Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or substitute with sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. (Pro tip: Marinating longer deepens the flavor, but I’ve done it with just an hour when time was tight.)
- Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes. This step is key for building flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnish or another use—my family loves sneaking those crispy bits later as a snack.
- Add the marinated chicken (along with any leftover marinade) to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and the flavors melding beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to become luxuriously creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. If you like it spicier, a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder works wonders.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala, recipe, cooking, food
