Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

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Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is what happens when rich British comfort food meets the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine in perfect harmony. This dish takes your average chicken dinner and elevates it with layers of bold flavor, a deeply spiced tomato-cream sauce, and tender pieces of marinated chicken that practically melt in your mouth. It’s a symphony of warmth and spice, balanced by the cooling touch of cream and fresh herbs.

The best part? While it feels gourmet, this version of tikka masala is completely doable in your own kitchen. With Gordon Ramsay’s signature techniques and a touch of Luna Meals simplicity, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering in a London curry house kitchen — but in reality, it took less than an hour to make.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala isn’t just flavorful, it’s an experience. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices for maximum tenderness, seared until beautifully charred, and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce that’s rich, tangy, and addictively fragrant. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for everything from cozy dinners to impressive meal prep.

The recipe is also flexible. Whether you prefer it spicier or more mild, heavier on the cream or more tomato-forward, you can tweak it to match your taste. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that hits all the right notes.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish. They stay juicy and flavorful through the marinating and cooking process. However, you can also use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option — just be cautious not to overcook it.

The key is to cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly, and to allow enough marinating time to infuse them with all the robust spices. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes of marinating will make a difference, but overnight will give you the most tender result.

Ingredients for the Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

To bring this iconic dish to life, you’ll need a few kitchen staples and some essential Indian spices. Each ingredient plays a specific role in building the complex layers of flavor this curry is known for.

• Chicken thighs
• Greek yogurt
• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric
• Paprika
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Tomato paste
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Fresh cilantro

The chicken thighs bring tenderness and richness that soak up the spices perfectly. Greek yogurt is the foundation of the marinade, helping tenderize and flavor the meat. Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika are the essential spices that build the profile of traditional tikka masala. Garlic and ginger provide sharp, aromatic depth, while lemon juice adds brightness.

Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Onion forms the flavor base of the sauce, while tomato paste and crushed tomatoes give the dish its deep red color and rich tang. Heavy cream rounds everything out with luxurious smoothness. Don’t forget salt to balance everything, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a herby finish.

How To Make the Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, lemon juice, grated garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until charred on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then sauté finely chopped onion until golden. Stir in tomato paste and cook until darkened slightly, then add crushed tomatoes and let it simmer to thicken.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Add heavy cream to the tomato mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then return the chicken to the pan and cook everything together until the chicken is fully done and tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread. Get ready to be transported with every bite.

How to Serve and Store This Chicken Tikka Masala

This recipe generously serves 4 people, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering. Serve it piping hot in shallow bowls over steamed basmati rice or with warm, pillowy naan for dipping into the rich, velvety sauce. Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it even better the next day. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala?

Basmati Rice

A classic pairing. Its light, fluffy grains soak up the curry sauce beautifully without overpowering the flavor.

Garlic Naan

The slightly chewy, charred flatbread is perfect for scooping up bites of chicken and sauce.

Cucumber Raita

This cooling yogurt-based side balances the warmth of the curry and refreshes your palate.

Indian-Style Pickled Onions

Tangy, crisp onions marinated in vinegar and spices bring brightness to every bite.

Roasted Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower with oil and a pinch of turmeric and roast until golden for a simple, savory veggie side.

Mango Chutney

Add a spoonful of sweet and spicy mango chutney to the side for a flavor contrast that sings.

Lentil Dal

A scoop of creamy, spiced lentils makes a satisfying and protein-packed addition.

Chai Tea

Finish your meal with a warming mug of masala chai to tie the whole experience together.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala, don’t stop here. There are plenty of bold and cozy meals you can try next:

• Try our comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice for Southern-style flavor in every bite.
• Satisfy a weeknight craving with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna that’s loaded with indulgence.
• Get cozy with a bowl of Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup — the ultimate feel-good meal.
• Or switch up your skillet game with Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for a veggie-forward twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 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 make it spicy or keep it mild? Serve it with rice or naan? I’m always curious how others enjoy this favorite!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight go-to: Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala delivers the perfect mix of fiery flavor, creamy comfort, and sophisticated spice. Whether it’s your first time making curry or you’re just looking for a better-than-takeout option, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s flexible, full of character, and impossible to forget. Next time you’re craving a dish with soul and heat, you know exactly where to start.

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