Name: Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cumin; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; Salt to taste; 1 ½ cups tomato puree; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’ve ever craved a dish that bursts with flavor and feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is exactly what you need. This iconic recipe combines tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant mix of spices and yogurt, simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s perfectly balanced with garam masala and fresh herbs. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises vibrant colors, irresistible aromas, and soul-satisfying tastes that bring friends and family together in the best way.

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this dish right is all about the quality and balance of simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the spices that build depth and warmth to the creamy elements that ensure every bite feels indulgent without being heavy.

Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, the thighs stay moist and soak up the marinade beautifully for maximum flavor.
Plain yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer in the marinade while adding subtle tanginess to the chicken.
Garam masala: This blend of spices delivers the signature earthy warmth that defines the dish.
Turmeric: Offers a golden hue and delicate earthiness to the marinade and sauce.
Cumin: Gives the dish a smoky, slightly nutty backdrop that complements the more vibrant spices.
Garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungent depth and a little zing that wakes up the palate.
Fresh ginger, grated: Bright and slightly spicy, it offers freshness that balances the creamy sauce.
Tomato puree: Creates the rich, velvety base for the sauce with natural sweetness and acidity.
Heavy cream: Smooths out the sauce and makes it luxuriously rich without overwhelming the spices.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a fresh herbal note right at the end, making the dish pop with color and flavor.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the marinade and the sauce.

How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this aromatic marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered. Cover and let the chicken soak up these flavors in the fridge for at least one hour, though overnight really lets the spices penetrate deep, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready. Place the marinated chicken pieces onto the pan, letting them sear until beautifully browned on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet; this step locks in the spices and adds a lovely caramelized texture. Once browned, remove them and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add more garlic, ginger, and a bit of the leftover spices if desired. Sauté these until their amazing aroma fills your kitchen, about 2 minutes. Then pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering develops the sauce’s depth, mellowing the acidity and bringing out natural sweetness.

Step 4: Add Cream and Chicken

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, creating a silky, lush sauce that perfectly balances the spices. Then return the seared chicken into the pan, nestling it into the warm sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Let everything simmer together for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final simmer ensures the chicken cooks through and the sauce thickens just right—not too runny, not too thick—clinging deliciously to every piece of chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of fresh cilantro for that unmistakable fresh, green burst. Your Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic and most vibrant garnish, adding color and a herby lift. For an extra touch, a wedge of lemon on the side or a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds can enhance the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

This dish is a dream partner with fluffy basmati rice or warm, buttery naan. These sides not only soak up the luscious sauce but also create a well-rounded meal that’s hearty and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of fragrant pilaf with toasted nuts and raisins, or spoon it alongside roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor contrast. To impress guests, try layering the chicken and rice in clear glasses for a visually stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully thanks to its rich sauce and tender chicken. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming, and add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage. This keeps every bite luscious and creamy—just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy, chicken breast can work as well. Just be careful not to overcook it since it’s leaner and dries out faster.

Is garam masala spicy?

Garam masala is aromatic and warm but typically not very spicy in terms of heat. It’s a blend of spices that add depth and complexity rather than intense heat, making it perfect for this dish.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the plain yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. It’ll change the flavor subtly but keep the delicious creaminess.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating for at least one hour works well, overnight marination allows the spices to really penetrate, resulting in a richer, more intense flavor throughout the chicken.

What can I do with extra sauce?

Extra sauce can be refrigerated and used as a delicious dip for naan bread, a sauce for grilled veggies, or even as a base to add cooked chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian variation.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious, accessible way to enjoy a classic dish full of flavor and heart. Once you try making it at home, I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something spectacular. So grab those spices and get cooking — your kitchen is about to be filled with magic!

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and spices, then simmered in a tomato and cream sauce. This recipe balances bold flavors with a smooth sauce, perfect for serving with rice or naan.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan and sear until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Spices and Tomato Puree: In the same pan, add a little oil if needed, then sauté garlic, ginger, and additional spices (if desired) until they become aromatic. Pour in the tomato puree and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, which helps develop its rich flavor.
Add Cream and Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, coating them well with the sauce.
Simmer to Finish Cooking: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your preference.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
If you prefer a spicier tikka masala, consider adding chili powder or fresh chopped chilies during the sauce preparation.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or use half-and-half.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Indian