Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti is his take on a classic Indian dish that’s become popular worldwide. The ’balti’ style of cooking originates from the Baltistan region in Pakistan and has a distinct, rich flavor profile. The term balti refers both to the cooking method and the vessel it’s cooked in which is a deep, round metal pan.
Oliver’s version of the Chicken Balti uses tender chicken pieces simmered in a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes and yogurt. The result is a fragrant, flavorful dish with just the right amount of heat. The dish combines the zing of fresh herbs, the warmth of the spices and a bit of creaminess from the yogurt, making it a comforting yet vibrant meal. It’s not overly complex which makes it perfect for home cooks looking to bring a bit of spice to their weeknight dinners.
Jamie Oliver Chicken Balti Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make this dish so delicious:
- Chicken (boneless, skinless): You’ll need around 500g of chicken. The meat should be cut into bite-sized chunks. Chicken thighs work best for extra juiciness but breasts are fine too.
- Onion: A couple of medium onions, finely chopped, for a sweet and savory base.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add a powerful flavor base.
- Spices: A mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam masala. These give the dish its warm, earthy flavor.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or tinned tomatoes both work well here, creating a rich sauce for the chicken to cook in.
- Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt adds a creamy richness, balancing the spices and creating a velvety texture in the sauce.
- Chili: A couple of fresh red chilies for heat and a pop of color.
- Coriander (Cilantro): Fresh coriander leaves as garnish to brighten up the dish.
- Oil: For frying and sautéing the onions and spices.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end to add freshness and acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Equipment Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti, you’ll need:
- Large Skillet or Balti Pan: While a traditional Balti pan is preferred for authenticity, any large, deep skillet will work fine.
- Knife and Chopping Board: For prepping the chicken, onions, garlic, ginger and fresh chilies.
- Grater or Microplane: For finely grating the ginger and garlic (you can also use a garlic press).
- Wooden Spoon: To stir the ingredients as they cook.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: To measure out spices and yogurt.
- Lid: For covering the pan while the chicken simmers in the sauce.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping your onions, grating the garlic and ginger and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the fresh chilies and set the coriander leaves aside for garnish. The prep work will make cooking easier and faster.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions and sauté them until they’re golden and soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger and Spices
Now, add the grated ginger, garlic and chopped chilies to the onions. Let them cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Next, toss in your ground spices-cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam masala. and stir them into the mixture. The spices should bloom and coat the onions, giving off a wonderful fragrance.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook them for around 5 minutes until they start to brown on the outside. Stir frequently to ensure they don’t stick to the pan.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the tomatoes (either chopped fresh or tinned) and a little water to help create the sauce. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for around 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The tomatoes will break down into a rich sauce, so don’t rush this step.
Step 6: Stir in the Yogurt
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the yogurt. This adds a creamy texture and balances the heat from the chilies. Let the dish simmer for another few minutes and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the dish is ready, garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan bread to soak up that beautiful sauce.
What I Learnt
One of the things that stood out to me while making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti is how simple it is to get a vibrant, complex flavor profile without needing to overcomplicate the recipe. The key is layering the spices properly and allowing time for the flavors to meld. The yogurt and tomatoes balance each other, creating that perfect mix of creamy and tangy.
Also, I learned that you don’t need a fancy Balti pan to make this dish work. A regular skillet can do the job perfectly, so don’t worry if you don’t have the right equipment. Another thing to remember is to be generous with the fresh coriander. its brightness really elevates the dish.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti is a flavorful dish but there’s always room for customization to make it your own. If you like a little more heat, try adding fresh chilies or a spoonful of hot chili paste. You can also increase the amount of ginger for an extra kick of warmth.
For a richer sauce, a splash of coconut milk or cream will bring a smooth, velvety texture to the dish. Another tweak is swapping regular chicken for lamb or even paneer if you’re after something a little different. If you prefer a more fragrant base, toss in some ground cardamom or a pinch of saffron to elevate the flavor profile.
You can also play around with the vegetables. Add in some spinach or peas for an extra burst of color and texture. If you’re aiming for a deeper, more complex flavor, cook your onions longer until they’re beautifully caramelized before adding the spices. This brings a natural sweetness to the dish that balances the heat from the curry spices.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t fret! Chicken Balti holds up really well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. To keep it fresh, make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce. this helps lock in moisture.
For longer storage, freeze it! Transfer your leftover balti into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. Reheat gently and add a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
Pro tip: Make sure you don’t reheat the same batch more than once to preserve the flavor and texture. Also, be mindful of how spicy the dish gets after reheating. it can sometimes intensify.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti?
Jamie’s Chicken Balti is all about bold flavors, so pairing it with something that complements but doesn’t overpower is key. The classic pairing is of course some fluffy basmati rice. its neutral taste soaks up the curry beautifully. For an extra touch, make a simple raita with yogurt, cucumber and mint. This cool, creamy side provides a lovely contrast to the spiciness of the dish.
You could also serve it with some warm, soft naan bread to scoop up the sauce. Garlic naan or even a stuffed naan with cheese or potatoes would be a fantastic choice. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh side salad with a tangy dressing will help balance out the richness of the curry.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a spiced lentil dhal. The earthiness of the lentils, combined with the warmth of the spices, will complement the Chicken Balti without stealing the spotlight.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti?
You’ll need chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, various spices (like turmeric, cumin, and coriander), and some fresh coriander to garnish.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti Spicier?
Yes, you can add extra chili or use a hotter curry paste to crank up the spice level.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Balti?
It usually takes about 45 minutes, including prep time and cooking.
