How to cook chicken tikka masala

ok so I'm going to start at the top of ingredients list and working my way down. throw the cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl

rub this mix into the chicken on both sides

cover with plastic wrap and put into the fridge for at least 30-60 minutes. let it chillllllllll

chop your garlic (2T) and ginger (1T)

whisk together yogurt, oil, garlic, and ginger and set aside or in fridge. (still working from the top of the list)

now we're moving the the second part of the list under "masala sauce" chop your onions.

combine minced garlic, serrano, tomato paste, and garam masala into a small bowl.

like so. I'm a big prepper if you can't already tell.

open your can of crushed tomatoes and add your salt and sugar into the can (trust me it will be easier when you are throwing it all together later)

heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering and add your onions. sauté for 8-10 minutes until light golden. stirring frequently.

add your spices and paste bowl and cook stirring until fragrant about 3 minutes.

it will start smelling insanely delicious at this point.

add in your tomato can (with the salt and sugar) bring it up to a boil, then drop it to medium-low and walk away. well not too far. stir it here and there. cook for about 15 minutes.

ok we're ready for that chicken now. oh wait did I already say to turn on your broiler, no? ok do it now. get that yogurt mixture ready. and put aluminum foil on a sheet pan with a rack on top.

dip the chicken in the yogurt mixture on both sides. really get it on there. (you can keep the extra yogurt mixture for when you flip them but throw out any extra cause it's all gross and chickeny.)

broil your chicken on both sides. depending on how thick it is for about 12-18 minutes. flipping half way through. it should get these glorious blackened spots on them. that's called flavor my friend!

pull them out and let them rest for 5 minutes.

add the buttermilk into your masala sauce. it's what gives it that orange color.

mmmmm orangey. turn the heat off.

chop your chicken into bite sized pieces.

throw them into your sauce. and mix all up in there.

mmmmmmmmmmasala

you won't even want to order Indian delivery again! here I have it served with spiced cauliflower and potatoes, raita, naan, and rice. and followed it up with a mango lassi! enjoy!