Chicken Tikka Balti Recipe

Welcome to our culinary journey where we explore the vibrant and flavourful world of Chicken Tikka Balti! This dish, rooted in the rich traditions of Indian cuisine, combines marinated chicken cooked in a spicy, aromatic sauce that beautifully encapsulates the essence of spices and herbs. Originating from the bustling streets of Birmingham, where it gained popularity in the UK, this Chicken Tikka Balti recipe is a delightful fusion of bold flavours and hearty ingredients, served best with naan or rice. In this post, we'll delve into its history, share some mouthwatering recipes, and uncover tips for perfecting this beloved comfort food in your own kitchen. Join us as we celebrate this scrumptious dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds!

Serves 4 

 Preparation time 10 minutes,  Cooking time 40 minutes,  Overall time  50 minutes.

Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly

Special equipment - None

Heat level - Medium

Nutrition values for chicken tikka balti.

Here's an estimated breakdown per serving (assuming the recipe serves two, based on the two chicken breasts). Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and measurements.

• Calories: 350-450 kcal

• Protein: 30-35g

• Fat: 15-20g

• Saturated Fat: 3-5g

• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

• Dietary Fiber: 2-4g

• Sugars: 5-8g

• Sodium: 600-800mg

• Cholesterol: 80-90mg

These values can vary based on the specific ingredients and amounts used. For a more accurate assessment,

Chicken tikka balti

For the sake of convenience, I'll use my tried-and-true chicken tikka recipe, as it works great every time. If you have any frozen marinade, now is the perfect time to use it. Alternatively, if you have frozen chicken tikka pieces, simply defrost them, and this dish quickly transforms into a delicious midweek meal!

Chicken Tikka Balti Recipe

Ingredients:

For the chicken tikka marinade

• 1 chicken breast per person

• 1 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt ( table salt will do )

• The Juice of half a lemon

• ½ inch cube of root ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped

• 2 large cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped

• 2 fresh red or green chillies (Check for heat levels for yourself)

• 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons of dried mint leaves

• 6 tablespoons of thick set natural yoghurt

• 2 teaspoons of ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon of garam masala

• 2 teaspoons of tandoori spice

• 1 teaspoon of mango powder

• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

• Red food Colouring (Optional)

Note: Tandoori paste is good for colour and is available in most Indian stores (but be careful not to add too much or the spice balance will change), or you can use a few drops of red food colouring. Pomegranate juice or tomato puree also works, but the colour is not so deep.

Ingredients for the balti sauce

For the Balti Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee

• 1 large onion, finely sliced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1- inch piece ginger, grated

• 1-2 red or green chilies, slit (optional)

• 1 can of chopped tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• ½ ladle of balti gravy

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander, for garnish

How to make Chicken Tikka Balti

Click here for Kitchen Timer

Instructions:

Prep all your ingredients,

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Wash and dry the chicken breast, then cut into one inch cubes and place in a glass mixing bowl.

2. Add the salt to the chicken and then add the lemon juice mix well and leave for half an hour in the fridge.

3. Place the yogurt into a food blender, add the garlic, ginger and chillies, and blend. Add the spices, coriander and mint leaves, with the food colouring and blend thoroughly.

4. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken and mix well, leave the  chicken marinating in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but better results come from a longer marinating time.
   

Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet or balti dish, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Balti Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the onion until golden brown. Add garlic, ginger, and whole chilies (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.

2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes

3. add the balti gravy and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. return the chicken to the pan and heat through and garnish with the coriander and serve with fresh naan and rice

Goes well with:

Peshwari Naan

Mushroom Pilau

Onion Bhaji

Frequently asked questions for chicken tikka balti

Q: What is a Balti?

A: A Balti is a type of curry named after the metal pot it's cooked and served in, known for its quick cooking time and fresh flavours.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?

A: Yes, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies for more heat.

Q: What kind of chicken should I use?

A: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their flavour and ability to stay moist during cooking. Alternatively just use chicken breast.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: You could substitute the chicken with paneer, vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes, or a plant-based protein.

Q: What should I serve with Chicken Tikka Balti?

A: It's typically served with naan bread, rice, and sometimes a side of raita or salad.

Q: Can I make this in advance?

A: Yes of course but make sure it is fully reheated before serving.

Q: Can leftovers be frozen?

A: Yes but vegetables will become mushy.

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In conclusion, chicken tikka balti is a wonderful and versatile dish that brings the rich tastes of Indian cuisine to your table in a convenient and easy-to-make format. Whether you’re using leftovers, frozen ingredients, or preparing it fresh, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its array of spices and tender chicken, it promises to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the deliciousness, and enjoy the wonderful flavours of this beloved dish! Happy cooking!

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