Chicken Tikka Masala features succulent pieces of chicken that are marinated in a yogurt sauce mingled with fragrant Indian spices, then skewered, grilled, and simmered in a luxuriously creamy curry sauce. Positively bursting with flavor, this is guaranteed to rival your favorite restaurant or takeout version!
Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, make the marinade by combining the yogurt, lemon juice, oil, spices, garlic and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and stir to thoroughly coat. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight.
Grill the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and arrange them on a lined roasting rack or a lined baking sheet.Preheat the oven to 500 F. Roast the chicken on the top rack under the broiler for 10-12 minutes, turning once, or until the chicken is lightly charred on the edges.*Reserve the juices that dripped to the bottom of the rack and add them to the sauce along when you add the grilled chicken.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken is roasting, heat the ghee in a large saucepan and cook the onions over medium-high heat until they're caramelized. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another two minutes.Add all of the spices and cook for another minute or two. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the tomato puree, water, salt and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir in the cream.
Remove the grilled/roasted chicken pieces from the skewers and add them to the sauce along with the reserved drippings from the roasting pan.Bring the sauce back to a simmer, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Add salt to taste.
Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with some more chopped cilantro and serve with hot basmati or jasmine rice and fresh naan bread.