Balti Chicken... Sounds Fancy Doesn't It?

This Balti Chicken recipe is so easy. It sounds all fancy-pantsy, but nope. Not at all. 

It's just a really fun trick. Make something that's really easy for your family and guests that sounds really exotic and let your family believe that you are a creative genius.. Because you know you really are any who! Everyone else may as well be clued in!

There's a lot of spices involved, but don't get scared. It's worth it. The smells that came from the blend of Indian spices nearly had me diving head first into the crock pot before the chicken was done cooking!

But don't worry, I was supervised. I always need supervision. Always in all ways. 

And I made this Balti Chicken in the crock pot for another easy approach. I love to just set it and forget it and a few hours later, Poof! Dinner is ready! It's the perfect answer to a busy weeknight meal for your family. Or a lazy Saturday Dinner!

The crock pot really is like this magic assistant in the kitchen helping make our lives easier isn't it?

Plus this is loaded with healthy ingredients including Cinnamon, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and all those spices help keep all of our organs running! I'm telling you this meal will keep everyone guessing.

Ever played the "Guess what spice your tasting?" game? With this recipe it will make the dinner table a sure fire fun place to be. No one will guess Garam Masala will they? If so, they deserve a super duper prize (like no doing dishes for the week perhaps?)


Have fun with the great, rich flavors and check out how healthy you will feel below in the "Mental Health Benefit". This recipe isn't just delicious! As always it packs powerful health enhancing spices and herbs! 

Serve with roasted broccoli on the side for some added iron and something else to dip up this yummy sauce with!


Cheers!

Balti Chicken

4 pounds Chicken Breasts 
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
3 Medium Onions; minced
8 Cloves Garlic; minced
1 Cinnamon Stick
2 tsp. All Spice
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1 tsp. Ginger
1 tsp. Garam Masala
1 tsp. Chili Powder
2 (28 ounce) Cans Diced Tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) Can Tomato Paste
Juice of 1 Lemon
1/4 cup Plain Fat Free Yogurt

1. You know what we do first if your me right? That's right I use the bone-in chicken breasts. So the first step is taking off the fat and cutting the chicken into 4 ounce pieces. If you are using boneless skinless bless your heart and just skip forward.

2. Mince the onions and garlic. Heat a large skillet with the olive oil, or if you're like me your crock pot has a saute feature and a slow cook feature. (I know I rub it in every single time don't I? Sorry 'bout that.) Saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil until they are translucent.

3. Transfer the onions and garlic to your crock pot set to low and add the cinnamon stick, all spice, cumin, ginger, garam masala, and chili powder. Yummy! Stir it all together and just let your nose get happy!

4. Now in a separate bowl combine the diced canned tomatoes and the tomato paste and stir until smooth. Then add the tomatoes to the crock pot spice mixture.

5. Now add your chicken breasts and the non-fat plain yogurt.

6. Then cut your lemon in half and using a reamer get all the lemon juice into your yummy chicken. 

7. Continue to stir to combine and then put the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5. 

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve! Delicious! Your family and friends will be so impressed!


Servings: 14


Nutritional Skinny:

154 calories / 3.4 g fat / 7.4 g carbohydrates / 1.3 g fiber / 22.5 g protein


Mental Health Benefit: I want to talk a little about Garam Masala. This isn't your everyday spice, but it's not just one spice it's a blend that includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon, but may also included nutmeg or bay leaves. Some of the health benefits of this combination of spices include anti-inflammatory components brought by the cinnamon which also helps boost brain function and control blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Cumin is also an excellent source of iron and aids in digestion and also has cancer fighting properties. Coriander also helps diabetics control blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties that help lower cholesterol. All in all this spice is definitely worth investing in and sprinkling on roasted vegetables, baked fishes, and grilled meats!

Enjoy these new flavors! Cheers!