Creamy, bold, and absolutely unforgettable, Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a curry lover’s dream. This dish takes the rich traditions of Indian cuisine and blends them seamlessly with Ramsay’s precise, flavor-forward technique. With every bite, you’ll taste a tender, spiced chicken bathed in a tomato-cream sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy, spicy, and comforting.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or indulge in a cozy weeknight meal, this version of chicken tikka masala will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s all about depth: marinated chicken that’s perfectly charred, a sauce that simmers down into velvety richness, and a final flourish of fresh herbs. Homemade never tasted so luxurious.

What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala Special?

It starts with the marinade. Ramsay emphasizes a bold yogurt and spice blend that tenderizes the chicken and adds complexity from the get-go. Once grilled, the chicken has a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy, spiced tomato base.

The sauce is a slow build of layers—onions, garlic, ginger, and a medley of spices that get toasted for full flavor. Ramsay finishes it with cream and butter, lending a silky finish that’s downright crave-worthy. Unlike many quick curries, this one develops flavor gradually, and the result is well worth the extra step.

Ingredients for the Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs provide juiciness and richer flavor than breast meat, ideal for soaking up the bold marinade.

Greek Yogurt: Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the meat and clinging beautifully to spices.

Ginger & Garlic Paste: Essential for the foundational flavor in both marinade and sauce.

Garam Masala, Paprika & Cumin: These spices infuse warmth, smokiness, and earthiness. Ramsay recommends toasting them briefly for best results.

Tomato Puree: Brings richness and a slightly sweet acidity to balance the spices.

Heavy Cream & Butter: Key for the luxurious, velvety texture of the final curry.

Onions: Sautéed until golden, they lay the groundwork for the sauce’s deep flavor.

Fresh Cilantro: A garnish that adds brightness and freshness right before serving.

How To Make the Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, cumin, salt, and lemon juice. Add chicken thighs and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the most flavor.

Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until they have a nice char on the outside and are cooked through. Set aside and let them rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In a large sauté pan, melt butter and add finely chopped onions. Cook until golden and soft. Add ginger-garlic paste, cumin, garam masala, and paprika. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato and Simmer

Pour in tomato puree and stir to combine. Let it cook down for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and deepen.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Add heavy cream and a touch more butter to the sauce. Stir gently until smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Slice the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving and Storing Chicken Tikka Masala

This dish is best served hot over a bed of fragrant basmati rice or alongside fluffy naan bread. For a complete experience, pair it with a side of cucumber raita or lightly sautéed greens to balance the spice.

Leftovers store beautifully! Transfer any extra chicken tikka masala to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. It also freezes well for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this version of chicken tikka masala?

It’s medium-spiced, with warmth from the garam masala and paprika. You can reduce or increase the heat by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh chili to the sauce.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to be a bit drier. Marinate them longer to help retain moisture.

Do I need a grill for the chicken?

No grill? No problem. A stovetop skillet or oven broiler can still give you a good char on the chicken.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free yogurt in the marinade. The result will still be rich and delicious with a tropical undertone.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or even roasted cauliflower. All of these absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

What sides pair well with tikka masala?

Try garlic naan, rice pilaf, pickled onions, or a crisp kachumber salad. Their textures and freshness complement the creamy curry wonderfully.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Chicken Tikka Masala, here are some other crave-worthy chicken dishes that bring serious flavor to your table:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty, creamy twist.
One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner when you need a cozy, low-effort meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you love pasta night with a buttery kick.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a hearty one-pan wonder.
Homemade El Pollo Loco Copycat when you’re craving a smoky grilled vibe.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever you’re in the mood for comforting curry vibes.

And don’t forget to share your results! Did you tweak the spice levels? Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dollop of yogurt on top? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Follow me on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes for daily food inspiration, comfort food twists, and weeknight winners.

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Print Recipe

Description

This rich and creamy Chicken Tikka Masala inspired by Gordon Ramsay features juicy, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection, simmered in a velvety tomato and cream-based curry sauce. Bold, comforting, and full of aromatic flavor, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, cumin, salt, and lemon juice. Add chicken thighs, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until nicely charred and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a sauté pan, melt butter and add chopped onion. Cook until golden. Stir in ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Add tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat until thickened and flavorful.

5. Add Cream and Butter: Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining butter until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Slice chicken into chunks and add to the sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to marry flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro.