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Homemade Easy 30 Minute Balti Chicken recipe photo

Easy 30 Minute Balti Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor, then…
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 3 Qt Cast Iron Balti Dish

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cuprapeseed oil
  • 2 largeonion chopped
  • 6 clovesgarlic sliced
  • 2 inchginger piece peeled and sliced
  • 6 mediumtomatoes roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoonkashmiri chili powder
  • 2 teaspoonsturmeric
  • 2 teaspoonsgaram masala
  • 1 teaspoonground coriander
  • 1 teaspoonfenugreek seeds
  • 2 smallgreen chili chopped
  • 2 poundschicken breast boneless and skinless cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 cupcold water
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 cupfresh cilantro roughly chopped

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Cut the 2 pounds chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
  • Heat ⅓ cup rapeseed oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers.
  • Add 2 large onion (chopped) and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to lightly brown.
  • Add 6 cloves garlic (sliced) and the 2-inch ginger piece (peeled and sliced). Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Lightly season with salt (from "salt to taste").
  • Add 6 medium tomatoes (roughly chopped). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Add 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder, 2 teaspoons turmeric, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds, and 2 small green chili (chopped). Stir well and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Add the cubed chicken to the pot and stir to coat with the spice-tomato mixture. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
  • Pour in 2 cups cold water and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered or partially covered, for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through (no pink inside).
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with ¼ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped), and serve.

Notes

Storage:Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to4 daysor freeze for up to3 months.
Reheating:Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Chicken Options:You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer extra juicy bites.
Tomato Tip:Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If your tomatoes are underripe, you can stir in a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the sauce.
Spice Control:Dial back the green chilies for a milder dish or add extras if you like it hot.
Oil Note:Rapeseed oil is basically the same as canola oil if you’re in North America, not to be confused with grapeseed oil!