Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, rich, and packed with warm spices, Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is comfort food at its finest. This beloved dish brings together tender marinated chicken, a luxurious tomato-based sauce, and a perfect blend of Indian-inspired seasonings. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or planning an impressive dinner for friends, this recipe delivers.

Unlike takeout versions that can sometimes be greasy or overly heavy, this homemade version strikes a beautiful balance of flavor and texture. The marinade deeply infuses the chicken with spices, while the sauce is luscious yet light enough to keep you going back for seconds. Every bite is a burst of deliciousness that hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Masala

This dish isn’t just tasty – it’s an experience. It’s the kind of recipe that gets better with every bite and even better the next day. It’s also surprisingly simple to make, using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps.

Gordon Ramsay’s method brings a chef’s precision to this crowd-pleasing favorite without making it overly complicated. The bold marinade, the slow simmering, and the final creamy finish come together to create restaurant-quality results at home.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken Tikka Masala?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are your best bet for this recipe. They stay moist and flavorful throughout the marinating and cooking process. While you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, thighs give you that juicy, tender bite that’s essential for the best Chicken Tikka Masala.

---

Ingredients for the Chicken Tikka Masala

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you need and why:

• Chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, these absorb the marinade and stay succulent during cooking.
• Plain yogurt – Forms the base of the marinade, tenderizing the meat and adding tanginess.
• Garlic and ginger – Freshly grated for maximum flavor in both the marinade and the sauce.
• Garam masala – A warm spice blend that’s essential to the dish’s bold flavor.
• Turmeric, cumin, and coriander – These spices provide depth, earthiness, and a beautiful golden color.
• Chili powder or cayenne pepper – For a subtle kick of heat (adjust to taste).
• Tomato puree – Creates the base of the sauce, giving it body and a rich umami punch.
• Heavy cream – Adds luxurious creaminess to balance the spices.
• Butter – For richness and that unmistakable tikka masala smoothness.
• Fresh cilantro – Brightens the final dish with color and a hint of herbal freshness.

How To Make the Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, grated garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. Add chicken thighs, coating them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook until browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked – it will finish in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté more garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree and remaining spices. Let simmer until the sauce deepens in color and thickens slightly.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce

Add the partially cooked chicken to the sauce. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until creamy and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top and serve hot with rice or naan.

---

Serving and Storing Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

This hearty dish feeds about 4 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Serve it piping hot for the best experience – that creamy sauce and warm spices really shine fresh off the stove.

To store leftovers, let the chicken tikka masala cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What to Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala?

Basmati Rice

The fluffy, lightly aromatic grains are perfect for soaking up that rich, spiced sauce.

Garlic Naan

Warm, soft naan with garlicky butter is a must-have side for scooping up every last bite.

Cucumber Raita

A cooling yogurt-based side that balances out the heat of the masala.

Roasted Cauliflower

Adds a mild, nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Mango Chutney

Sweet and tangy, it offers a delicious contrast to the savory richness of the dish.

Samosas

These crispy pastry pockets make for an excellent starter before diving into your main dish.

Pickled Red Onions

Their tang and crunch cut through the creaminess for a nice textural balance.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, chicken tikka masala actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.

2. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use a plant-based yogurt for marinating the chicken.

3. Can I use store-bought garam masala?
Absolutely. Store-bought garam masala works perfectly here, though freshly ground will provide more vibrant flavor.

4. How spicy is this version?
This recipe has a moderate heat level. You can easily adjust the chili powder or cayenne to make it milder or spicier.

5. What if I don’t have a grill pan?
No problem. You can sear the chicken in any heavy-bottomed skillet or even bake it at 400°F until slightly charred.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more chili or keep it mild? Did you try a twist with coconut cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comforting classics on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen favorite!

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that truly brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it to impress dinner guests, it delivers every single time. With just a bit of prep and a handful of spices, you can recreate this restaurant-quality classic right in your own kitchen. Give it a try and taste the magic for yourself.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: