Chicken handi and butter chicken are two popular dishes in Indian cuisine that are often compared and debated over. Both dishes are made with chicken, but the similarities end there. Chicken handi is a spicy, creamy curry that is cooked in a clay pot, while butter chicken is a milder, buttery tomato-based curry.
Chicken handi is a traditional Pakistani dish that has gained popularity in India and around the world. It is made by cooking chicken in a spiced tomato and cream sauce, and is typically served in a clay pot called a handi. The dish is known for its rich, creamy texture and spicy flavor, which comes from a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
Butter chicken, on the other hand, is a staple of North Indian cuisine that has become a global favorite. It is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then cooking it in a tomato-based sauce that is enriched with butter and cream. The dish has a mild, sweet flavor that is balanced by the tanginess of the tomatoes and the richness of the butter and cream.
Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken are both popular North Indian dishes, but they have some differences. Chicken Handi is typically made with boneless chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with spices and served in a handi (earthenware pot) (source: Indian Ambrosia). Butter Chicken, on the other hand, is made with bone-in chicken that is marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture before being cooked in a tomato-based sauce with butter and cream (source: The Daring Kitchen). Both dishes are rich and flavorful, but Butter Chicken is typically higher in calories due to the added butter and cream (source: The Daring Kitchen).
What is Chicken Handi?
Chicken Handi is a popular North Indian dish that is made with boneless chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. The dish is traditionally cooked in a clay pot called a handi, which is where it gets its name from. Chicken Handi is a favorite among chicken lovers and is commonly found on the menus of Indian restaurants.
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make Chicken Handi vary depending on the recipe, but the basic ingredients include boneless chicken, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. The dish is also made with cream, yogurt, or coconut milk to give it a rich and creamy texture.
Preparation
To make Chicken Handi, the boneless chicken is first marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours. The onions are then sautéed until golden brown, and the ginger and garlic are added to the pan. The tomatoes are then added, and the mixture is cooked until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy. The marinated chicken is then added to the pan and cooked until it is tender and fully cooked. Finally, cream or yogurt is added to the pan to give the dish a rich and creamy texture.
Taste
Chicken Handi has a rich and creamy texture with a spicy and tangy flavor. The dish is usually served with naan, roti, or rice and is garnished with fresh coriander leaves. The creamy texture of the gravy and the tender chicken make it a favorite among chicken lovers, and the blend of spices gives it a unique flavor that is hard to resist.
What is Butter Chicken?
Ingredients
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish made with boneless chicken that is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is made with tomatoes, cream, butter, and a blend of spices, including garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
Preparation
To prepare butter chicken, the chicken is first marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices for several hours or overnight. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor oven or grilled until it is slightly charred and cooked through. The sauce is made separately by cooking tomatoes, onions, and spices until they are soft and fragrant, then blending them until smooth. The blended mixture is then cooked with cream and butter until it thickens and becomes creamy. The cooked chicken is then added to the sauce and simmered until it is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Taste
Butter chicken is known for its rich, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor. The creamy tomato sauce is the star of the dish, with the chicken adding a slight smokiness and meatiness to the overall flavor. The blend of spices gives the dish a warm, earthy flavor that is not too spicy, making it a popular choice for those who may not be accustomed to very spicy food.
Overall, butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved by many for its rich, creamy, and flavorful taste.
Difference between Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken are both popular dishes in South Asian cuisine. Chicken Handi is typically made with bone-in chicken pieces, tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Butter Chicken, on the other hand, is made with boneless chicken, a tomato-based sauce, cream, butter, and a blend of spices that includes fenugreek leaves.
Preparation
Chicken Handi is traditionally cooked in a clay pot, called a handi, which gives the dish its name. The chicken is first cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce, and then simmered until the sauce is thick and creamy. Butter Chicken, on the other hand, is first marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then grilled or baked. The chicken is then added to a rich tomato-based sauce, which is made by simmering tomatoes, cream, butter, and a blend of spices.
