Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender pieces of marinated chicken with a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce. This recipe brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your kitchen, offering a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish featuring marinated chicken pieces (tikka) cooked in a spiced curry sauce. The sauce is known for its vibrant color and creamy texture, blending flavors of tomatoes, aromatic spices, and cream. It’s a beloved dish in Indian restaurants worldwide and has become a staple in many households.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Spaghetti
• Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Chicken Stuffed with Chorizo and Cannellini Beans
• Gordon Ramsay Crab Cakes
• Gordon Ramsay Parmesan Risotto

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

• Authentic Flavor: Experience a restaurant-quality dish with a balance of spices and creaminess.
• Homemade Delight: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this classic dish in your own kitchen.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your personal preference.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Impress family and friends with a flavorful and aromatic meal.
• Versatile Pairings: Pairs well with various sides like rice, naan, or vegetables.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

For the Marinade:

• 800g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1½ tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (or ½ teaspoon ground red chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 small onions, finely diced
• 1½ tablespoons finely grated garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
• 1½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 400g tomato puree (or passata)
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups heavy cream (or evaporated milk for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ cup water (if needed)
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped, for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each piece for about 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the grated garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Spices: Add garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and ground coriander. Cook for about 20 seconds until the spices release their aroma.
4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the tomato puree, Kashmiri chili powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in color.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add Cream and Sugar: Stir in the heavy cream and brown sugar, mixing well to combine.
2. Return Chicken to Pan: Add the seared chicken pieces and any accumulated juices back into the pan.
3. Simmer Until Cooked: Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Accompaniments:

• Steamed Basmati Rice – The light, fluffy texture of basmati rice pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy tikka masala sauce.
• Garlic Naan or Roti – Soft and warm naan bread is ideal for scooping up the flavorful sauce.
• Jeera (Cumin) Rice – Fragrant cumin-infused rice enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
• Raita – A cooling yogurt-based side dish with cucumbers and mint to balance the heat.
• Pickled Onions – Tangy, slightly spicy onions add a nice crunch and acidity.
• Vegetable Side Dishes – Roasted cauliflower, sautéed spinach, or grilled bell peppers complement the dish well.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala?

• Spicy Mango Chutney – A sweet and tangy chutney provides contrast to the rich masala sauce.
• Crispy Papadums – These light, crunchy lentil crisps add texture and crunch.
• Lassi (Yogurt Drink) – A mango or salted lassi helps balance the spiciness of the dish.
• Chili Paneer – A spicy, Indo-Chinese dish that works as an appetizer or side.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

• Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and more tender than chicken breast.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Letting the chicken sit in the yogurt-spice marinade for at least an hour enhances tenderness and taste.
• Sear the Chicken Properly – Cooking the marinated chicken until browned adds depth to the flavor before simmering it in the sauce.
• Simmer the Sauce Slowly – Allowing the sauce to cook for at least 10-15 minutes intensifies the flavors.
• Balance the Spices – Adjust the level of chili powder to control the heat. If the sauce is too spicy, add a bit more cream or a teaspoon of sugar to balance it.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

• Spicy Version – Add extra Kashmiri chili powder or fresh green chilies for more heat.
• Creamier Masala – Increase the cream content for a richer, silkier texture.
• Healthier Alternative – Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Grilled Tikka Masala – Instead of pan-searing, grill the marinated chicken for a smoky, tandoori-style flavor.
• Vegetarian Tikka Masala – Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or roasted vegetables.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Chicken tikka masala freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Stovetop Method (Best for Maintaining Texture)

• Reheat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Microwave Method (Quick Option)

• Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.

Avoid Overcooking

• Overheating can cause the chicken to become dry. Heat gently to maintain its tenderness.

FAQs

Is Chicken Tikka Masala Spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.

Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes! Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and dairy-free yogurt for the marinade.

What’s the Difference Between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?

Butter chicken is sweeter, milder, and creamier, while chicken tikka masala has more pronounced spices and a richer tomato-based sauce.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

It’s best to use raw marinated chicken for maximum flavor, but you can add pre-cooked grilled or roasted chicken to the sauce if needed.

What Type of Tomatoes Should I Use?

Use tomato puree or passata for a smooth sauce, or canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s easy to make at home. The combination of spiced yogurt-marinated chicken and a velvety tomato-based sauce creates an unforgettable meal. Serve it with fluffy rice, warm naan, and cooling raita for the ultimate dining experience. Try this recipe today and enjoy the taste of an authentic, restaurant-quality curry right from your kitchen!

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