If you’re craving a delicious, healthy, and easy to make dinner, this Chicken Balti recipe is perfect for you! It’s light, flavorful, and packs just 390 calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to balance out those overindulgent pancake days . I got this recipe as part of a kit from my @dotheunthinkableuk box, but I’m going to share how easy it is to recreate at home. If you’re not a huge fan of curry, no worries – this dish has a mild flavor, but you can always spice it up with extra curry powder or chili to suit your taste .
Method
Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your diced chicken breast to the pan. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. You want the chicken to turn a nice golden brown and be fully cooked through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which could make it dry.
Sauté the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped onion and sliced red and green peppers to the pan. Stir them in with the chicken and let them cook for 3 4 minutes, or until they start to soften. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent any burning, and let the veggies release their natural sweetness as they cook.
Add Tomatoes and Balti Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the dish together! Pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes, followed by 1.5 tablespoons of Balti sauce. Stir everything to combine well, ensuring that the chicken and veggies are coated in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Cook the Rice
While the chicken and sauce are simmering, take a separate pot or rice cooker and prepare your basmati rice according to the package instructions. You want the rice to be fluffy and cooked perfectly to serve alongside the chicken balti. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken balti is ready and your rice is cooked, it’s time to plate up! Serve the flavorful chicken mixture over a bed of basmati rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of yogurt, for an extra layer of creaminess. If you like your food with a bit of heat, feel free to add some fresh chopped chili or chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures!
Necessary Tools
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Rice cooker or pot for boiling rice
- Ladle or serving spoon
Chicken Balti Recipe: A Flavorful & Simple Dish!
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 chicken breast, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
1.5 tbsp Balti sauce (made with passata, ginger, garlic, honey, lemon, salt, and coriander)
1/2 pack of rice (I used basmati)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add your chicken breast and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
- Add your chopped onion and sliced peppers (both red and green) to the pan. Cook for 3 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.
- Pour in the tinned chopped tomatoes and the Balti sauce. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for 3 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once done, plate it up next to your delicious chicken balti!
- Serve, enjoy, and let me know if you love this as much as I do!
Notes
- You can serve this Chicken Balti over a bed of basmati rice, or for an extra twist, serve it with naan bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
- A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a refreshing flavor.
- If you like it spicy, top it with a few chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili for that extra kick!
Serving Suggestions
- You can serve this Chicken Balti over a bed of basmati rice, or for an extra twist, serve it with naan bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
- A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a refreshing flavor.
- If you like it spicy, top it with a few chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili for that extra kick!
Fun Fact
Did you know? “Balti” refers to the type of cooking pot used to make this dish, which is a round, deep pan traditionally used in India and Pakistan. It’s a fun, unique way to cook and serve your meals – perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal with friends!
Conclusion
This Chicken Balti is not only quick and simple but also packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. It’s the perfect option for a busy weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner. The mild curry flavor can easily be adjusted to your taste, and it’s light enough to keep you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. So, grab your ingredients and make this tasty dish tonight – I promise, it’s a hit every time!
