If you love flavorful and spicy dishes, you will enjoy this Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Recipe. It’s a rich, aromatic curry full of tender chicken, peppers and spices.
I first tried making it after watching the Hairy Bikers on TV. The smell of the spices in my kitchen made everyone curious. Learning how to make Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti is simple with the right ingredients.
With easy steps, you can serve a restaurant-style curry at home. Let’s cook and enjoy this vibrant dish.
Why I Love Making This Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
I love making this Chicken Balti because it’s full of flavor and easy to cook. The spices fill the kitchen with warmth and the chicken turns soft and juicy.
My family enjoys it with rice or naan bread. It’s also a fun recipe because you can adjust the spice to your taste.
Making it at home feels special, like bringing a little bit of a traditional Indian restaurant to your kitchen.
Equipment List
- Large frying pan or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Medium bowl for marinating chicken
- Serving bowl
- Stove or portable burner
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian / British-Indian
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 200ml chicken stock
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with half the turmeric, cumin and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes. - Heat Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat until hot but not smoking. - Cook Onions
Add sliced onions and fry until soft and lightly golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning. - Add Garlic and Ginger
Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Add Chicken
Add marinated chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. - Add Spices
Add coriander, remaining cumin, turmeric, chili powder and garam masala. Stir to coat chicken evenly. - Add Peppers and Tomatoes
Add sliced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes. - Pour Chicken Stock
Add chicken stock, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Chicken should be tender and sauce thickened. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste and add salt if needed. Simmer a few more minutes for flavors to blend. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy with naan or rice.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Add yogurt for a creamier sauce.
- Try different bell peppers for color and flavor.
- Increase chili for more heat or reduce for mild curry.
- Add frozen peas or spinach for extra veggies.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
The Balti curry comes from Birmingham, UK, inspired by traditional Northern Indian cooking. “Balti” refers to the steel or iron pot used to cook and serve the curry. Hairy Bikers popularized this version with bold flavors and simple home cooking techniques.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Serve with steamed basmati rice, naan bread or chapati. A side of cucumber raita or mango chutney balances the spices. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad or lentil dish.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Perfect for family dinners, weekend meals or casual gatherings. Great for curry nights with friends. You can also make it for meal prep during the week.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until piping hot.
- Can freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Keep garnish separate until serving for freshness.
- Adjust consistency with water or stock when reheating if sauce thickens.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Health Benefits
Chicken provides lean protein that helps build muscles. Bell peppers and tomatoes add vitamins and antioxidants. Using fresh ginger and garlic supports immunity.
Making this curry at home avoids excessive oil and preservatives, making it a healthier choice than many takeaways.
Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece ginger grated
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 200 ml chicken stock
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken with half the turmeric, cumin and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Heat Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Cook Onions
- Add sliced onions and fry until soft and lightly golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Add Garlic and Ginger
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Chicken
- Add marinated chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Add Spices
- Add coriander, remaining cumin, turmeric, chili powder and garam masala. Stir to coat chicken evenly.
Add Peppers and Tomatoes
- Add sliced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Pour Chicken Stock
- Add chicken stock, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Chicken should be tender and sauce thickened.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and add salt if needed. Simmer a few more minutes for flavors to blend.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy with naan or rice.
Notes
- Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Add yogurt for a creamier sauce.
- Try different bell peppers for color and flavor.
- Increase chili for more heat or reduce for mild curry.
- Add frozen peas or spinach for extra veggies.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works. Cook slightly less to avoid drying out the meat.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with tofu or mixed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian balti.
Q3: How spicy is this curry?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust chili powder to taste or remove for mild flavor.
Q4: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, make the curry and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving to keep flavors fresh.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers up to one month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
The Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Recipe is flavorful, aromatic and perfect for home cooking. With simple ingredients for Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti and easy steps, anyone can enjoy this delicious curry.
It’s great for family meals or impressing friends with authentic-style flavors. Try this recipe once and it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant spices, tender chicken and comforting sauce every time you make it.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.