Butter chicken, also called murgh makhani, is a very popular Indian dish. It is a type of curry made with tender chicken in a creamy, spiced sauce. The sauce is usually made from tomatoes and lots of butter (makhan). It has a rich and smooth texture that many people love. This dish is similar to chicken tikka masala, another well-known curry.
How Would You Describe Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. With its rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce and tender, juicy pieces of chicken, this curry has gained immense popularity far beyond the borders of India. But how exactly would you describe this mouthwatering dish? Let’s break it down into the key components that make butter chicken so irresistible.
Origins: To understand butter chicken, we must first look at where it came from. Kundan Lal Gujral, who opened the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India, in the 1950s and came up with the dish. The story goes that he made the recipe by accident while trying to use up leftover tandoori chicken. When Gujral mixed grilled chicken with a tomato gravy that had butter and cream added to it, the famous butter chicken was born. It became very popular very quickly outside of Moti Mahal, all over India, and then all over the world.
ChickenAt the heart of the dish is the chicken itself. Chicken thigh or breast meat without bones is usually used because it is tender. The chicken is marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices, which makes the meat more tender and gives it flavor. After that, it is grilled in a tandoor oven or fried in a pan to get a smoky char. The chicken in a butter chicken curry should be very moist, juicy, and full of flavor when it’s cooked right.
Sauce
The sauce is what really makes this dish stand out. It starts with a pureed tomato base seasoned with aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, coriander and fenugreek. Onion, tomato paste and chili powder provide sweetness, tanginess and a touch of heat. The addition of heavy cream or butter gives the sauce its signature rich, silky and indulgent texture. As the sauce simmers, the flavors meld together into a heavenly blend.
Spices: The sauce itself doesn’t have a strong flavor, but the spices add a lot of depth and warmth. Garam masala is one of the most important spices. Turmeric provides its golden color and earthiness. Cumin and coriander lend a subtle nutty and citrusy note. When mixed correctly, these spices make the other ingredients taste great without being too strong.
TextureIn addition to its luxurious taste, butter chicken is loved for its velvety texture The smooth, creamy sauce coats each tender morsel of chicken generously Every bite delivers a burst of juicy chicken followed by the rich sauce. The creaminess perfectly complements the basmati rice or naan bread served alongside.
Aroma: This dish gives off a wide range of wonderful smells as it cooks. The tomatoes add a nice sourness, and the spices give it an exotic smell. There are hints of smoke from the grilled chicken and a nutty smell from the fenugreek. This fragrant bouquet is enough to make your mouth water.
Heat
While some curries can be intensely spicy, a hallmark of butter chicken is its mild heat. The use of cream and butter helps temper the chili powder, making this dish very palatable and family-friendly. The result is a warmth that adds complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
Sweetness
To balance out the spices, butter chicken has a subtle sweetness, mainly from the tomatoes. Onions, tomato paste and sugar also boost the sweet tones. This prevents the dish from becoming too hot and bitter, and complements the creaminess beautifully. Just a touch of sugar brings everything into balance.
Customization
One of the great things about butter chicken is how customizable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less chili powder. For a healthier version, cream can be replaced with plain yogurt. There are even vegetarian and vegan adaptations made with paneer or tofu. The basic components can be tweaked to suit your preference.
When you break it all down, butter chicken is the ultimate harmony of flavors, textures and aromas. The chicken offers tender juiciness, the sauce provides creamy indulgence, and the spices deliver layers of complex warmth. Combined in perfect unison, these elements create a dish that satisfies all the senses. The next time you try butter chicken, savor each component and you’ll understand exactly why it has achieved global fame.
Butter Chicken Around the World
The first recipe for “Murgh makhani” was written down in 1974. A year later, in 1975, the name “butter chicken” first appeared in print. This was at an Indian restaurant in Manhattan, USA.
Today, butter chicken is popular all over the world. In places like Toronto and the Caribbean, you can find it on pizza, in wraps, or in rolls. In Australia and New Zealand, its even used as a pie filling! Its a favorite dish in India and many other countries.
How Butter Chicken is Made
Making butter chicken involves a few steps. First, the chicken is prepared.
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FAQ
How would you describe the taste of butter chicken?
Butter chicken tastes rich and creamy, with a hint of heat from the Indian spices and sweet notes from the butter and cream. Mar 28, 2025.
How do you describe butter chicken curry?
Butter Chicken is a rich, fancy curry that tastes and feels like the creamy marble walls and jaw-dropping grandeur of India’s Taj Mahal (Feb. 1, 2024).
What defines butter chicken?
Butter chicken is a type of curry made from chicken cooked in a spiced tomato and butter (makhan)-based gravy. The gravy is typically known for its rich texture. It is similar to chicken tikka masala, which uses a tomato paste. The dish originates in Delhi, India.
What can you compare butter chicken to?
Butter chicken and tikka masala are extremely similar and both consist of chicken in a tomato curry sauce. Nevertheless, tikka masala has a little more heat, while butter chicken has a milder, creamier taste. If you love chicken tikka masala, you’ll also love this butter chicken recipe!.
What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken is a savory and popular Indian dish that has gained immense popularity across the globe. With its creamy texture and juicy bits of chicken, it has become a must-try for foodies everywhere. Butter chicken has a rich history and a unique taste that sets it apart from other Indian curries.
What does butter chicken taste like?
Butter chicken is known for its rich sauce that is flavorsome, thick, and creamy. Using butter, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream this dish is highly indulgent. How Do You Eat Butter Chicken? This Butter Chicken transforms into comfort food in a bowl when it is just served with some steamed Basmati rice.
Is Butter Chicken Spicy?
While butter chicken does contain spices, it is not typically very spicy. The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference, but the dish is generally known for its mild and balanced flavors. What is the best way to serve butter chicken? Butter chicken is commonly served with naan bread, rice, or roti.
How to make butter chicken at home?
With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. To make the perfect Butter Chicken at home, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices for at least an hour.
Why is butter chicken a popular Indian dish?
Fresh cilantro leaves are often used as a garnish, adding a burst of freshness and color to the dish. In summary, Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich history, vibrant color, creamy texture, and complex flavors. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to those who savor it, making it a favorite in Indian cuisine and beyond.
Why is butter chicken famous?
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this rich and creamy chicken curry has captivated the taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide.