Chicken Tikka Masala versus Butter Chicken; what makes you choose between them? Whether you crave a unique blend of something tangy and smoky or something rich in sweet creamy taste, these meals always make a lead to beat your hunger.
Let’s explore how they are prepared and the secrets of their deliciousness, which make them so popular not only among South Asians but to the Europeans as well.
Chicken Tikka Masala versus Butter Chicken: How They Are Originated & Taste Like?
Chicken Tikka Masala: A Tangy Delight
It still needs to be determined where exactly this tikka masala originated from. The ingredients and spice mix indicate its South Asian identity, whereas some indicate its Glasgow origin.
Chicken Tikka Masala is made to alleviate the taste by improvising a sauce made from condensed tomato soup and spices. It consists of boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and a blend of seasonings, including garam masala, coriander, cumin, and paprika. The sauce or gravy includes tomato puree, and cream, with ginger garlic paste, fenugreek, and turmeric.
What does chicken tikka masala taste like?
The name itself sounds scrumptious. It tastes spicy, the mix of spices counts hotness and brings aroma, adding warmth and signature depth to the recipe.
Butter Chicken — Delicious Combination of Sweet and Spices:
It also has South Asian roots and is one of the most popular dishes, especially in India as “Murgh Makhni”. This curry-style dish was first prepared “by chance” with a leftover tandoori chicken infused with rich buttery tomato sauce.
What sets it apart from chicken tikka masala is its deliciously buttery flavor and rich, creamy texture. It is prepared by marinating chicken with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and red chili for at least 3 hours.
The gravy consists of a tomato sauce infused with a perfect mixture of aromatic spices, cream, and lots of butter. Sometimes cashew paste can be used to add thickness to a gravy.
What does Butter Chicken taste like?
With a velvety texture, butter chicken tastes mildly spiced, creamy, and buttery, complemented by a delicious combination of sweetness and spiciness.
Chicken Tikka Masala versus Butter Chicken: Which one hits your taste buds?
Each dish has its own distinctive flavor and enticing aroma. Let’s explore the other components that make them the ultimate choice for people.
- Spiciness:
Chicken Tikka tastes spicier than butter chicken. The blend of spices especially red chili in its composition makes it hot and tangy and a favorite to all spice lovers. Whereas, butter chicken has mild spiciness with a touch of sizzling chili.
- Rich in Calories:
Butter chicken, as the name suggests, is more buttery and high in calories. The mix of cream and butter makes it heavy and rich in fat. However, if low-fat cream and butter are used in a smaller quantity, it can be made into a low-calorie dish.
- Sweetness:
Adding a hint of sweetness to your meals can really elevate the flavors and make your taste buds sing. Butter chicken has a touch of this sweetness with mild spiciness. The combination is uncommon in most of the dishes but it tastes really amazing if someone loves to have it.
Naan vs Rice: What is best to serve with?
For the most satisfying meal, serve butter chicken and chicken tikka masala with naan, chapati, or rice.
Naan is an oven-made or tawa-fried lightweight flatbread. Whereas, chapati or roti is just like tortilla style, flat or less fluffy bread. They skillfully enhance the taste by bringing a delightful combination of flavors and texture. Whereas, serving with rice creates a decent and soft texture.
Conclusion:
When it comes to food, there should be no contest, as every dish has its own fondness and essence which makes it special. Butter chicken, being the creamy one, is a favorite to all who love to have a mild spicy dish with some sweetness. Whereas, tikka masala is craved by all who love meals rich in tanginess and spiciness.
