Differences Between Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for solutions to one of the most perplexing topics that has baffled even the best chefs:

Is there a difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?

These are both delicious tomato and cream-based sauces that practically everyone will like. It’s worth noticing that they appear and taste almost identical, and they’re both on every Indian restaurant menu without explanation.

These striking parallels have kept the solutions hidden until now.

But, this article delves further into these foods. And I can tell you that you will have a strong grip on their distinctions within the first two minutes.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken (also known as murgh Makhan) is a Delhi-style Indian curry dish in which tiny pieces of chicken are marinated with spices, ginger, garlic, and a variety of other ingredients.

It is then cooked until softened in a creamy, moderately spicy tomato-based sauce.

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Although though it is most known in the Western world, chicken tikka masala is an Indian meal consisting of roasted marinated chicken pieces in spicy curry sauce.

Also see: Chicken Korma vs. Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken Vs Tikka Masala – Key Differences

Let me just go right to the point:

They may seem to be almost similar, yet there is a small variation in TASTE and FLAVOR.

Too many people research and attempt to differentiate these two recipes based on their fundamental components. But they wind themselves back at square one, scratching their minds and still trapped in the wander loop.

We went that path since there was no solid proof there, and we came up with absolutely NOTHING.

The ingredients for both Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are the same: chicken, onion, tomato paste, pepper, cumin, garam masala, yogurt, cream, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and butter.

What stands out, though, is the quantity of each component used in the dish.

Ignore the presentation; both of these chicken meals are curries and are often eaten with naan bread, roti, or over rice.

The first noticeable difference is that butter chicken has minimal tomato flavor.

Although chicken tikka masala has a strong tomato flavor and lacks creaminess, fish curry is more like a fish curry.

Although less essential (since you won’t be there to tell the tale), Tikka masala is prepared in a tandoor, while butter masala is prepared in a skillet over a fire.

In particular, tikka masala contains a creamy tomato gravy and onion sauce, while butter chicken is a creamy combination of tomato sauce and spices.

It is essential to keep these in mind while placing an order from the menu since some restaurant cooks would be perplexed explaining how they vary.

Also see: Palm Sugar vs. Cane Sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

Is masala a curry?

Simply said, curry is a general phrase for any meal that contains vegetables, meat, eggs, cottage cheese, fish, spices, salt, and any kind of masala.

Likewise, masala is a spice combination that is commonly used in Indian cuisine to give flavor and taste to anything from curries and lentil meals to soups.

Therefore it goes without saying that masala is not a curry.

Is butter chicken a junk food; is it unhealthy?

Butter Chicken may look to be attractive to the gut and stomach, but it definitely belongs on the list of Indian junk food.

The reason for this is because it is heavy in both fat and protein. Butter Chicken includes 28 gms total fat, 12 gms saturated fat, 14 gm 438 calories, and 30 gms protein in 140 gms.

With the fat level, it is a high-fat lunch option. Saturated fat consumption raises blood cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease.

It is suggested that you limit your daily saturated fat consumption to less than 10% of your total calorie intake, or around 22 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Is Chicken Tikka good for diet?

Nutritiously, chicken tikka is flavorful and healthful, with just approximately 136 calories per dish, making it an almost ideal choice if you are on a calorie-counting diet or wish to eat a bit healthier.

Moreover, the meal contains a variety of healthful spices such as cumin, ginger, garlic, and red chile, all of which have several health advantages.

Could Indian food be so unhealthy? If yes, what are some of the meals?

No offense, but Indian foods may be harmful. It’s all spice and heat, gravies and fat. When taken in excess, the meal might be harmful to one’s health.

And here are some popular yet unhealthy Indian foods you should avoid eating right now, particularly for breakfast:

• Vada Medu
• Pava Vada
• Vada Sabudana
• Parathas
• Toast with butter
• Bhaji Puri
• Misal Paving
• Etc.

Conclusion

Which will you eat for supper based on what you’ve learned about Butter Chicken versus Chicken Tikka Masala?

Frankly, I’d give everything for a bowl of butter chicken. I NEVER make fun of its delectably creamy, mild flavor whether combined with Naan bread and fluffy basmati rice to create a flavorful mix or when scooping up the sauce.

But, since it is a question of personal preference, I would choose butter chicken if you love a creamy curry with a mild flavor.

Chicken tikka will be your best buddy if you want a stronger tomato flavor with less creaminess.

Also see Graham Masala vs. Madras Curry Powder.