chicken tikka masala

Ingredients

• MARINADE
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup 2% plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic, pressed
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon mild paprika
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (substitute kashmiri chili)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
• SAUCE
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons ghee butter
• 2 cups yellow onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, pressed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 can (14 oz./400 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup 35% heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish