Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is a vibrant, aromatic curry that brings together tender pieces of chicken with a rich blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions, all cooked in the traditional Balti style. Known for its deep, bold flavors, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy authentic curry recipes with a slightly tangy kick.
A staple of British-Indian cuisine, Chicken Balti is typically served in a steel bowl called a “Balti” and is loved for its simplicity and burst of spices.
Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is a classic curry dish, cooked in a Balti pan or deep skillet, where tender chicken is simmered with a mix of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, along with fresh tomatoes and onions. The recipe is both simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for creating restaurant-quality curry at home. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold spices gives this dish its characteristic vibrant flavor.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Bold and aromatic flavors: The perfect balance of spices gives the dish an authentic taste.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with lean chicken and vegetables, it’s a nutritious option.
- Customizable heat: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Ideal for sharing: Perfect for serving with naan bread or rice, making it a great option for family meals.
- Meal prep-friendly: Balti tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Chicken thighs (600g / 1.3 lbs): Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for tender results.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped to add sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated to provide warmth and depth.
- Green chilies (2): Chopped for heat, or adjust according to taste.
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Add an earthy base to the dish.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Provides a bright, citrusy note.
- Garam masala (1 tsp): A fragrant spice mix that adds complexity to the curry.
- Paprika (1 tsp): For a mild heat and rich color.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Add richness and a slightly tangy base to the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor for depth.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For frying the chicken and spices.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnish and added freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or Balti pan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the onions: In a large pan or Balti pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn golden.
- Add the garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the spices: Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, garam masala, and paprika to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Brown the chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and season with salt, pepper, and extra chilies if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top and serve the Chicken Balti hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Naan bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce.
- Steamed basmati rice: Fluffy rice that pairs beautifully with the flavorful curry.
- Raita: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and mint to balance the spices.
- Papadums: Crisp and light, make an excellent appetizer or side.
- Mango chutney: Sweet and tangy, this chutney contrasts nicely with the spices.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing touch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and chilies make a significant difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
- Cook the spices well: Ensure you cook the spices for at least a minute to release their full flavor before adding the chicken.
- Control the heat: Adjust the number of chilies to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer.
- Let the sauce thicken: Allow the curry to simmer uncovered towards the end to thicken the sauce and intensify the flavors.
- Garnish generously: Fresh coriander adds a burst of flavor and color to the finished dish.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of the Balti.
- Add more vegetables: Include zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish even heartier.
- Spicier version: For an extra kick, add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use different meat: You can substitute the chicken with lamb, beef, or prawns for a different take on the Balti.
- Creamier option: Stir in a little coconut milk or cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Chicken Balti freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat carefully: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the curry over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed through.
- Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the sauce has thickened after storing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Healthier?
- Use less oil: Reduce the amount of oil used for frying the chicken and vegetables to lower the fat content.
- Opt for leaner chicken: Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner version of the dish.
- Add more vegetables: Boost the fiber and nutrient content by adding more vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Control the salt: Use less salt or opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes to reduce the sodium content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 45g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Chicken Balti?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts cook faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
How can I make Chicken Balti less spicy?
To make Chicken Balti less spicy, reduce the number of green chilies or remove the seeds from the chilies before chopping. You can also omit or reduce the paprika for a milder version.
Can I make Chicken Balti in advance?
Yes, Chicken Balti can be made in advance. The flavors develop even more after resting, so it tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What vegetables can I add to Chicken Balti?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or peas to Chicken Balti. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not overcooked.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is a flavorful and easy-to-make curry that’s packed with bold spices and tender chicken. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
Enjoy the rich aromas and taste of this beloved British-Indian classic!
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- James Martin Tomato And Red Pepper Soup
- Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
- Jamie Oliver Meat Moussaka
- Mary Berry Lamb Moussaka
Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stir-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: British-Indian
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is a classic curry dish, cooked in a Balti pan or deep skillet, where tender chicken is simmered with a mix of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, along with fresh tomatoes and onions. The recipe is both simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for creating restaurant-quality curry at home. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold spices gives this dish its characteristic vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (600g / 1.3 lbs): Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for tender results.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped to add sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated to provide warmth and depth.
- Green chilies (2): Chopped for heat, or adjust according to taste.
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Add an earthy base to the dish.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Provides a bright, citrusy note.
- Garam masala (1 tsp): A fragrant spice mix that adds complexity to the curry.
- Paprika (1 tsp): For a mild heat and rich color.
- Canned tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Add richness and a slightly tangy base to the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor for depth.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For frying the chicken and spices.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnish and added freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the onions: In a large pan or Balti pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn golden.
- Add the garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the spices: Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, garam masala, and paprika to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Brown the chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and season with salt, pepper, and extra chilies if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top and serve the Chicken Balti hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
