Chicken makhani and butter chicken are two popular dishes from the Indian subcontinent that are often confused with each other. While both dishes contain similar ingredients and are prepared in a similar manner, there are some key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between chicken makhani and butter chicken, and help you understand which one might be the better choice for you.
Chicken makhani, also known as butter chicken masala, is a rich and creamy curry dish that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with butter, cream, and a blend of spices. The result is a dish that is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Butter chicken, on the other hand, is a milder version of chicken makhani that is popular in North India and Pakistan. It is made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with butter, cream, and a blend of spices. The main difference between the two dishes is that butter chicken is milder, less creamy, and has a more tomato-based flavor.
Top Summary from web results
Chicken Makhani and Butter Chicken are very similar dishes, with some minor differences. Both dishes are made with bone-in or boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tomato-based sauce with butter and cream (source: Indian Healthy Recipes). However, Chicken Makhani also includes fenugreek leaves and dried fenugreek seeds, which give it a distinct aroma and flavor (source: Cookin Docs).
What is Chicken Makhani?
Ingredients
Chicken Makhani, also known as “Butter Chicken,” is a popular Indian dish that originated in the northern region of India. The dish is made with boneless chicken pieces that are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked until tender. The chicken is then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that is flavored with aromatic spices and finished with a generous amount of butter.
The ingredients used in Chicken Makhani include:
- Boneless chicken
- Yogurt
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cream
- Butter
- Spices (such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala)
Preparation
To prepare Chicken Makhani, the boneless chicken is first marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices for several hours or overnight. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Next, the chicken is grilled or baked until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
Meanwhile, the tomato sauce is prepared by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in butter until they are soft and fragrant. The tomatoes are then added and cooked until they break down and form a thick sauce.
The cooked chicken is then added to the tomato sauce along with cream and more butter to create a rich, creamy sauce. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of garam masala and served hot with rice or naan bread.
Overall, Chicken Makhani is a delicious and flavorful dish that is loved by many. It is a great option for those who enjoy creamy, mildly spiced dishes.
What is Butter Chicken?
Ingredients
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that originated in the 1950s in Delhi. The dish is made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked. The chicken is then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce that is flavored with a variety of spices.
The main ingredients used in the sauce include butter, cream, tomato puree, and a blend of spices that typically includes garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Other common ingredients include garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
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 grilled or baked until cooked through.
Meanwhile, the sauce is prepared by melting butter in a pan and adding garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Tomato puree and a blend of spices are added to the pan and simmered until the sauce is thick and fragrant. Cream is then added to the sauce to give it a rich and creamy texture.
Once the sauce is ready, the cooked chicken is added to the pan and simmered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The dish is typically garnished with fresh cilantro and served with naan bread or rice.
Overall, butter chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Its creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile makes it a favorite among Indian food enthusiasts and those who are new to the cuisine alike.
Butter chicken vs chicken handi
Differences Between Chicken Makhani and Butter Chicken
Chicken Makhani and Butter Chicken are two popular North Indian dishes that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance and ingredients. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes that set them apart.
Preparation
Butter Chicken is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and butter, and then cooking it in a tandoor oven. The chicken is then simmered in a rich tomato and cream-based sauce, which gives it its signature creamy texture and flavor.
On the other hand, Chicken Makhani is made by cooking chicken in a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with a blend of spices, including garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The sauce is then enriched with cream and butter, which gives it a smooth and velvety texture.
Flavor
While both dishes are creamy and rich, Butter Chicken has a sweeter flavor due to the addition of honey or sugar in the sauce. Chicken Makhani, on the other hand, has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, which comes from the use of tomatoes and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
While both dishes use similar ingredients, there are some differences in the spices and herbs used. Butter Chicken typically uses a milder blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, while Chicken Makhani uses a spicier blend of spices, including garam masala, cumin, and coriander.
Additionally, Butter Chicken often includes the use of kasuri methi, a dried herb that adds a distinct flavor to the dish. Chicken Makhani, on the other hand, may include the use of fenugreek leaves, which also add a unique flavor to the sauce.
In summary, while both Chicken Makhani and Butter Chicken are delicious and creamy North Indian dishes, they have some key differences in their preparation, flavor, and ingredients that set them apart.
Which One Should You Choose?
Taste
When it comes to taste, both chicken makhani and butter chicken are rich and flavorful dishes. Chicken makhani is known for its creamy, tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice, while butter chicken is known for its buttery, creamy sauce with a mild flavor. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a spicier taste, chicken makhani might be the better option. If you prefer a milder taste, butter chicken might be more your style.
Health Benefits
Neither chicken makhani nor butter chicken are particularly healthy dishes due to their high calorie and fat content. However, chicken makhani tends to be slightly healthier due to its use of tomatoes and spices, which contain beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Butter chicken, on the other hand, is made with heavy cream and butter, which are high in saturated fat. If you are looking for a healthier option, chicken makhani might be the better choice.
Popularity
Both chicken makhani and butter chicken are popular dishes in Indian cuisine, but butter chicken tends to be more well-known outside of India. It is often seen as a more accessible dish for those who are new to Indian cuisine, due to its mild flavor and creamy texture. Chicken makhani, on the other hand, is a more traditional Indian dish that is popular within India and among those who are familiar with Indian cuisine.
Overall, the choice between chicken makhani and butter chicken comes down to personal preference. Both dishes are rich and flavorful, but chicken makhani tends to be slightly healthier due to its use of tomatoes and spices. Butter chicken is more well-known outside of India and is often seen as a more accessible dish for those who are new to Indian cuisine.
