It’s a simple butter chicken recipe I’ve refined over the years and shared widely. The sauce achieves the ideal creamy consistency—neither too thick nor too thin. Adjust the salt and spices to match your preference. Look for garam and tandoori masala in your grocery store’s ethnic section.
Table of Contents
As someone who craves bold and intense flavours, it’s no wonder that Indian cuisine is one of my absolute favourites. A cosy night with a good curry and a Netflix binge? That’s my idea of a perfect Friday evening.
While I enjoy cooking Indian dishes at home, the long list of ingredients can sometimes feel overwhelming. The recipes aren’t too tricky once everything is on hand, but gathering all the spices often means a memorable trip to the Indian grocery store—which is quite a drive for me.
Butter Chicken, however, is a beautiful exception. I was thrilled when I came across a chef’s recipe and realized its simplicity. The best part? You can find all the ingredients right at your local supermarket. Yes, please!
What is butter chicken sauce made of?
This flavorful recipe features diverse ingredients that work harmoniously together to create a rich and satisfying dish.
- Water serves as the base, providing the necessary liquid to unite all elements.
- Tomatoes are essential, contributing sweetness and acidity and enhancing the overall flavour profile.
- Cream adds a luxurious richness, making the dish creamy and indulgent.
- Unsalted butter contributes to the butter flavour, enhancing the overall texture.
- Vegetable Oil is included for sautéing, helping to create a beautifully cooked foundation.
- Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavour.
- Modified Corn Starch acts as a thickening agent, giving the dish a pleasing consistency.
- Tomato Paste Concentrate intensifies the tomato flavour, enriching the overall taste.
- A blend of spices is crucial for depth and warmth, making the dish complex.
- Dried Onions offer a subtle sweetness and umami, enhancing the flavour base.
- Ginger brings a touch of warmth and zest, complementing the other ingredients.
- Garlic adds aromatic depth, making it a beloved staple in cooking.
- Salt is necessary for enhancing and balancing flavours throughout the dish.
- Lactic Acid is added for a touch of acidity, brightening the overall taste.
- Paprika Extract provides a lovely colour, mild warmth, and earthiness.
- Citric Acid contributes an additional layer of acidity, enhancing the freshness of the dish.
- Finally, Dried Fenugreek Leaves offer a unique, slightly bitter flavour that ties everything together, adding an authentic touch.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only rich in flavour but also bursting with complexity, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
What is the difference between tikka and butter chicken?
Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are two iconic dishes that hold a special place in the hearts of Indian cuisine enthusiasts.
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is renowned for its luxurious, creamy tomato sauce, which is rich and velvety, making it an indulgent choice for many. This dish features tender pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices and yoghurt, then cooked in a sauce that combines tomatoes, butter, and cream. The resuButtera symphony of flavours, where the sweetness of the tomatoes harmonizes beautifully with the spices, creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. The buttery sauce envelops the chicken, making every bite a delight.
On the other hand, Chicken Korma offers a different experience, known for its milder yet equally delightful taste. This dish typically features chicken cooked in a yoghurt and nut-based gravy, often enriched with various spices, including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The nuts—such as almonds or cashews—add a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, while the yoghurt tenderizes the chicken, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish. The unique combination of spices gives Chicken Korma its distinctive aroma and depth, setting it apart from more robust curry options.
What truly distinguishes these two dishes is their unique flavour profiles. Butter Chicken Masala is characterized by its rich and savoury tomato base. At the same time, Chicken Shahi Korma offers a more delicate balance, showcasing the yoghurt’s creaminess and ground nuts’ earthiness. Both dishes reflect the culinary diversity of Indian cuisine, making them popular choices for those looking to explore the rich tapestry of flavours this cuisine offers. Whether you prefer the opulence of Butter Chicken or the subtle sophistication of Chicken Korma, each dish promises a memorable dining experience that celebrates the best of Indian cooking.
What is the difference between butter chicken and korma masala?
Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are two cherished staples of Indian cuisine that have captured the hearts and palates of food lovers worldwide.
Butter Chicken, known as Murgh Makhani, is renowned for its luxurious and creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish is an indulgence in every sense, featuring succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices and yoghurt before being cooked to perfection. The result is a rich sauce that beautifully combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the buttery goodness that gives the dish its name. Each mouthful is a delightful experience, as the velvety sauce envelops the tender chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying flavour profile that many find irresistible.
In contrast, Chicken Korma presents a different but equally enticing culinary journey. This dish is characterized by its milder yet intensely flavorful taste, offering an aromatic and rich unique balance. The gravy is often made with yoghurt and ground nuts, such as almonds or cashews, contributing to a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. The spices used in Chicken Korma, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, create a fragrant profile that elevates the dish without overwhelming the palate. The use of yoghurt not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a delightful tang that complements the richness of the nuts.
