Succulent Chicken Tikka Masala

1. Combine spices

Start by combining the garam masala, ground turmeric, ground cumin, hot paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. This will be your spice mix, the foundation of the dish's flavor.

2. Create marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of whole-milk yogurt, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 3 cloves of finely grated garlic, half of the grated ginger, and half of the spice mixture. Add the chicken to the bowl, making sure it's evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours, to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

3. Cook onions

After marinating, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden, about 5 to 8 minutes.

4. Add spices and tomato paste

Add the remaining garlic, ginger, and the spice mix to the pot, along with the tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste begins to caramelize on the bottom of the pot, about 2 minutes. This step deepens the flavor of the sauce significantly.

5. Add tomatoes and cream

Crush the whole tomatoes with your hands and add them, along with their liquid, to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and 1 cup of water, then season with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any caramelized bits. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

6. Broil chicken

While the sauce is simmering, turn on your oven's broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack inside. Remove the chicken from the marinade, scraping off any excess, and arrange the pieces on the rack. Broil the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side, then flip and broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. The chicken should be slightly charred and not fully cooked through.

7. Simmer chicken in sauce

Bring the tomato sauce back to a simmer if it has cooled down. Transfer the broiled chicken to the sauce, adding the remaining 0.5 cup of yogurt. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, until it is cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely.

8. Serve

To serve, divide the chicken and sauce among plates and top with coarsely chopped cilantro. Enjoy your succulent Chicken Tikka Masala with rice or naan for a hearty meal.