Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

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Chicken Tikka Masala is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This version, inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s take, brings the boldness of Indian spices together with the finesse of restaurant-style presentation. The tender marinated chicken, the rich tomato-cream sauce, and that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy make every bite unforgettable.

While it may look like a dish that requires hours of technique, it’s surprisingly approachable. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests with your cooking skills, this Chicken Tikka Masala delivers a bold punch of flavor with minimal stress. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a trusted favorite, offering both comfort and flair.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Masala

You get restaurant-style taste with homemade satisfaction. The marinade deeply flavors the chicken while keeping it juicy and tender. The sauce is a symphony of spices mellowed with cream for that signature richness. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t overwhelm your kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible enough to serve with rice, naan, or even roasted vegetables.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. They stay juicy during cooking and soak up the marinade beautifully. You can use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut, but thighs give you that indulgent, juicy texture that makes tikka masala stand out. Whatever cut you choose, make sure it’s cut into even pieces to cook uniformly.

Ingredients for the Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe calls for a handful of well-loved ingredients that combine to create a bold, fragrant, and creamy dish. Each one plays a role in building depth, from the marinade to the sauce.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they hold up well to marination and high-heat cooking.
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and balances the richness of the sauce.
• Garlic: Essential for that aromatic kick.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and complexity.
• Garam masala: A key spice blend that gives tikka masala its signature flavor.
• Ground cumin: Deepens the earthy spice profile.
• Paprika: Adds color and a hint of sweet smokiness.
• Chili powder: Brings the gentle heat.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors together.
• Oil: Helps in grilling or sautéing the marinated chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness to the final sauce.
• Onion: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
• Tomato puree: Delivers body and tanginess to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce smooth, velvety, and indulgent.
• Fresh cilantro: A bright finish to garnish the dish.

How To Make the Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all the dry spices in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until it’s charred and nearly cooked through. Set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt butter and add the onion. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic, ginger, and the rest of your spices. Let them bloom until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Add the tomato puree and simmer until slightly thickened. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce turns a rich, orange hue.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce and let it finish cooking through, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is best served hot, ladled generously over fluffy basmati rice or with warm, buttery naan to scoop up every bit of that creamy sauce. This dish can feed about 4 to 6 people comfortably, making it a wonderful choice for family dinners or small gatherings.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more satisfying. You can also freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala?

Basmati Rice

Light and aromatic, basmati rice soaks up the rich sauce perfectly without overpowering the dish.

Garlic Naan

Soft, chewy, and just the right amount of garlicky, naan is essential for scooping up every last bite.

Cucumber Raita

This cooling yogurt-based condiment helps balance the warm spices and adds a refreshing contrast.

Mango Chutney

Sweet and tangy, chutney adds a bright layer of flavor that complements the savory richness of the masala.

Roasted Cauliflower

Lightly spiced and roasted until golden, it makes a great healthy and textural side.

Indian Pickles

A little goes a long way to add tang and a hit of intense flavor.

Chana Masala

Add a scoop of chickpea curry on the side for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option.

Spiced Lentils

Warm, comforting, and filled with fiber, lentils make a filling accompaniment.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this bold and comforting Chicken Tikka Masala, then you’re definitely going to want to try these other favorites from my collection:

• Easy One-Pan Mozzarella Chicken Recipe for a quick cheesy skillet meal.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for cozy baked comfort.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken when you need something hands-off and delicious.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a rich pasta night.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli that delivers comfort in every spoonful.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use thighs or go for chicken breast? Did you spice it up more or keep it mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook with confidence.

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Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is the ultimate way to bring restaurant flavors home. With its creamy sauce, tender marinated chicken, and layered spices, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction in every spoonful. Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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