Name: Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: indian inspired
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade; 2 large chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp oil; For the Masala Sauce; 2 tbsp butter or ghee; 1 tbsp oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch ginger, grated; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp turmeric; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 1 tsp sugar (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating restaurant-quality Indian food at home, this Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala is a must-try. Inspired by the world-renowned chef’s bold take on traditional Indian flavors, this dish combines juicy marinated chicken with a rich, creamy, spice-packed tomato sauce that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive weekend feast, this recipe is sure to win over spice lovers and skeptics alike.

Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic flavor with minimal fuss – This recipe nails the restaurant-style taste while using ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
Incredibly tender chicken – Thanks to a deeply flavorful yogurt marinade, the chicken is juicy and packed with Indian spices.
Rich, creamy, spiced sauce – The masala sauce is perfectly balanced with tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and either cream or coconut milk.
Customizable spice levels – Easily dial the heat up or down to suit your palate.
Perfect for meal prep – It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: you can find full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below)

For the Chicken Marinade

Boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
Greek yogurt
Lemon juice
Ginger-garlic paste
Spices: turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt
Oil

For the Masala Sauce

Butter or ghee and oil
Onion, garlic, ginger
Spices: ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, chili powder
Tomato paste & crushed tomatoes
Heavy cream or coconut milk
Optional sugar
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the marinade spices.
Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and coat evenly in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan, skillet, or broiler over medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the surface and cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Set chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.

3. Make the Masala Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden.
Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Stir for 30 seconds.
Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in crushed tomatoes.
Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Reduce heat and slowly stir in cream or coconut milk. Add sugar if needed and season with salt and pepper.

4. Combine & Serve

Add grilled chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat.
Simmer for 5 more minutes to blend the flavors.
Finish with lemon juice and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.

Variations

Make it dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt in the marinade and full-fat coconut milk in the sauce.
Go vegetarian: Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or roasted chickpeas.
Extra spicy: Add more chili powder or fresh chilies to suit your heat tolerance.
Smoky flavor boost: Grill the chicken over an open flame or broiler for maximum char.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled curry in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge.

Is this dish spicy?

It has medium heat, but you can adjust the chili powder to make it milder or hotter based on your preference.

Can I use store-bought curry paste?

This recipe uses dry spices for a more homemade flavor, but in a pinch, a good quality tikka masala paste can work.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

Overnight gives the best results, but even 1 hour will make a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor.

What’s the best chicken cut for tikka masala?

Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier, but breasts are leaner and cook quicker.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky depth that elevates the whole dish.

Can I skip blending the sauce?

This version doesn’t require blending, but you can blend it for a smoother finish if you prefer.

What’s a good substitute for cream?

Full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully and makes it dairy-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in spinach, peas, or roasted cauliflower for extra nutrition and texture.

What should I serve with tikka masala?

Classic basmati rice, naan, roti, or even cauliflower rice are great options.

Conclusion

This Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala is everything a great curry should be—creamy, spiced, savory, and full of depth. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and yields restaurant-worthy results. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan and enjoy an unforgettable meal that rivals your favorite takeaway.