Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut into 10 pieces
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • One 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • One 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, such as Muir Glen
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Method

  • For the chicken and marinade: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Combine the yogurt with the paprika, coriander, cumin, cayenne, lemon zest, cinnamon, garlic and ginger in a mixing bowl.
  • Mix together well then pour into a resealable plastic bag.
  • Add chicken pieces and shake around to coat all the pieces evenly.
  • Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 1 hour.
  • Heat a grill to high.
  • Wipe down the grates with an oil-blotted paper towel to create a nonstick surface.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and wipe off any excess.
  • Grill the chicken pieces until well-marked, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • For the sauce: Set a Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • (Alternatively, you can cook in a pressure cooker.
  • Simply cut the cooking time in half and cook over medium heat with medium pressure.)
  • Coat with the oil and add the butter.
  • Add the garlic and onions.
  • Cook until translucent and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste, paprika and garam masala.
  • Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to toast the spices and cook the tomato paste.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, vinegar and grilled chicken pieces.
  • Stir well and simmer until the chicken is tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Finish the sauce with the heavy cream.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with the cilantro.
  • Wine paring for meal: dry Riesling or sparkling wine