Name: Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian-British
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon garam masala 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 medium onion, diced; 1.5 cups tomato puree 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Salt to taste Oil for cooking

Velvety, spiced, and irresistibly rich, Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavor-packed dish that fuses British comfort with Indian tradition. Juicy chicken chunks are marinated in yogurt and spices, seared to perfection, then simmered in a creamy tomato-based curry that clings to every bite. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can absolutely conquer in your own kitchen.

This recipe balances boldness and creaminess so beautifully that each mouthful feels like a hug for your tastebuds. Whether you’re trying tikka masala for the first time or perfecting a long-time favorite, Ramsay’s method guarantees a satisfying result that’s both elegant and deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Flavor Explosion: Layers of spice, tangy yogurt marinade, and a velvety sauce create a punch of flavor.
Authentic Yet Accessible: Ramsay’s version brings restaurant-quality taste without overly complex steps.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, with naan, or even as a filling for wraps.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavor improves the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is one of those dishes that disappears fast—even picky eaters go for seconds.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To nail this Chicken Tikka Masala, a few key tools are your best friends:

Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken evenly with yogurt and spices.
Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Delivers a high sear on the chicken pieces without overcooking.
Blender or Immersion Blender: For pureeing the tomato-onion sauce into that signature creamy consistency.
Chef’s Knife: Crucial for dicing onions, mincing garlic and ginger, and slicing the chicken.
Spice Grinder (Optional): To get the freshest flavors from whole spices like cumin or coriander seeds.

Ingredients for the Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Boneless Chicken Thighs: More flavorful and tender than breast, thighs soak up the marinade and stay juicy.
Greek Yogurt: Acts as the marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with creamy tang.
Garam Masala: A fragrant Indian spice blend that gives the dish its warm, earthy backbone.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to both marinade and sauce.
Cumin: Brings nuttiness and complexity to the curry layers.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Essential aromatics that create a bold and authentic flavor base.
Onion: When sautéed and blended, gives the sauce natural sweetness and body.
Tomato Puree: Builds the rich, red curry base and balances out the spices with acidity.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and mellows the bold spices.
Fresh Cilantro: Brings brightness and color to the final dish.

How To Make the Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together Greek yogurt, garam masala, paprika, cumin, garlic, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, sear the marinated chicken until browned on all sides. It doesn’t have to cook through—this is all about developing flavor. Set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same pan, sauté diced onions until soft and golden. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, and paprika. Cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Return to the pan and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Add the seared chicken back into the creamy sauce and let it simmer on low heat until fully cooked and infused with flavor—about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

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

How to Serve and Store Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Serving:

This dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice, warm naan bread, or jeera rice for extra aromatic flair. For a more filling dinner, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the creaminess of the sauce. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream or ghee for an indulgent presentation.

Storing:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and intensify after a day, making it even more delicious. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and absorb marinade better than breasts.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute coconut yogurt for the marinade and full-fat coconut milk for the cream to make a dairy-free version that still delivers rich flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle warmth but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the heat by adding fresh chili or extra paprika based on your preference.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, the sauce deepens in flavor overnight. Simply reheat gently and stir well before serving.

What’s the best way to get a smooth sauce?

Use a high-powered blender or immersion blender after cooking the onions and spices. This ensures a silky, restaurant-style finish.

Can I use store-bought garam masala?

Yes, store-bought works well, but freshly ground garam masala from whole spices offers more aroma and authenticity.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this flavorful Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala, here are more bold and satisfying dishes to explore:

Try the Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a creamy, crunchy delight.
Looking for wrap-friendly comfort? Check out Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
Spice things up with the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe—a fusion of heat and sweet.
Make your weeknight dinner effortless with One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
Or dive into the comforting flavors of Chicken Street Tacos, perfect for taco night.

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Have you made this Chicken Tikka Masala? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you use extra chili or try it with coconut milk? Leave a comment below and let’s share our cooking tips and stories.