Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by combining the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Heat a tablespoon of butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant. Pour in tomato puree, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional spices if desired.
- Mix in heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring well. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter or ghee for extra richness. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot over steamed rice or warm naan bread.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor depth.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight for more intense flavor.
- Finish with a drizzle of fresh cream or a dollop of butter for creaminess.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste—add more chili for heat or more garam masala for aroma.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg