Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients which almost everyone enjoys. It can be prepared in a multitude of ways but one of the most indulgent ways is Butter Chicken.
This thick, creamy Indian dish is rich in flavor and will have you thinking about it in your dreams. Often served with basmati rice and a slice of fluffy naan bread to dip in the remaining sauce, this traditional dish is mouth-watering.
However, if you have never tasted this incredible dish then you may be wondering what it tastes like. Below we explain what butter chicken tastes like and whether it may be something you will enjoy.
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is an authentic dish in Indian cuisine. Traditionally known as Murgh Makhani, the curry dish originated in New Delhi.
Over the years, Indian cuisine has become popular in the Western world. From a popular Chicken Tikka Massala to a spicy South Indian curry, more cultures are beginning to explore the spices and flavors of India.
A traditional butter chicken is made from chicken marinated and choked in a delicious creamy tomato-based sauce. Using heavy cream, this dish is super indulgent and is often saved for special occasions such as weddings.
Butter chicken was created in the late 1940s by migrants, Kindan Lal Jaggi and Kundan Lal Gujral. They founded the restaurant Moti Mahal in the Daryaganj neighborhood which became a popular hit in the area.
The curry was created “by accident” by combining leftover tandoori chicken in a buttery tomato gravy (Makhan). In the 1970s, the British took the dish home and the term butter chicken was created.
The popularity of this flavorsome curry has spread to the farthest corners of the world where each culture has added their twist to create its own unique version of butter chicken.
How To Make Butter Chicken
Creating butter chicken can be as exciting or as simple as you want it to be. With so many variations of the recipe, you can really create your own dish with your favorite flavors. One of our favorites is this Instant Pot version from Two Sleevers, but we have also included the classic version below if you don’t have an Instant Pot. If you want one, here’s a link to the model we use (full disclosure we earn a small amount if you use this link, which helps our small family:))
Let’s start with the basics for a traditional recipe:
1. Marinate Chicken in natural yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, red chili powder, and salt for 30 minutes to overnight.
2. In a sizable skillet or pot, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in groups of two or three when they begin to sizzle, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Just 3 minutes should be spent frying each side until browned. Keep heated and set aside. (You’ll complete the chicken’s cooking in the sauce.)
3. In the same pan, warm up the butter or ghee. The onions should be fried for about 6 minutes, sweating occasionally as you scrape off any browned parts that have gotten stuck to the pan’s bottom.
4. Add the ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala after sautéing the garlic and ginger for 1 minute until aromatic. Stirring occasionally, let fry for about 20 seconds or until aromatic.
5. Add salt, chili powder, and smashed tomatoes. Stirring occasionally, let the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until it thickens and turns a rich, dark crimson color.
6. Blend ingredients until smooth adding water as needed.
7. Once smooth stir in cream, sugar, and crushed kasoori methi through the sauce. Add chicken back to the pan and simmer until cooked through.
8. Serve with freshly prepared Naan bread and hot, garlic buttery rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.
What Does Butter Chicken Taste Like?
If you are unlucky enough to have never experienced the flavors of butter chicken, then buckle up! We are about to explain the true taste of butter chicken in a way that will have your mouth watering.
First up is the chicken. Cut into bite-sized pieces and left to marinate in the yogurt marinade, the chicken is seasoned to perfection. With each forkful, the chicken will fall apart in your mouth and have you begging for more.
Now, the sauce is where the magic really happens. Made with fresh ingredients, it is bursting with flavors to be explored. With the tomato-based sauce, it is savory with a perfect dash of sweetness.
Many fear that the chili powder will add too much spice but the sugar, cream, and yogurt keep things mellow and smooth. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors works well and doesn’t overpower. Making it perfect for children to enjoy.
The blend of spices used brings that curry flavor we all love to the forefront of the palette. You can easily adjust the level of sweetness and spice as you cook, just be sure to let that sweet element come through for the perfect flavor.
You can now begin to get a little experimental with your spices and aromatics. Add some nuts such as almonds or cashew to boost that creaminess. Or add a dash of cinnamon for a more aromatic flavor that will have everyone in wonder.
If you are looking for something to compare butter chicken to, it is often compared to a chicken korma or a tikka masala. However, there are slight differences that make them unique.
For example, tikka masala has a little bit more of a kick and includes onions for some added texture. Tikka masala is also cooked in oil while butter chicken is cooked in butter.
For those who want a simple yet indulgent dish that is overflowing with flavor without being spicy, butter chicken is an absolute must-try. You can either order from your favorite Indian takeout or get creative and cook it at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Butter Chicken Special?
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. However, this dish would be even more gratifying if you add some naan bread or yogurt flatbreads to dip in the delectable Butter Chicken sauce.
Is Butter Chicken Good For Weightloss?
Traditionally, butter chicken is not a good meal for weight loss. However, with a few healthy substitutes, it can be a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Swap natural yogurt for 0% Greek Yogurt, and heavy cream for light cream or milk for a source of healthy fats.
Final Thoughts
Butter chicken is a staple in Indian cuisine and rightfully so. With a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, this is the height of indulgence.
With equal parts spicy and sweet, this smooth curry is great for anyone sensitive to spice. You can also get super creative with this dish by adding different aromatics and ingredients to your curry.
Butter chicken is a truly unique dish, that brings together spicy and sweet elements to create something magical with every bite.
We highly recommend creating butter chicken in your kitchen or heading out to your local Indian restaurant to try some of the most authentic butter chicken flavors. It is worth every mouthful and calorie.
Don’t forget the rice and naan bread to soak up all that delicious gravy!
Butter Chicken: What Does It Taste Like? How To Make It
Recipe by AubreyCourse: Taste Like
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
30
minutes
Cooking time
40
minutes
Calories
300
kcal
Ingredients
Butter Chicken
Directions
Marinate Chicken in natural yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, red chili powder, and salt for 30 minutes to overnight.
In a sizable skillet or pot, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in groups of two or three when they begin to sizzle, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Just 3 minutes should be spent frying each side until browned. Keep heated and set aside. (You’ll complete the chicken’s cooking in the sauce.)
In the same pan, warm up the butter or ghee. The onions should be fried for about 6 minutes, sweating occasionally as you scrape off any browned parts that have gotten stuck to the pan’s bottom.
Add the ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala after sautéing the garlic and ginger for 1 minute until aromatic. Stirring occasionally, let fry for about 20 seconds or until aromatic.
Add salt, chili powder, and smashed tomatoes. Stirring occasionally, let the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until it thickens and turns a rich, dark crimson color.
Blend ingredients until smooth adding water as needed.
Once smooth stir in cream, sugar, and crushed kasoori methi through the sauce. Add chicken back to the pan and simmer until cooked through.
Serve with freshly prepared Naan bread and hot, garlic buttery rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
