Balochi Chicken Tikka Masala

Balochi chicken tikka masala with tender grilled chicken in a spicy, flavorful tomato masala sauce.

Balochi Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful Pakistani-style chicken dish inspired by the bold cooking traditions of Balochistan. Tender chicken is marinated with yogurt, spices, ginger, garlic, and lemon, then cooked until juicy and beautifully charred. It is perfect with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken, cut into tikka pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp crushed dried fenugreek leaves (optional)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste or 2 tbsp crushed tomatoes
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, oil, chili powders, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, salt, black pepper, and dried fenugreek.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a heavy skillet, grill pan, or barbecue grill. Add the marinated chicken and cook over medium-high heat until browned and slightly charred on the outside and fully cooked inside.
4. Prepare the masala: In another pan, heat a little oil. Add sliced onion and cook until golden. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, then cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate.
5. Combine: Add the grilled chicken to the masala. Add green chilies and a small splash of water if needed. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the spicy sauce.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with fresh naan, tandoori roti, chapati, or basmati rice. A side of sliced onions, cucumber, and mint raita makes the meal even better.