Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version of Chicken Tikka Masala offers a perfectly balanced blend of spices, creamy sauce, and juicy chicken that’s marinated for maximum flavor and tenderness. The slow-cooked masala sauce is rich and silky, while the lemon juice adds brightness to each bite. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that’s ideal for dinner parties or elevating weeknight meals.

Ingredients

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

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 piece 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)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and oil. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, turning once. Alternatively, grill the chicken for smoky flavor.
3. Prepare the Masala Sauce: Heat butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and sugar if using. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marination)
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour (including marination)

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Add fresh green chili or cayenne for extra heat.
• Incorporate roasted bell peppers or peas into the sauce for added texture.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier.

What is ginger-garlic paste?

It’s a blended mixture of fresh ginger and garlic, commonly used in Indian cooking. You can make your own by blending equal parts ginger and garlic.

Can I skip the marination?

Marination enhances flavor and tenderness but is optional if you’re short on time.

Is this recipe spicy?

You can adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference.

Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes, cook chicken pieces in a hot pan until browned and cooked through before adding to the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and ghee/butter substitutes.

What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?

Basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted vegetables.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Simmer uncovered until it reduces or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious, aromatic dish that balances tender marinated chicken with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with an accessible method, making it a fantastic choice for both special occasions and comforting weeknight dinners. Serve it with rice or naan and enjoy the rich, vibrant taste of this classic Indian favorite.

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