Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for better flavor. |
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. |
Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. |
Make the sauce: Add the remaining ground spices to the pan (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder) and stir for a minute to toast the spices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. |
Add the cream and chicken: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and return the seared chicken to the pan. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste. |
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with rice or naan bread. |