Chicken Tikka Masala

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 cups cooked basmati rice

Instructions

1. 1Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
2. 2In a small bowl mix yogurt, lemon juice, half the minced garlic (cloves), half the grated ginger (1 tbsp), cumin, coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and salt.
3. 3Pour yogurt marinade over chicken, stir to coat, cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
4. 4When ready to cook, preheat broiler on high and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
5. 5Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, thread onto metal skewers or spread on the foil-lined sheet.
6. 6Broil chicken 4–5 inches from heat for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until charred in spots and cooked through (internal temp 165 °F). Set aside.
7. 7In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with the oil over medium heat.
8. 8Add diced onion and cook 6–7 minutes until soft and golden.
9. 9Add remaining cloves minced garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. 10Stir in remaining cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and the tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
11. 11Pour in crushed tomatoes, bring to simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
12. 12Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and simmer gently 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
13. 13Slide cooked chicken pieces off skewers and into the sauce; simmer 3–4 minutes so flavors marry.
14. 14Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over cooked basmati rice.