Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt (for marinade)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garam masala (divided)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee for searing
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 more garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1.5 cups good quality tomato purée or passata
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp kasuri methi (optional)
- Additional butter or cream for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt, garlic, ginger, chili powder, and 1 tsp garam masala.
- Add chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Heat oil or ghee in a hot pan. Sear chicken pieces in batches until browned. Set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked).
- In the same pan, add unsalted butter. Sauté chopped onion until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato purée. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Toast cumin, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, paprika, and remaining garam masala in a little butter for 30 seconds, then stir into the tomato base.
- If too thick, add a splash of water.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Stir constantly to avoid curdling.
- Return chicken to pan and simmer 10–15 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Add crushed kasuri methi if using. Stir and taste for seasoning. Add sugar or salt if needed.
- Garnish with cream, butter, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Use tomato purée, not canned tomatoes, for smoothness. Always toast your spices for best flavor. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut cream. Leftovers are great for wraps, pasta, or even pizza!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg