When it comes to Indian cuisine, two dishes that tend to stand out among the rest are butter chicken vs tikka masala. Found in many restaurants around the world, these two dishes have become increasingly popular due to their unique and delicious flavors.
But what is the difference between them? Are they interchangeable? In this article, we will compare butter chicken and tikka masala to determine which dish is better.
Table of Contents
Indian Culture
Indian food is a cultural experience as much as it is a culinary experience. The history of butter chicken and tikka masala stretches back hundreds of years, and the recipes have been passed down through generations. Each dish provides its own unique flavor profile, from mild butter chicken to spicy tikka masala. Indian culture is also heavily influenced by spices such as garam masala, cumin and chili powder, which all contribute their own distinct flavors to the dishes.
Ultimately, butter chicken versus tikka masala or even chicken curry – each dish offers its own unique flavor profile that can be enjoyed in various ways according to taste preference! Whether you’re looking for something mild or spicy, these Indian dishes are sure to please.
Butter Chicken vs Tikka Masala
Butter chicken and tikka masala are two of the most popular Indian dishes. Both are made with spices, herbs, butter (or cream), and a type of protein such as chicken or paneer. However, they differ in terms of flavor profile, which is why so many people debate over which one is better.
When it comes to butter chicken, the dish has a creamy texture due to its buttery base. It also tends to have a sweet yet spicy flavor that comes from the tomatoes and butter used in the recipe. On the other hand, tikka masala’s main ingredients tend to be onions, ginger, garlic paste, tomato puree, garam masala (a mixture of ground spices) and cream. This combination gives the dish a more earthy flavor that is slightly spicier than butter chicken.
Texture wise, butter chicken is usually softer and has a thicker sauce compared to tikka masala. The latter’s sauce tends to be thinner, making it much easier to pair with other dishes such as naan or rice. Additionally, butter chicken typically has pieces of grilled chicken in it while tikka masala often comes without them.
Origin of Butter Chicken vs Tikka Masala
Butter chicken originates from the Indian state of Punjab and is thought to have been created in 1947 when butter was first used as an ingredient in cooking. On the other hand, tikka masala is believed to have been invented by Bangladeshi immigrants in the United Kingdom who wanted to create a dish that resembled butter chicken but with a spicier flavor profile.
Similarities
Despite the differences in flavor and texture, butter chicken and tikka masala have some similarities. Both dishes are typically served with basmati rice or naan bread, making them ideal for pairing with each other. Additionally, they both use a variety of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and garam masala to create flavorful dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Differences in Ingredients
Apart from the butter and tomatoes found in butter chicken, other ingredients commonly used in this dish include garlic, ginger, red chili powder, garam masala, and some type of cream. Tikka masala also uses a variety of spices such as cinnamon, cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder and cardamom. Additionally, butter chicken tends to have a sweeter taste while tikka masala is usually spicier due to the additional ingredients added to it.
Preparation: Method & Techniques
Both butter chicken and tikka masala can be prepared in a variety of ways. For butter chicken, the most common method is to marinate the chicken in yogurt for several hours before pan-frying it. The butter is then added to the sauce during cooking.
Tikka masala’s preparation process begins with marinating the protein source (usually chicken or paneer) in spices and yogurt for several hours. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The cooked protein is then combined with a tomato-based sauce that has been simmered with ginger, garlic, garam masala, and other spices.
Differences in Cooking Methods
The main difference between butter chicken and tikka masala is the way in which they are cooked. Butter chicken is usually cooked with butter and tomatoes while tikka masala is cooked with cream, butter, and a variety of spices. Additionally, butter chicken may be prepared as a milder dish whereas tikka masala tends to have more heat due to the spicier ingredients used in its preparation.
Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, butter, garlic, garam masala, cumin and coriander. Add in the chicken pieces and stir until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add in the turmeric powder. Once butter is melted, add the cooked chicken and cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes).
4. Add ¼ cup of water to the pan, stir to combine, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until sauce thickens. Serve with cooked rice or naan bread.
Tikka Masala Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or paneer cubes
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 tablespoon garlic paste
– 2 tablespoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup tomato puree
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, cumin and chili powder until combined. Add in the chicken or paneer cubes and stir until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated protein on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter then add the cooked protein pieces. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the tomato puree to the pan and stir to combine. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until sauce thickens. Serve with cooked rice or naan bread.
