Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl and stir until well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
8. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
11. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Tikka Masala!