Easy Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Tikka Masala is packed with layers of bold, aromatic spices, making it a comfort food favorite. The chicken is marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices, ensuring that every bite is tender and full of flavor. The masala sauce is rich and creamy, balancing the heat from the spices with a touch of sweetness from the cream and sugar. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice, this dish is a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors that’s sure to impress your guests or elevate any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil

For the Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for finishing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Marinade:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and oil. Mix well.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Toss until all the pieces are coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

For the Masala Sauce:

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter (or ghee) and add the oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Let the spices cook for a minute or two to release their flavors.
5. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
7. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the sauce become smooth and creamy.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes to heat through.
9. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spicy Version: Add more chili powder or a chopped fresh chili to increase the heat.
• Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the Chicken Tikka Masala on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re more tender and flavorful, making them a great choice for this dish.

2. Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor.

3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, canned crushed tomatoes work perfectly and save time. Use a 14 oz can for the sauce.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Tikka Masala in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

5. What’s the difference between ghee and butter?

Ghee is clarified butter, meaning the milk solids are removed. It has a higher smoke point and a nuttier flavor compared to regular butter.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.

7. Is Chicken Tikka Masala spicy?

Chicken Tikka Masala has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on how much chili powder you add. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.

8. Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes, you can make this dish with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It will still be rich and flavorful.

9. Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger paste?

Yes, fresh ginger works well in this recipe. Grate it finely to match the consistency of ginger-garlic paste.

10. Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala without tomatoes?

While tomatoes provide a rich base for the sauce, you can substitute the tomatoes with more yogurt or coconut milk for a different flavor profile, though it won’t have the same depth.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s easy to make at home but delivers restaurant-quality taste. The marinated chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and complex spice blend come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. Whether served with basmati rice or naan, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with your cooking skills. Enjoy the depth of flavor and the comforting warmth that makes Chicken Tikka Masala a beloved classic!

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