Authentic Homemade Chicken Balti Recipe

Ingredients

500g boneless chicken pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup water
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the onions and cook until they become translucent.
Add the garlic and ginger, sauté for a couple of minutes until the aroma is released.
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, mix well.
Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the spices for a few minutes until they are well blended with the onion and tomato mixture.
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they turn white.
Add the yogurt and water, stir well, and let the mixture come to a simmer.
Cover the pan and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used to chop and prepare the ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting the chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.
Large pan - Used for cooking the chicken balti.
Spatula - Helps to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the spices and salt.
Grater - Necessary to grate the fresh ginger.
Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Cover/lid - Used to cover the pan while the chicken balti simmers.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Variation: Substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer cubes.
Seafood Variation: Replace the chicken with shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood.
Spicier Version: Increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped fresh green chilies for extra heat.
Vegetable Balti: Add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, carrots, and potatoes to make it more veggie-centric.
Creamy Balti: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to add a creamy texture to the dish.
Nutty Twist: Include some crushed cashews or almonds for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding herbs like fresh mint or cilantro during the cooking process for a unique taste.
Extra Tang: Squeeze in some lemon or lime juice at the end to give the dish a tangy kick.

Recipe overview

The Chicken Balti recipe is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and aromatic flavors. This recipe calls for boneless chicken pieces that are simmered in a fragrant sauce made of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Indian spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The recipe is fairly easy to follow and doesn't require any special cooking skills, making it perfect for both experienced and novice cooks. Upon completion, you'll have a delicious dish that's great to serve with naan or rice. The aroma alone is enticing, and the flavor is sure to win you over. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your Chicken Balti!

Common questions

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken? Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted to use other meats such as lamb, beef, or even seafood. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.
Is it necessary to use yogurt in this recipe? Yes, yogurt adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken. However, if you are lactose intolerant or prefer not to use yogurt, you can substitute it with coconut milk or cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can modify this recipe to make it vegetarian or vegan. Simply substitute the chicken with your choice of vegetarian protein such as tofu, paneer, or a variety of vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also add more chili powder or fresh green chilies if you like it extra spicy.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, this recipe can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and deepen when the dish is allowed to sit for a while. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - To chop and prepare the ingredients.
Knife - For cutting and slicing the chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.
Large pan - To cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
Wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the spices and salt.
Spatula - For flipping and turning the chicken pieces.
Cover or lid - To cover the pan while the chicken is cooking.
Serving dish - To present and serve the Chicken Balti.

Origin stories

Chicken Balti originates from the region of Baltistan, in northern Pakistan. The dish traveled to the United Kingdom in the early 1970s when Pakistani and Bangladeshi migrants started opening restaurants. The term 'Balti' actually refers to the metal or iron pot in which the food is cooked. The traditional method of preparation includes cooking the dish over high heat, in much the same way as a stir-fry, which results in a richly flavored, thick sauce. Despite its widespread popularity in the UK, Chicken Balti remains less well-known in South Asia, becoming a unique symbol of British-Asian cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.