Butter Chicken vs Tikka Masala: What Are The Differences?
When you have just clicked on this article, then for sure, you must be a foodie or someone who is curious about “Kitchen”, of course!
Butter Chicken vs Tikka Masala, Is there really any major difference or are they almost the same?
Well, according to a survey, when asked to one lakh foodies all across the country, it is seen that 59 per cent have said, both of them are similar in taste while the rest 19 Perce are not confident about their answer and have chosen the ‘Did not Know’ option!
Well, when we speak of how both the dishes taste – both are too delicious! The highlights of both items are their tomatoes and sauces, superbly blend with cream in them. Generally, it has been their appearances, which have kept their differences deep under the sea. Yes! You are right! These two are different dishes. How? Let us check it out together.
Contents
What is Butter Chicken?
Ah, Butter Chicken! One of my absolute favorite meals and a classic Indian dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Traditionally made with boneless chicken cooked in a tomato-based gravy, butter chicken is creamy and tangy with just the right amount of spice.
The origins of this beloved dish can be traced back to Northern India in the 1950s. It was created when restaurateur Kundan Lal Gujral came up with the idea for a rich and creamy curry that would use leftover tandoori (charcoal-grilled) chicken. He added some tomato puree, cream, butter, sugar and spices to create the mouthwatering flavor we know today as Butter Chicken!
At its core, Butter Chicken is really pretty simple: chunks of marinated chicken (typically marinaded overnight) are roasted in a clay oven known as tandoori before being simmered in a creamy sauce consisting primarily of tomatoes and cream or yogurt – it’s best served hot on top of basmati rice or naan bread! Many restaurants also offer their own variations by adding ingredients like onions or garlic paste for extra flavor.
No matter how you serve it up – whether you opt for traditional flavors or give it modern twist – one thing is certain: once you’ve had your first bite into buttery perfection you won’t want anything else!
What is Tikka Masala?
Tikka Masala is a dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent but has become one of the most popular dishes worldwide. This delicious and versatile dish consists of chicken marinated in yogurt, spices and herbs such as garam masala, turmeric, garlic paste and ginger. The marinated chicken is then cooked on skewers or in a tandoor oven before being simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The ready-made sauce often also contains onions, cream, butter and a variety of spices like cardamom and cumin.
The origins of Tikka Masala are still debated to this day; some say it was created by accident when an impatient cook added tomato puree to an unfinished curry dish! Other theories suggest that it was invented by Bangladeshi chefs for British colonial officers who desired something with more flavor than traditional Indian food. Regardless of its origins though, Tikka Masala has now become synonymous with flavorful comfort food all over the world! Enjoyed hot or cold with various accompaniments such as naan bread or rice it’s no wonder why this delicious meal is so beloved everywhere!
Butter Chicken Vs Tikka Masala: Key Differences
Ah, the great Butter Chicken vs Tikka Masala debate! It’s no surprise that these two popular Indian dishes are so often compared. Both are delicious and have strong flavor profiles that make them stand out from other types of cuisine.
But which one is better? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let’s take a closer look at each dish in order to help you decide for yourself!
To start with, Butter Chicken features a thick tomato-based sauce made with cream and spices like garam masala and coriander. The main ingredient itself is usually marinated chicken pieces simmered in the creamy sauce until cooked through. This mouthwatering dish is best enjoyed with jeera rice (cumin flavored), naan bread or buttery roti – all of which compliment the dish perfectly!
Tikka Masala on the other hand consists of small chunks of boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and spices then cooked over an open flame before being added to a fragrant gravy made with aromatic ingredients such as chili powder, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and cloves amongst others. Like Butter Chicken it also tastes amazing when paired with fragrant Indian breads or aromatic basmati rice – quite simply an irresistible combination!
So what makes these two dishes so different yet complementary at the same time? Well while they both share some common ingredients like cumin seeds and garlic paste; their flavor profiles couldn’t be more opposite as Tikka Masala has much more intense flavors while Butter Chicken has milder ones – really making every bite enjoyable but somewhat distinctively different too!
At the end of the day, it truly comes down to individual taste buds however no matter which you choose – you won’t be disappointed either way! So next time you are caught between whether it should be butter chicken or tikka masala for dinner – why not try both?!
Nutritional Value
The next question may pop up within your brain! Well, now the question arises, is Butter Chicken really junk food? Yes, your mom is right. We can surely list Butter Chicken to Junk Food without a doubt. It is mainly due to the high amount of protein and fat it contains.
It is seen that about one hundred and fifty grams of butter chicken may contain thirty-five grams of total fat, twenty-one grams of saturated fat five hundred and thirty-nine calories and nineteen grams of protein.
There is no need to explain it more deeply. These numbers have spoken about its reach contents of fat and protein. Hence, it is very much apt to say that Butter Chicken is definitely a Fat-rich food item.
Doctors say, for a healthy person, it is very important to maintain the diet, restricting to twenty-two grams of calories from saturated fat, in a two thousand calorie-diet food.
On the other hand, is Chicken Tikka healthy for our diet? Well, it might be shocking to some, but the answer is yes! To some extent, it can be considered a healthy diet.
Chicken is nutritious and healthy with just about one hundred and thirty-six portions of calories. Hence, it makes this delicious dish an exciting option to him or her, who wants to maintain their health and also taste delicious, for sure.
Moreover, the ingredients of this dish are its highlights. It contains red chilly, garlic, cumin and ginger which definitely adds up benefits to anyone’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ.)
Is masala a curry?
Apparently, No. Curry is actually a generic term that is used in case of any dish cooked with different ingredients like vegetables, meat, egg, cottage cheese, seafood, spices, salt and all with many masalas.
On the other hand, masala means different kinds of spices. It is used mostly in Indian cuisine. From curries and lentil dishes to soups, masala is a must-needed ingredient.
So, masala is ultimately not a curry.
Is butter chicken a junk food; is it unhealthy?
Butter chicken is one of the most mouthwatering foods in Indian cuisine. But, the bitter truth is that this is actually on the list of junk food. Butter chicken has a high amount of fat and protein.
If you eat 140 gms of Butter Chicken, you will get 14 gm 438 calories, 28 gms of fat, 12 grams of saturated fat and 30 gms protein. So, it is definitely a high-fat meal choice. Besides, excessive saturated fat in the body is responsible for increasing blood cholesterol levels which causes heart diseases.
You should arrange your diet chart wisely. Try to keep 22 grams of saturated fat per day on a 2,000-calorie diet.
What can you serve with butter chicken and tikka masala?
For a light and fluffy side, try pairing either dish with basmati rice or naan bread. To add a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor, serve it up with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or green beans. To round out the meal, finish off the plate with a dollop of cooling yogurt or chutney to provide a delightful balance of flavor and texture!
Is Chicken Tikka good for the diet?
Considering the nutritious sides, chicken tikka is good for health. This food is tasty and healthy at the same time which makes it popular with health-conscious people. It carries only about 136 calories which is an excellent option to add to your calorie-counting diet.
Chicken Tikka is also made with cumin, ginger, garlic, and red chilli. So, this is nothing but food with lots of wealth of benefits.
Could Indian food be so unhealthy? If yes, what are some of the meals?
I agree that Indian food is quite spicy and a bit unhealthy. Almost every curry is cooked with spice and hot, gravies, and fattening. So, it could be a threat to our health. You should avoid the following foods if you want to keep your health okay.
- Medu Vada
- Vada Pav
- Parathas
- Toast Butter
- Sabudana Vada
- Puri Bhaji
- Misal Pav, etc.
How long you can store marinated chicken?
Marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. It is important to keep marinated chicken cold at all times and to make sure it does not come into contact with other food that is not cooked. Additionally, any marinade used should be discarded after use as bacteria may grow if it is kept for more than two days. When preparing marinated chicken, always make sure to cook it thoroughly before consumption.
How long should be marinated?
The amount of time needed to marinate chicken depends on the marinade and the desired flavor. Generally, more acidic marinades require less time, whereas marinades with sweet ingredients may need longer times for full absorption and flavor. For quick-cooking chicken such as breasts, thighs, or wings, a minimum of one hour is recommended. Darker cuts may require up to 8 hours or overnight in order to absorb all of the flavors.
Conclusion
Well, now the doubt about the key differences between Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala has been clarified. Hence, it is completely your choice, which one to choose. Personally, having Butter Chicken once on an occasion is good, but having it frequently may deteriorate your health.
Instead, you can have Chicken tikka if both of these dishes matter to you the most. As it is said, Health is Wealth!
Read Also:
- Red Curry vs Panang Curry: Key Differences
- Massaman Curry vs Panang Curry: Differences
- Ube Vs Taro – What’s The Difference?
- Hand Roll Vs Cut Roll Sushi: What’re The Differences?
- Chow Mein vs Lo Mein: A Complete Comparison
