Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in the world, bringing the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine to dinner tables across the globe. While there are countless variations of this dish, Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala stands out as one of the most refined, flavorful, and accessible versions. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly spiced masala sauce, and a rich creaminess makes it a favorite for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through every step to recreate this classic dish. So let’s dive into the heart of Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala recipe!

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

Chicken Tikka Masala has become a staple in many households, but when made properly, it transforms into a restaurant-quality experience. Gordon Ramsay’s version takes this dish to the next level with carefully balanced spices, tender grilled chicken, and a luxuriously creamy masala sauce. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying a craving for rich and flavorful Indian cuisine.

The combination of yogurt-marinated chicken, charred to perfection, and a deep, flavorful tomato-based sauce makes this dish a standout. What’s even better? It’s incredibly versatile—serve it with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or a side of crispy vegetables for a meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala, the following ingredients are needed:

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 the Masala Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch 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)

These ingredients are essential to crafting an authentic, flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala. The balance of spices will bring depth to your dish while the creamy sauce and marinated chicken will provide the perfect textures. Let’s explore how to bring all these ingredients together!

Instructions for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

1. Marinate the Chicken

The first step in creating Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala is marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and oil. Stir well to form a smooth paste.

Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour. However, if you have more time, marinating it overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken is well-marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s charred and cooked through. The grill marks will give the chicken a smoky flavor that’s integral to the dish.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the masala sauce later.

3. Prepare the Masala Sauce

To make the flavorful masala sauce, start by heating the butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it turns soft and golden. This is where the base flavor of the sauce begins to develop.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for an additional minute. The combination of garlic, ginger, and onion creates an aromatic base that’s essential to the dish.

Next, stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Let the spices cook for a couple of minutes to release their oils and flavors. This is crucial for ensuring the spices are well-incorporated into the sauce.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Once the spices are fragrant, add the tomato paste and cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help intensify the tomato flavor and create a rich base for your sauce. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, season the sauce with salt, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and blend with the spices, developing a smooth, savory base.

After 10 minutes, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version) and the sugar (if using). The sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the sauce a smoother, more complex flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the cream thicken and envelop the spices.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has reached a rich, creamy consistency, add the sliced chicken pieces into the pan. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce and let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish and Serve

Before serving, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. This will add a touch of brightness and acidity that helps balance the richness of the dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Serve your Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala hot, paired with basmati rice or warm naan bread. The creamy, spiced sauce is perfect for scooping up with a piece of naan or spooning over a bowl of fragrant rice.

Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala – Easy Recipe Guide

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinate the chicken properly: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you can, let the chicken sit in the marinade overnight.
Adjust spice levels: You can adjust the amount of chili powder based on how spicy you like your dish. If you prefer a milder version, start with less chili powder and gradually add more to taste.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices make a huge difference in flavor. If possible, grind your spices just before using them to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free option, simply swap the heavy cream with coconut milk, and use a dairy-free yogurt in the marinade.
Grill the chicken for extra flavor: Cooking the marinated chicken on a grill pan imparts a smoky flavor that truly elevates the dish. If you don’t have a grill pan, you can also use a regular skillet.

Nutritional Information

This Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala recipe serves approximately 4 people. A single serving contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size. The dish is rich in protein from the chicken and provides a good amount of healthy fats from the cream or coconut milk. Pair it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala, you might also enjoy these related recipes that offer similar flavors and cooking methods:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you make Chicken Tikka Masala like Gordon Ramsay?

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala involves marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, grilling it, and cooking it in a creamy tomato-based sauce with garam masala and other Indian spices. His version emphasizes rich flavors and a balanced spice level.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s most famous dish?

One of Gordon Ramsay’s most famous dishes is Beef Wellington, a classic British dish featuring beef tenderloin wrapped in mushroom duxelles and puff pastry.

How do you reduce the spiciness in Chicken Tikka Masala?

To reduce spiciness, add more cream, yogurt, or coconut milk to the sauce. You can also balance heat with sugar, honey, or a splash of lemon juice.

Which chef invented Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken Tikka Masala is believed to have been invented by a Bangladeshi chef in the UK, possibly Ali Ahmed Aslam of Glasgow, in the 1970s. However, its exact origins remain debated.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that beautifully combines bold spices, tender chicken, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for flavorful Indian cuisine. By following these detailed instructions and tips, you can make this restaurant-quality dish right at home.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the flavors of India with this mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. Happy cooking!

Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala – Easy Recipe Guide

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a restaurant-quality Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala made right at home! This flavorful dish features marinated, grilled chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, and aromatic tomato-based masala sauce. Perfectly spiced, incredibly comforting, and ideal to serve with naan or rice, this homemade version of a classic is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

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 the Masala Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch 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)

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and oil. Coat chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Cook Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare Masala Sauce: In a large pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and golden. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Simmer Sauce: Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream or coconut milk and sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Combine & Serve: Cut cooked chicken into pieces and stir into the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

For a milder version, reduce chili powder and add more cream.
For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken over an open flame.
Coconut milk alternative makes it dairy-free.
Best served with basmati rice or garlic naan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 1 hour marination)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop & Grilling
Cuisine: Indian-British Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Curry, Homemade Chicken Masala, Spicy Chicken Masala