Spicy & Aromatic Chicken Balti Recipe: A Flavorful Delight

Aromatic spices dancing through a classic chicken balti dish promise an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Warm Indian flavors blend perfectly with tender meat and vibrant vegetables.

Birmingham’s beloved curry brings complex layers of taste to your kitchen.

Fragrant ingredients transform simple proteins into a remarkable meal.

Regional techniques showcase the delicate balance between heat and depth.

Masala-infused cooking techniques elevate this traditional recipe beyond ordinary preparations.

You’ll crave every single bite of this spectacular dinner.

What Makes Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti A Winner

• Spice Adventure: Dive into a flavor-packed journey with this Chicken Balti that brings authentic Indian restaurant tastes straight to your kitchen.
• Quick Cooking Magic: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something spectacular but have limited time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different spice preferences and easily served with rice or naan, making it a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this single-pan recipe that delivers maximum taste without complicated cooking techniques or multiple dishes to wash.

Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Full Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish and absorbs the rich balti spices.

• Onions: Provides a sweet and foundational flavor base for the curry.
• Garlic, Ginger, Chillies: Create a vibrant and spicy flavor profile that adds depth to the dish.
• Tomatoes, Bell Peppers: Add moisture, sweetness, and texture to the balti sauce.

• Spice Mix: Offers warm, complex flavors that define the characteristic balti taste.
• Tomato Puree: Enhances the sauce's richness and color.
• Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the rich spices.
• Lime: Provides a fresh, citrusy finish to the dish.
• Fresh Coriander: Brings a bright, herbal note as a garnish.

• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing and creating the base of the curry.
• Water: Helps create the sauce and ensures proper cooking of the chicken.

How To Cook Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Onions

Heat oil in a large skillet and gently fry onions until they turn golden and release a rich, sweet fragrance. The onions should become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the Balti.

Step 2: Awaken Spicy Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Chopped chili peppers

Cook these ingredients for just a few moments to release their intense flavors without burning.

Step 3: Toast Exotic Spices

Sprinkle in your favorite Balti spice blend and toast briefly, allowing the spices to become fragrant and develop a deeper, more complex taste. This process awakens the spices’ essential oils and enhances their flavor profile.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped bell peppers
• Tomato puree

Stir and blend these ingredients to create a rich, vibrant sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Brown and Simmer Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the pan and brown them on all sides. Pour in a splash of water, then reduce heat and let the chicken simmer gently. Cook until the chicken is completely tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Finish with Bright Flavors

• Tangy vinegar
• Fresh chopped coriander
• Zesty lime juice

These final touches will add brightness and depth to the Balti.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot Balti alongside fluffy naan bread or steamed rice. Garnish with extra coriander if desired and prepare to savor this delicious, aromatic dish.

Tips For Making Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast whole spices before grinding to release their essential oils and maximize taste intensity.
• Control Spice Heat: Adjust chili quantity based on personal preference, removing seeds for milder results or adding extra for more kick.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use thigh meat instead of breast for juicier, more tender protein that won't easily overcook.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, add small amounts of water or chicken stock to maintain ideal texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Marinate chicken beforehand in yogurt and spices for enhanced flavor and more tender meat.

Ways To Customize Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti

• Vegetarian Balti: Replace chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and potatoes for a meat-free version.
• Seafood Balti: Swap chicken with prawns, white fish, or a combination of seafood for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Balti: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and serve with lettuce wraps to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Gluten-Free Balti: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free naan or rice.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti

• Pair with Refreshing Mango Lassi: Cool down the spicy balti with a creamy, sweet yogurt drink that balances the heat and complements the Indian flavors.
• Serve Alongside Crisp Cucumber Raita: Create a cooling side dish that neutralizes the spiciness and provides a smooth, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Match with Pilau Rice: Select fragrant basmati rice cooked with whole spices to soak up the delicious balti sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Choose a Light Indian Lager: Select a cold Kingfisher or Cobra beer to cut through the spices and provide a crisp, clean palate cleanser between bites.

Storing Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti The Right Way

• Store leftover chicken balti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled balti into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer refrigerated balti to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 74°C.
• Pour balti into a pan, add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain the original texture and flavor.

Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti FAQs

• What is Balti cuisine?

Balti is a style of curry originating from Birmingham, England, with roots in Pakistani and Kashmiri cooking, typically prepared and served in a two-handled metal cooking pot called a “balti.”

• Is Balti spicy?

Balti dishes can range from mild to medium-hot, depending on the number of chillies and spices used. This recipe allows you to control the heat level by adjusting chilli quantity.

• What are the key spices in Balti chicken?

The essential spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and sometimes chilli powder, which create the distinctive Balti flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, reduce the number of chillies or remove their seeds to lower the heat while maintaining the authentic Balti taste.

Chicken Balti Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken balti brings fiery Pakistani flavors dancing across your plate with authentic London-style charm. Marinated tender chicken simmered in rich aromatic spices promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) chicken, chunked

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
• 2 teaspoons Madras curry powder
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 2 birds eye chillies
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Cooking Liquid:

• 125 milliliters (4.2 fluid ounces) water

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil or ghee

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions in hot oil until translucent and golden, approximately 5-6 minutes over medium heat.
2. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chillies, stirring vigorously for 40 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
3. Sprinkle ground spices into the pan, quickly toasting them to enhance their depth and intensity, about 20-30 seconds.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and tomato puree, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, vibrant sauce.
5. Gently add chicken pieces, allowing them to brown evenly on all sides, creating a caramelized exterior.
6. Splash water into the pan, creating a simmering liquid that will help cook and tenderize the chicken.
7. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 7-9 minutes, ensuring chicken is fully cooked through and sauce thickens.
8. Finish the dish by stirring in tangy vinegar, freshly chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of zesty lime juice.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and accompany with warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice.

Notes

• Toast whole spices first to unlock deeper, richer flavors that elevate the entire dish’s complexity.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for more tender, juicy results that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Control heat levels by adjusting green chili quantities, allowing customization for mild or spicy palate preferences.
• Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the authentic Balti sauce profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 176 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg