Description
This Gordon Ramsay chicken tikka masala recipe features tender, yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. A rich, flavorful classic you can easily recreate at home for a restaurant-quality experience!
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
- 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 cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, coat in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes per side until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a deep skillet, heat butter and oil. Sauté onion until golden, then add garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute. Add spices and stir for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Add cooked chicken, simmer 5 more minutes. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with cilantro.
- Serve: Serve hot with basmati rice and naan bread.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor.
- Use thighs for juicier chicken, or breasts for leaner meat.
- Coconut milk works well in place of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