Make Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 1 large onion, diced finely
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 2 tablespoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter or oil and add the onions. Cook until onions are softened and starting to brown (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and ginger paste and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add the garam masala, cumin and chili powder to the pan and stir to combine. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
3. Pour 1 cup of water into the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until sauce thickens. Serve with cooked rice or naan bread.
Ultimately, butter chicken, tikka masala, and chicken curry are all delicious Indian curries that can be enjoyed in various ways – from mild to spicy according to taste preference!
Benefits
– Butter chicken is a milder dish that can be enjoyed by those who prefer less heat in their dishes.
– Tikka masala is slightly spicier and incorporates flavors from spices like garam masala, cumin and chili powder.
– Chicken curry is a flavorful dish that uses butter or oil, onions, garlic and ginger paste to create delicious flavors in the dish.
Nutrition Facts
– Butter chicken is a flavorful yet mild dish, but it does contain butter which can be high in fat.
– Tikka masala contains garam masala and cumin, which can be beneficial for your health and contribute to anti-inflammatory benefits.
– Chicken curry uses butter or oil as the base for its sauce, making it higher in fat content than butter chicken and tikka masala. However, it also provides more protein from the chicken breasts used in the recipe.
Popularity of Dishes
Despite both butter chicken and tikka masala being equally popular, butter chicken tends to be more widely known due to its long history. Tikka masala has only recently been gaining popularity in India and other places around the world due to its spicier flavor profile.
Which is Better?
When it comes down to butter chicken versus tikka masala, the choice is ultimately up to personal preference. Both dishes are flavorful and provide different benefits for your health. Chicken curry provides a balance between butter chicken and tikka masala by offering both mild flavors and some spice. Ultimately, all three dishes are delicious options that can be enjoyed in various ways – from mild to spicy according to taste preference!
Other articles
FAQ
Q: What is the nicest Indian curry?
A: Ultimately, the nicest Indian curry depends on each person’s individual preferences. Some prefer butter chicken for its milder flavor, while others may find tikka masala or chicken curry more enjoyable due to their spicier flavor profiles.
Q: Is butter chicken healthier than tikka masala?
A: Butter chicken does contain butter which can be high in fat content, but tikka masala contains cumin and garam masala which can have anti-inflammatory benefits. Chicken curry is higher in fat content due to the butter or oil used in its sauce, but it does provide more protein from the chicken breasts used in the recipe. Therefore, it really depends on your own preference and dietary needs as to which dish is the healthiest.
Q: Is tikka masala spicy or sweet?
A: Tikka masala is a flavorful dish that incorporates spices like garam masala, cumin and chili powder, making it slightly spicier than butter chicken. However, it does have a sweet flavor due to the addition of tomatoes and cream or yogurt. The amount of spice can also be adjusted according to individual tastes.
Q: Is butter chicken healthy for you?
A: Butter chicken does contain butter which can be high in fat content, but it is still a flavorful and mild dish that can be enjoyed by those who prefer less heat in their dishes. Nevertheless, it is best to consume butter chicken in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Q: What are the main differences between butter chicken and tikka masala?
A: The main difference between butter chicken and tikka masala is their flavor profile – butter chicken has a milder flavor while tikka masala contains spices such as garam masala, cumin and chili powder making it slightly spicier. Additionally, butter chicken uses butter or oil while tikka masala usually relies on tomato puree and cream or yogurt as the base for its sauce.
Finally, butter chicken tends to be more widely known due to its long history while tikka masala has only recently been gaining in popularity.
Conclusion
Butter chicken and tikka masala are both flavorful dishes with different benefits for your health. Ultimately, the choice between butter chicken and tikka masala is up to personal preference, but all three dishes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – from mild to spicy depending on individual taste. It’s best to keep butter chicken consumption in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, while taking advantage of the anti-inflammatory benefits provided by spices found in tikka masala. Chicken curry provides a balance between butter chicken and tikka masala so it may also be worth trying if you would like a mixture of mild flavors and some spice. No matter which dish you choose, all three will make an enjoyable meal.
