Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 cup (240g) plain whole-milk yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala (divided)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp garam masala (for sauce)
• 1 tsp cumin (for sauce)
• 1 tsp coriander (for sauce)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (for sauce)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Basmati rice or naan for serving

Instructions

1. 1Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt for at least 15 minutes (overnight if possible).
2. 2Char the chicken in a hot skillet with oil for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized. It doesn't need to be fully cooked yet. Set aside.
3. 3In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, cook 8 minutes until deeply golden.
4. 4Add garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute. Add dry spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric). Bloom for 60 seconds — this is the flavor foundation.
5. 5Add crushed tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
6. 6Add cream and charred chicken. Simmer 10 more minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is rich. Serve over basmati rice with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition (per serving)