/spice.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with chopped coriander.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or paratha.
๐ฝ️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice, lachha paratha, or khichuri.
- Add a side of cucumber salad or onion rings for balance.
- Serve with a wedge of lemon for extra zing.
๐ง Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a covered pan or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture.
๐ Variations
- Egg Jhal Fry: Swap chicken with boiled eggs.
- With Potatoes: Add boiled, cubed potatoes during the final stir-fry stage.
- Extra Smoky: Add a piece of charcoal to the pan and smoke it with ghee for 1 minute (dhungar method).
๐ FAQ: Chicken Jhal Fry
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: Traditionally, yes — but you can control the heat by adjusting green chilies and red chili powder.
Q: Can I skip mustard oil?
A: Mustard oil gives it an authentic taste, but you can substitute with regular oil if needed.
Q: What’s the difference between Jhal Fry and Chicken Curry?
A: Jhal Fry is a dry stir-fried dish, while curry has a gravy or sauce base.
๐ Pro Tip:
Use fresh green chilies and allow the dish to slightly char at the end for smoky flavor and authentic street-style taste.
๐ข Share Your Spicy Creation!
Tried this dish? Tag @monzoorskitchen and use #ChickenJhalFry on Instagram or Pinterest for a chance to be featured!
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