The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (2024)

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (1)

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Did you know Butter Chicken, one of the most flavorful Indian chicken curries, has humble origins? With this article, you can explore how it was developed in Delhi’s kitchens and achieved popularity worldwide. Each bite of this iconic dish delights your taste buds and uncovers its fascinating evolution over the years. Read this blog to discover the secrets and stories behind Butter Chicken’s transformation into a beloved dish.

Butter Chicken, a classic dish that has tantalized taste buds around the globe, holds a delightful history and numerous unknown facts.

Originating from the vibrant land of India, this traditional desi delight has become an integral part of Indian cuisine, attracting food enthusiasts with its creamy texture.

Let’s discover Butter Chicken through time and uncover the intriguing story behind the creation of Butter Chicken.

History of Butter Chicken

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (2)

Legend has it that Butter Chicken, also known as ‘murgh makhani’ in Hindi, was invented in the 1950s at the iconic Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi.

It resulted from a cooking experiment when the leftover marinated chicken was combined with a rich tomato-based gravy, resulting in a heavenly creation. The genius behind this dish was Kundan Lal Gujral, a visionary chef who innovated the culinary landscape.

Butter Chicken and the World

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (3)

The dish became immediately popular, capturing the hearts of locals and travelers alike. Soon, it spread beyond the borders of India, transcending cultures and becoming a staple in various cuisines worldwide. Today, Butter Chicken is celebrated as a symbol of Indian cuisine’s richness and diversity.

Why is Butter Chicken so Unique?

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (4)

What sets Butter Chicken apart is the unique combination of Indian spices and a velvety, buttery gravy served with succulent pieces of marinated meat. The marination process infuses the chicken with flavors, ensuring each bite is delicious and satisfying. The creamy sauce, made with butter, cream, and a blend of Indian spices, adds depth and richness to the dish.

Despite its global popularity, there are still a few lesser-known facts about Butter Chicken. Let’s explore such facts.

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (5)

  • Did you know that authentic Butter Chicken is prepared in a tandoor, a traditional Indian clay oven? The chicken is first cooked in the tandoor, giving it a smoky and charred flavor, before being added to the luscious tomato-based curry.
  • Furthermore, Butter Chicken is often mistaken for its close cousin, Chicken Tikka Masala. While the two dishes share similarities, they have distinct flavors. Butter Chicken tastes slightly sweeter and milder than the tangy and spicy Chicken Tikka Masala.
  • Whether enjoyed with naan, fragrant basmati rice, or roti, Butter Chicken never fails to satisfy cravings for a delightful dinner. Its popularity has led to various adaptations and interpretations, including halal versions to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

One cannot deny that the rich taste of Butter Chicken is experienced best when paired with fragrant pilaf, perfectly complementing the creamy and flavorful nature of the dish. The fluffy grains of Basmati rice, infused with aromatic spices, provide a delightful textural contrast to the succulent chicken and buttery gravy, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors on the palate.

Whether enjoyed at a traditional Indian feast or a cozy dinner at home, the combination of Butter Chicken and Pilaf offers a match made in heaven, enhancing the overall experience of this beloved dish.

At Bombay Kitchen, we bring you the best Indian combination – Butter Chicken With Green Peas Pilaf that too in heat and eat packs. All you need to do is visit our outlet or a nearby convenience store, grab our Butter Chicken packs, heat at home, and serve!

In conclusion, Butter Chicken’s journey from a humble creation in Delhi to an internationally cherished dish is a testament to its irresistible taste and cultural significance.

Whether you are a fan of Indian cuisine or an avid foodie, enjoying our delicious Butter Chicken is sure to make you its fan instantly!

So, the next time you crave a mildly spicy Indian chicken dish, bring home this creamy, flavorful dish, and remember the rich history and the countless hands that have contributed to its timeless allure.

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken (2024)

FAQs

The History, Origin, and Unknown Facts About Butter Chicken? ›

Legend has it that Butter Chicken, also known as 'murgh makhani' in Hindi, was invented in the 1950s at the iconic Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi. It resulted from a cooking experiment when the leftover marinated chicken was combined with a rich tomato-based gravy, resulting in a heavenly creation.

What is the history of butter chicken? ›

Following partition, in 1947, the restaurant reopened in Delhi, where, legend has it, butter chicken was invented. The dish was long attributed to Gujral and was said to have been born out of frugality, with leftover tikkas mixed together with a thick tomato gravy and dollops of butter.

What is the lawsuit for butter chicken recipe? ›

The popular Moti Mahal restaurant chain said it had the sole right to be recognised as the inventor of the curry and demanded its rival, the Daryaganj chain, to stop claiming credit and pay $240,000 in damages.

Who invented butter chicken and butter paneer? ›

According to the Gujral family, the dish was the creation of their grandfather Kundan Lal Gujral who founded the restaurant in Peshawar, in what is now Pakistan.

Did England make butter chicken? ›

One of these is a style of chicken which is known as butter chicken in India and chicken tikka masala in the UK. The inventors of these two dishes came from what is today Pakistan. Chicken tikka masala is made of chicken that has been roasted and then served in a rich curry “sauce”.

What is a fun fact about butter chicken curry? ›

Legend has it that Butter Chicken, also known as 'murgh makhani' in Hindi, was invented in the 1950s at the iconic Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi. It resulted from a cooking experiment when the leftover marinated chicken was combined with a rich tomato-based gravy, resulting in a heavenly creation.

Where did butter originate? ›

Khosrova traces butter's beginning back to ancient Africa, in 8000 B.C., when a herder making a journey with a sheepskin container of milk strapped to the back of one of his sheep found that the warm sheep's milk, jostled in travel, had curdled into something remarkably tasty.

Is butter chicken healthy or unhealthy? ›

A single serving of butter chicken can contain a significant amount of saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to health issues like heart disease. But fret not! If you're craving the flavors of butter chicken without compromising your health, there are ways to enjoy it guilt-free.

Why is butter chicken pink? ›

The color of Butter Chicken comes from the use of tomato paste, cream, and spices. In contrast, the color of Tikka Masala comes from the use of tomato puree, cream, and spices. Both dishes are visually appealing and look great on a plate.

Who invented the butter chicken dispute? ›

Outside one of their outlets in New Delhi, a sign proclaims - Jaggi invented butter chicken. But this only became a fight after Jaggi's grandson repeated that claim on a popular TV show last year. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: And Kundal Lal Jaggi, the man who invented butter chicken.

What is the fight over butter chicken? ›

Moti Mahal vs Daryaganj – the battle of the Kundan Lals

There is now bitterness between the two restaurants and the furious feud between the two families has materialised into a 2,752-page lawsuit filed by Moti Mahal, accusing its rival eatery, Daryaganj, of falsely taking credit for inventing butter chicken.

Did butter chicken come from Pakistan? ›

Butter chicken originated in Delhi, the capital territory of India, sometime during the 1950s. During this time, a man named Kundan Lal Gurjal operated a restaurant in the city, called Moti Mahal.

How spicy is butter chicken? ›

Butter chicken is mildly spiced, whereas tikka masala has more of a kick. Chicken in tikka masala sauce tends to be more tender and juicy than butter chicken due to its marinade-containing yogurt. Butter chicken also tends to have a creamier texture.

What is the real name for butter chicken? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce.

Why do people love butter chicken? ›

The tangy tomatoes, smokey Kasuri methi, and yogurt will give a special and attractive taste to the gravy. Depending on the spices, it can be made hot or moderate to match your palate. Butter Chicken is a mild Indian dish in terms of spice and heat.

Is tikka masala the same as butter chicken? ›

The main difference between butter chicken and tandoori chicken tikka masala is the level of creaminess; butter chicken is much creamier, whereas chicken tikka masala relies on tomatoes and other spices, giving it its earthy and spicy flavor profile.

What is butter chicken called in America? ›

What is butter chicken called in America? Butter chicken is actually the American name for the signature Indian dish. The true name of the dish is murgh makhani, which translates to buttery chicken, hence the common nickname.

Is butter chicken healthy? ›

Butter chicken consists of approximately 30 grams of protein per serving. As a result, one serving of butter chicken makes up more than half of your daily protein consumption. Is butter chicken healthy? Butter chicken is high in fat and protein and, so, a keto-friendly recipe.

Who invented butter chicken in New York Times? ›

The two families both say that it was their own Kundan who invented butter chicken — the creamy, heavenly marriage of tandoori chicken and tomato gravy beloved everywhere north Indian food is served.

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