Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Yogurt (1/2 cup)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Garam masala (1 teaspoon)
• Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)
• Coriander (1/2 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1, finely chopped)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Tomato sauce (1 cup)
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
• Sugar (1 teaspoon)
• Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped)
• Basmati rice (2 cups, cooked)
• Naan bread (to serve)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the flavors to fully infuse.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, discarding any leftover marinade. Cook until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
6. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the sugar. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
8. Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
9. Serve hot with cooked Basmati rice and warm naan bread on the side.