One of the best curry recipes I enjoy making in the slow cooker is this Chicken Balti, made with chicken thighs, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It’s delightfully aromatic and incredibly satisfying.

To make Chicken Balti in a slow cooker, first grease it with oil. Add 500g of chicken thighs, one diced onion, and one chopped bell pepper. Include two tablespoons of tomato paste, season with 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix in 400g of passata and 100ml of water. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.

And Voila! you got yourself a delicious chicken balti to impress the ones you love.

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What is Chicken Balti?

Chicken Balti stands out as a heartwarming British curry, distinguished by its tomato-based sauce bursting with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

This dish revolves around tender chicken cooked swiftly in a distinctive steel or iron pot, known as a ‘balti,’ which also serves as its serving vessel. My first encounter with Chicken Balti was at a cozy neighborhood restaurant, where the blend of spices and the tender chicken left a memorable mark on my palate.

Slow Cooker Chicken Balti Ingredients

• 500 grams of skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 6 or 7 pieces)

Vegetables:

1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
2 green chillies, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons each of ground cumin and coriander
• 1 teaspoon each of turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika for less heat), garam masala, salt, and black pepper
• 3 teaspoons of grated ginger
• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed

Sauce Base:

• 2 tablespoons of tomato puree (paste)
• 400 grams of passata (or sieved tomatoes)
• 100 ml of water

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Balti

1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This simple step helps with clean-up later.
2. Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the cooker. They’re the star of the show, so spread them out evenly.
3. Add Veggies and Spices: Scatter the diced onion, green chillies, and red bell pepper over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the ensemble of spices evenly across everything. This blend is what gives the balti its distinctive flavor.
4. Incorporate Aromatics and Tomato Base: Add the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and tomato puree to the mix. Then, pour in the passata and water, stirring gently to ensure everything is well combined.
5. Cooking Time: Secure the lid and set your slow cooker to high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle the dish with fresh coriander and slices of red chilli for an extra pop of freshness and color.

Recipe Tips

• Thickening the sauce: If your balti sauce is too thin, a tablespoon of cornflour mixed with water can work wonders.
• Enhancing flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar can balance the spices beautifully, depending on your taste preference.
• Freezing leftovers: Portion your Chicken Balti into meal-sized containers before freezing; it makes reheating much easier.
• Fresh spices usage: Grinding your own spices may seem like extra work, but the flavor payoff is absolutely worth it.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for chickpeas or paneer to create a hearty, plant-based version of the classic Chicken Balti.
• Creamier texture: Stirring in a dollop of yogurt or coconut milk towards the end of cooking will give a richer, creamier sauce.
• Heat adjustment: For those who enjoy extra spice, adding more green chillies or a teaspoon of chili flakes can turn up the heat.
• Low-carb option: Replace traditional sides with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that’s just as satisfying.

What To Serve With Chicken Balti

Serving your Chicken Balti with basmati rice, naan bread, poppadoms, a cool cucumber raita, and tangy mango chutney will truly elevate your meal.

Pairing Chicken Balti with these sides not only rounds off the meal beautifully but also brings a delightful variety of textures and flavors to your table, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

How To Store Chicken Balti

In The Fridge:

For storing Chicken Balti in the fridge, first let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. This method will keep your Chicken Balti fresh for up to 3-4 days. Remember, cooling it properly before refrigeration prevents bacterial growth and maintains the dish’s flavor and safety.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Balti can be stored in the freezer to extend its shelf life. After cooling it down, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Chicken Balti

Reheat your Chicken Balti by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s thoroughly heated. This should take about 10 minutes.

If you prefer using a microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot throughout. Always ensure it’s piping hot all the way through before serving.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Mayflower Curry
• Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Gammon
• Slow Cooker French Beef Dip Recipe