Easy Chicken Tikka Masala (Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1½ cups plain whole-milk yogurt
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 6 whole cardamom pods, crushed
• ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (from 1-large bunch)