Description
A rich and flavorful chicken tikka masala with aromatic spices, creamy sauce, and a hint of char from perfectly cooked chicken thighs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 ½ cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Let this sit for at least an hour, though overnight brings out deeper flavor. I often prepare this part in the morning so dinner comes together effortlessly later.
- When you’re ready to cook, heat a pan until it’s hot and cook the marinated chicken in batches. You want a slight char on the edges—it adds that irresistible smoky depth that defines a good Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala. Set the chicken aside once browned.
- In the same pan, add oil and sauté the onions until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and ginger, letting their aroma bloom. Then pour in the tomato puree along with spices and sugar. Let this simmer gently until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Now comes the transformation. Stir in the cream and watch the sauce turn silky and rich. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, coating every piece in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 10–15 minutes so everything melds together beautifully.
- Finish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with rice or warm flatbread.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared in advance, and the flavors improve if allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or naan bread.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg