One Pot Chicken Balti

I still remember the first time I tasted this One Pot Chicken Balti—my aunt had made it during a rainy weekend when we were all gathered at her place. The kitchen smelled of spices, garlic, and tomatoes simmering gently, and we couldn’t wait to dig in.

It wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience. The rich aroma, the vibrant color, the tender chicken, and the warmth of the spices brought everyone to the table. Since then, this dish became one of my comfort foods, and now, I’ve recreated it in a one-pot version that keeps the soul of the original but makes the process faster and cleaner.

If you’ve never tried homemade Chicken Balti before, this recipe is a perfect place to start.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about recipes that bring back memories and save you time. This One Pot Chicken Balti is exactly that. It delivers deep, complex flavor without the hassle of juggling multiple pans or steps.

It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and comforting. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze—just one pot to wash. The spices blend together beautifully, and the chicken turns out so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

I love serving it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread—it’s a simple, satisfying meal that never disappoints.

What You’ll Need to Make This Magic

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful One Pot Chicken Balti:

• 1 kg chicken breast or thigh, cut into medium-sized chunks
• 2 large or 3 medium onions (around 600g), finely sliced
• 5 large vine tomatoes (around 500g), chopped
• 200 ml oil of your choice (I like using sunflower oil for this)
• 20g fresh ginger, finely diced
• 30g fresh garlic, finely diced
• 4 green chilies, slit or chopped (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder (adds color and mild heat)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp regular chili powder (optional, for more heat)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 250 ml water, to help create the gravy

How to Make One Pot Chicken Balti

Step 1: Prep the Base

In a large pot over medium heat, pour in the oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re golden and caramelized—this step builds deep flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Build the Aromatics
Toss in the diced ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the aroma hits you. Honestly, this is one of my favorite smells in the kitchen.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

Now, add your chopped vine tomatoes and cook until they break down into a thick, rich masala base. This takes around 10–12 minutes—totally worth it!

Step 4: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in all your spices: salt, coriander powder, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, regular chili, and garam masala. Mix until everything’s coated and smelling incredible.

Step 5: Time for the Chicken

Add in the cubed chicken pieces and stir to coat them well with the masala. Let it cook for 5–6 minutes so it starts to absorb all that flavor.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in 250ml of water, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is beautifully thick.

Step 7: Finish with Flavor

Crush the kasoori methi between your palms and stir it in. Top with fresh coriander for that final pop of freshness.

Hack It! (Optional Tweaks I Love)

Swap chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Add a handful of baby spinach in the final minutes of cooking for a healthy twist.

Want it creamier? Stir in a spoon of yogurt or cream at the end for a richer sauce.

Serve It With…

Steamed basmati rice

Garlic naan or buttery paratha

A cool cucumber raita to balance the heat

Pickled onions or lemon wedges for extra zing

More Recipes to Explore

• One Pot Chicken and Rice
• One Pot Masoor Dal
• One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pieces add even more flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle kick thanks to the green chilies and chili powders, but you can always reduce the amount of spice to suit your taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just reheat gently and add a splash of water if needed.

Every time I make this One Pot Chicken Balti, it reminds me why I fell in love with home cooking in the first place—simple ingredients, deep flavors, and that warm feeling of sharing something truly special. I hope it brings the same joy to your table.