Chicken Tikka Masala

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs , or breasts, chopped into pieces
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons canola oil
• 4 whole peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf (Indian bay leaf if you have one)
• 2 whole cloves , or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 yellow onion , chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 inch fresh ginger , grated
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 bird's eye chili , , or a small piece of jalapeño, chopped, (optional for spicy)
• 1 ounce can diced tomatoes , or 3 roma tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper , or more, for extra spicy
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 cup coconut milk , or heavy cream

For Serving:

• ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro
• Hot cooked basmati rice
• Naan, chapati, or rotis