Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce. This recipe balances traditional spices with a smooth, luxurious sauce, making it a perfect dish to enjoy with basmati rice or naan.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating, Grilling/Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
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 Cooking the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon oil (for searing or grilling)
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)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and oil. Mix well to create the marinade. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan, skillet, or broiler over medium-high heat. Drizzle a little oil on the pan and sear the marinated chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until slightly charred and fully cooked. Alternatively, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Set the cooked chicken aside while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the Masala Sauce: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili powder, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add the crushed tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Add sugar if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the grilled chicken pieces into the simmering masala sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the chicken tikka masala hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- The dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 230g)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Recipe, Gordon Ramsay Chicken, Spiced Chicken Curry, Creamy Indian Curry