Name: Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon oil (for searing); 1 ½ cups tomato puree; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

If you love a dish that is both fiery and comforting, Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is one of those recipes that delivers rich satisfaction in every bite. Known for his high standards and flavor-forward cooking, Ramsay’s take on this classic dish is packed with punchy spices, luscious sauce, and tender marinated chicken that melts in your mouth.

This recipe isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the experience. The sizzling of the pan, the warm aroma of ground spices, and the beautiful orange hue of the sauce make this dish just as exciting to cook as it is to devour. Whether you’re preparing it for a quiet night in or serving it at a lively gathering, this version of Chicken Tikka Masala is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen. The chicken is marinated for maximum tenderness, then seared to get that crave-worthy char before bathing in a bold, spiced tomato-cream sauce. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that works for weeknights and dinner parties alike. The balance of creaminess and heat is perfection, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the go-to here. They have more flavor and stay juicy even after being seared and simmered. However, if you prefer a leaner cut, boneless chicken breasts can be used—just be careful not to overcook them during the sear. Whichever cut you choose, the marinade does wonders to infuse flavor and keep the meat tender.

Ingredients for the Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

The magic of this dish lies in its layers of flavor, and that all begins with the ingredients. Each component is chosen for a reason—from the creaminess that tames the heat to the blend of spices that gives the sauce its deep complexity. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this iconic dish to life:

Boneless Chicken Thighs
These offer richer flavor and juicier texture than breasts, making them ideal for searing and soaking up the sauce.

Greek Yogurt
Used for marinating the chicken, it tenderizes the meat while locking in flavor.

Garlic & Ginger
Freshly minced, these are essential for that deep aromatic base in both marinade and sauce.

Garam Masala
A warm, balanced blend of spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. It’s the heartbeat of this curry.

Turmeric & Paprika
Turmeric adds a golden color while paprika brings a gentle smoky sweetness.

Tomato Puree
Creates the tangy, rich body of the masala sauce.

Heavy Cream
Softens the spice and gives the sauce its silky finish.

Cilantro
Bright and herby, it’s perfect for a final fresh garnish.

How To Make the Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika in a bowl. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and let marinate for at least an hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat with a splash of oil. Sear marinated chicken until browned on all sides. You want a bit of char for that signature tikka bite. Set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add more garlic, ginger, and a bit of oil. Once aromatic, stir in tomato puree, remaining spices, and cook down until thickened.

Step 4: Simmer Together

Add seared chicken back into the sauce and stir in heavy cream. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes, letting the chicken soak in the masala richness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice or naan and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

How to Serve and Store Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

This dish is best served fresh and piping hot, just as the cream begins to thicken and the chicken is infused with all that aromatic flavor. Ladle it generously over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or plate it alongside warm naan bread to soak up the sauce. Each bite is a warm, savory embrace that satisfies deeply.

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala feeds 4 to 6 people comfortably, depending on portion size. If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Let the curry cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

What to Serve With Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala?

Basmati Rice

Light and fluffy, basmati rice is the traditional pairing. Its subtle aroma complements the bold flavors of the masala.

Garlic Naan

Soft, buttery, and garlicky—this bread is the perfect vehicle for scooping every drop of sauce.

Cucumber Raita

A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and mint helps balance the heat of the curry.

Roasted Cauliflower

Crispy cauliflower florets seasoned with cumin or curry powder are a hearty veggie side that blends perfectly.

Mango Chutney

The sweet and tangy bite of chutney pairs deliciously with the spice of the tikka masala.

Pickled Onions

A sharp, acidic crunch adds contrast to the creamy sauce and rich chicken.

Tandoori Vegetables

Grilled seasonal vegetables seasoned with Indian spices make for a vibrant and nutritious side.

Lassi

A cold, creamy mango or salted lassi makes for a refreshing drink to cool your palate after a spicy meal.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala recipe has you craving even more flavor-packed meals, check out these other unforgettable chicken creations from Janet Dishes:

• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe for a tangy, bright seafood option that complements curry night leftovers.
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl if you’re looking for a lighter, protein-packed lunch.
• White Chicken Enchilada Casserole when you want cozy comfort with a cheesy twist.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a crunchy, oven-baked crowd-pleaser.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for the ultimate indulgent dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicier? Swap the cream for coconut milk? Serve it with homemade naan?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. If you have any questions, drop them below. Let’s keep the kitchen conversation going!

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Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience of bold, balanced flavors and satisfying textures. From the marinated, seared chicken to the creamy, fragrant sauce, every component brings something special to the table. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is always a hit. And once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.