Taste
The taste of Chicken Handi is spicy and aromatic, with a rich tomato-based sauce that is thick and creamy. The dish is typically served with naan or rice. Butter Chicken, on the other hand, has a milder flavor, with a creamy tomato-based sauce that is sweet and slightly tangy. The dish is typically served with naan or rice, and is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
In summary, while both Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken are popular dishes in South Asian cuisine, they differ in their ingredients, preparation, and taste. Chicken Handi is a spicy and aromatic dish, while Butter Chicken has a milder flavor and a creamy tomato-based sauce.
Which is more popular?
In India
When it comes to popularity in India, Butter Chicken is the clear winner. This dish is a staple in North Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Delhi and has since become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Butter Chicken is typically made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is usually served with naan or rice.
On the other hand, Chicken Handi is not as popular in India as Butter Chicken. It is a relatively new dish that has gained popularity in recent years. Chicken Handi is a spicy and flavorful dish that is cooked in a clay pot or handi. It is made with bone-in chicken that is cooked in a tomato-based gravy with a variety of spices. Chicken Handi is usually served with naan or roti.
In other parts of the world
When it comes to popularity outside of India, both dishes have gained a significant following. Butter Chicken is a popular dish in many Indian restaurants around the world and is enjoyed by people of all cultures. It is often considered to be a gateway dish for those who are new to Indian cuisine.
Chicken Handi, on the other hand, is not as widely known outside of India. However, it has gained a following among food enthusiasts who enjoy trying new and exotic dishes. It is often featured on the menus of Indian restaurants in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, while Butter Chicken is more popular in India, both dishes have gained a significant following in other parts of the world.
Which is healthier?
Nutrition Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken, one of the factors that people consider is their nutritional value. Both dishes are high in calories and fat, but there are some differences in their ingredients that can affect their overall nutritional value.
Chicken Handi
Chicken Handi is a popular Pakistani and North Indian dish that is made with boneless chicken, spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically served with rice or naan bread. Here are some key nutritional facts about Chicken Handi:
- One serving of Chicken Handi (200 grams) contains approximately 400 calories.
- The dish is high in fat, with around 20 grams of fat per serving.
- Chicken Handi is a good source of protein, with around 30 grams of protein per serving.
- The dish also contains a significant amount of sodium, with around 1,700 milligrams per serving.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish that is made with boneless chicken, spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce that is flavored with butter. The dish is typically served with rice or naan bread. Here are some key nutritional facts about Butter Chicken:
- One serving of Butter Chicken (200 grams) contains approximately 500 calories.
- The dish is high in fat, with around 25 grams of fat per serving.
- Butter Chicken is a good source of protein, with around 30 grams of protein per serving.
- The dish also contains a significant amount of sodium, with around 1,500 milligrams per serving.
Overall, both Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken are high in calories and fat, and they should be consumed in moderation. However, if you are looking for a slightly healthier option, Chicken Handi may be a better choice due to its lower calorie and sodium content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Chicken Handi and Butter Chicken are delicious and popular dishes in Indian cuisine. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of taste, preparation, and ingredients.
Chicken Handi is a creamy and spicy dish that is made with bone-in chicken cooked in a clay pot with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. It has a rich and thick gravy that is perfect for dipping naan or roti in. On the other hand, Butter Chicken is a milder dish that is made with boneless chicken cooked in a tomato-based gravy with butter and cream. It has a slightly sweet and tangy taste with a creamy texture.
When it comes to the preparation of these dishes, Chicken Handi requires more time and effort as it involves marinating the chicken for a few hours before cooking it in a clay pot. Butter Chicken, on the other hand, is relatively easy to make and can be prepared quickly.
In terms of ingredients, both dishes use similar spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. However, Chicken Handi uses yogurt and cream to give it a creamy texture, while Butter Chicken uses butter and cream for the same purpose.
Overall, whether you prefer the spicy and rich flavor of Chicken Handi or the milder and creamy taste of Butter Chicken, both dishes are worth trying. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste.
