What is the Difference Between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?

At Little Nepal in Regina, we take immense pride in serving some of the most beloved Indian dishes to our wonderful customers. As one of the most popular restaurants for Indian cuisine, we often get asked about the differences between two fan-favourite dishes: Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala. While both are creamy, flavorful, and downright delicious, they have distinct qualities that set them apart. Let’s dive into these two classic dishes’ origins, ingredients, cooking processes, and unique flavours.

The Origins

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Butter Chicken hails from Delhi, India, and was created in the 1950s by the chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. This dish came to life when leftover tandoori chicken was mixed with a rich tomato-based sauce, cream, and butter, resulting in a mild and creamy curry quickly gaining popularity. It’s comforting flavour and creamy texture have made Butter Chicken a global favourite.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala’s origin is more debated. Some believe it’s a traditional Indian dish, while others argue it was created in the UK. The most famous story suggests that a British Pakistani chef in Glasgow invented it by adding a tomato-cream sauce to dry Chicken Tikka to satisfy a customer’s request for gravy. Regardless of its beginnings, Chicken Tikka Masala has become a beloved dish in Indian cuisine worldwide.

The Ingredients

Butter Chicken:

• Chicken: Often tandoori chicken, marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices.
• Tomato Puree: Forms the base of the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture.
• Cream: Provides a creamy consistency.
• Spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and more.
• Ginger and Garlic: Essential aromatics.
• Green Chilies: For a hint of mild heat.
• Cashew Paste: Optional for extra creaminess.

Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Chicken: Marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled.
• Tomato Sauce Creates the base of the dish.
• Cream or Yogurt: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
• Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and more.
• Onion and Garlic: Provide depth of flavor.
• Ginger: Adds warmth.
• Green Chilies: For a spicier kick.
• Bell Peppers: Optional for added texture and flavour.

The Cooking Process

Butter Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices.
2. Cook the Chicken: Traditionally, the chicken is cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay oven) until slightly charred.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Sauté ginger, garlic, and green chillies, then add tomato puree, spices, and butter. The cream is added at the end to create a rich, silky texture.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer until the flavours meld together.

Chicken Tikka Masala:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Chicken pieces are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken: The marinated chicken is grilled or baked until fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger. Add tomato sauce, spices, and cream or yogurt to create a thick, flavorful sauce.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and cook until the flavours are well integrated.

The Flavor Profile

Butter Chicken:

• Mild and Creamy: Perfect for those who prefer less spice.
• Rich and Buttery: The butter and cream provide a luxurious texture.
• Subtle Sweetness: Balances the spices beautifully.

Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Spicier and Robust: A bolder flavour profile compared to Butter Chicken.
• Tangy Tomato Base: The tomato sauce adds a slight tanginess.
• Creamy but Spicy: A perfect blend of creaminess and spice.

FAQs

Q: Is Butter Chicken spicier than Chicken Tikka Masala? 

A: Generally, Butter Chicken is milder and creamier, while Chicken Tikka Masala is spicier and more flavoured.

Q: Can I make these dishes at home? 

A: Absolutely! You can recreate these delicious dishes at home with the right ingredients and patience. Plenty of recipes are available online to guide you.

Q: Which dish is healthier? 

A: Both dishes are rich and creamy, so they aren’t the lightest options. However, less cream and butter or healthier cooking methods can make them lighter.

Q: Are these dishes gluten-free? 

A: Yes, both dishes are typically gluten-free, as they primarily consist of chicken, tomatoes, cream, and spices. Always check the ingredients to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.

Conclusion: The Significant Differences

While Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala share some similarities, their differences are quite distinct:

• Origin: 

Butter Chicken is a classic from Delhi, India, while Chicken Tikka Masala has a debated origin, possibly from the UK.

• Flavor Profile: 

Butter Chicken is milder, creamier, and slightly sweet, whereas Chicken Tikka Masala is spicier, tangier, and more robust.

• Cooking Method: 

Butter Chicken uses tandoori chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with butter and cream. Chicken Tikka Masala features grilled chicken in a spicier tomato-cream sauce with a more pronounced spice blend.

We invite you to experience these delightful dishes at Little Nepal in Regina. Whether you prefer the comforting richness of Butter Chicken or the bold flavours of Chicken Tikka Masala, we’re sure you’ll find a favourite. Come and enjoy a taste of authentic Indian cuisine with us!