What truly sets these dishes apart are their distinct flavour profiles. Butter Chicken Masala showcases the robust and savoury essence of the tomato sauce, delivering a rich and indulgent taste that feels luxurious with each bite. Meanwhile, Chicken Shahi Korma offers a more delicate experience, highlighting its spices’ complexity and nut-based gravy’s creaminess. Together, they represent the diversity of Indian cooking, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are unforgettable dishes that invite you to explore the rich tapestry of flavours found in Indian cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of Butter Chicken or the nuanced flavours of Chicken Korma, each dish promises a culinary adventure that will leave a lasting impression.
Is butter chicken traditionally Indian?
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is an iconic Indian dish with roots in Delhi, where it was first created. This delightful curry features tender chicken pieces marinated and cooked in a luxurious, creamy sauce made from tomatoes and butter, which gives it the Buttermakhani,” meaning buttery in Hindi. The dish is celebrated for its rich, smooth texture that envelops the chicken, making each bite a decadent experience.
The sauce is a harmonious blend of spices, including garam masala, cumin, and coriander, which infuse the dish with warmth and depth. Unlike chicken tikka masala, which also features a tomato-based sauce, butter chicken tends to be creamier and often incorporates a generous amount of butter to enhance its richnButterhile both dishes share a tomato foundation, butter chicken typically utilizes fresh tomatoes and less tomato paste, resulting in a subtly sweeter and more balanced flavour profile.
Butter chicken’s popularity has led to its adaptation and variation in many parts of the world, but the traditional preparation remains a favourite among those seeking authentic Indian flavours. Served with naan or steamed basmati Rice, this dish provides a comforting and satisfying meal that reflects the culinary artistry of Indian cooking. Its combination of spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken creates a truly unforgettable dining experience, making butter chicken a beloved choice for casual dinners and special occasions.
What thickens butter chicken sauce?
Four Methods to Thicken Your Curry Sauce
- Tomato paste or puree
- Cornstarch
- Yoghurt
- Reduce by simmering
Is butter chicken spicy or not?
Butter Chicken is celebrated for its indulgent, rich, and creamy texture, which comes from the liberal use of butter throughout the process. The sauce is meticulously blended to achieve a velvety smooth consistency that perfectly coats the tender chicken pieces, resulting in a comforting and luxurious experience. The harmonious balance of spices and the creamy base create an opulent and satisfying dish.
In contrast, Chicken Tikka Masala offers a different texture and flavour profile. Its sauce is chunkier, filled with hearty pieces of tomatoes and onions that add a delightful texture and complexity. This dish tends to be more robust in flavour, showcasing a medley of spices contributing to its distinct heat. While both dishes are tomato-based, the preparation and ingredients set them apart significantly.
Moreover, Butter Chicken is typically milder in spice, making it accessible to a broader audience, including those sensitive to heat. Butter Chicken focuses on the sauce’s richness and the tender, marinated chicken, allowing the natural flavours to shine through without overwhelming the palate. In contrast, Chicken Tikka Masala often packs a punch, appealing to those who enjoy a spicier experience.
While Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala share a common heritage and a love for bold flavours, their unique textures and spice levels create distinct culinary experiences that cater to varying tastes and preferences. Each dish offers a delightful journey through the vibrant world of Indian cuisine, making them popular choices for anyone seeking a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, separated
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
Directions
Step 1: Prepare all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced onioButtergarlic, cooking slowly for about 15 minutes until the onion turns a deep brown and caramelizes.
Step 3: While cooking onions, combine the cream, tomato sauce, remaining butter, salt, and cayenne pepper butter garam masala in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, stir in the caramelized onions.
Step 5: While the sauce is simmering, coat the chicken pieces with vegetable oil and season with tandoori masala. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the chicken in the oven for around 12 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink in the centre.
Step 7: Add the baked chicken to the sauce, simmer for 5 minutes, and serve hot.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavours that encapsulate the essence of Indian cuisine. Renowned for its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken pieces, this iconic meal offers a delightful balance of creaminess and spice that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. The buttery, spiced tomato sauce is perfectly crafted, creating a luxurious experience that pairs beautifully with warm naan or fragrant basmati Rice. Each bite is a journey through a tapestry of flavours, where the warmth of spices meets the comforting richness of the sauce, making it an ideal choice for both casual meals and special gatherings.
What sets Butter Chicken apart is its ability to cater to a wide range of palates. Its mild spice level makes it accessible even to those who may be wary of spicier dishes while still delivering a depth of flavour that keeps you coming back for more. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a memorable dining experience.
If you haven’t tasted Butter Chicken yet, now is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this culinary gem. Whether you make it from scratch or order it from a local Indian restaurant, you’re in for a treat. Embrace the rich flavours, the creamy texture, and the joy it brings. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow a recipe, and experience the magic of Butter Chicken for yourself. It’s a dish that promises to impress and satisfy, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of Indian cuisine!