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Authentic Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

4.1 from 46 reviews

Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of authentic Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring tender marinated chicken cooked to perfection in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This classic Indian-inspired dish combines aromatic spices with a luscious yogurt marinade and a luxurious cream sauce, perfect for serving with basmati rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to create a smooth marinade. Add the cubed chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight to enhance the flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, place the marinated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each batch for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken back to the pan. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce’s flavors. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
  6. Serve: Garnish the dish generously with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For more flavorful chicken, marinate overnight if time permits.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the dish’s spiciness according to personal preference.
  • Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts can be used but may be slightly drier.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and yogurt with a non-dairy alternative.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Gordon Ramsay recipe, Indian chicken curry, tikka masala sauce, creamy chicken curry, Indian spiced chicken