Tandoori Style Balti Chicken

If you're passionate about the intense and exotic flavours of India, you'll love this Tandoori Style Chicken Balti recipe. We've fused the depth and warmth of garam masala and the distinctive touch of tandoori , two of India's most iconic spices, to create a dish bursting with flavour, all in the comfort of your own home and without the need for a tandoori oven.

This dish is prepared in a traditional casserole dish, known as Balti Dish , perfect for seasoning the chicken to perfection and achieving that rich and aromatic sauce that characterizes it. The combination of tomato sauce, garlic, and spices, together with the gentle simmering of the chicken broth, allows the chicken thighs to be impregnated with the flavors and aromas, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Finally, a touch of chopped cashews and fresh coriander adds the crunchy and fresh note that elevates the dish to another level. Accompanied by basmati rice and naan bread so that not a drop of the delicious sauce is left behind, this dish promises to be a journey of flavours straight to India from your kitchen.

If you are curious or enjoy the flavors of India, you will surely like this recipe with two of the most popular spices in Indian cuisine, all with the simplicity and comfort of a homemade dish.

Le Creuset Balti dish

Ingredients

• 900 g skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper
• 1/3 can of tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp tandoori masala
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp toasted cashews
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Basmati rice and naan bread to accompany

Preparation

1. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the garlic and the two masala spices. Set aside.
3. Heat the Balti Dish on medium-high heat for one minute. Add the vegetable oil.
4. When the oil shimmers and begins to smoke, add the onions with a pinch of salt and fry until translucent. Next, add the tomato paste mixture and mix well.
5. Add the chicken thighs and cover with the tomato paste mixture.
6. Now, pour in the chicken broth and lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 25 minutes, or until tender.
7. Carefully remove the chicken with tongs and serve on a plate. You can add more seasoning if you like. Garnish with chopped cashews and cilantro.
8. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread, enjoy!