Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala: A Culinary Showdown

• Butter Chicken is not just popular in India and parts of the Asian continent; it has gained immense fame globally. It is among the most ordered Indian dishes worldwide and is a staple on the menus of numerous restaurants across the globe.

• Talking about taking flavors to new heights—literally! In 2017, Butter Chicken was included as part of a special menu sent to space for astronauts. Crazy, right?

• Butter Chicken is often confused with its close counterpart, Chicken Tikka Masala. In this article, we’ll clear up this misconception for you, so you’ll know exactly what you’re eating and how each dish truly tastes at the best Indian restaurant in Calgary.
• Butter Chicken plays an important role in many occasions and celebrations in India and around the world. It's rare to find a celebration in India that doesn't feature Butter Chicken on the menu—unless it's a vegetarian festivity.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Another popular Indian dish in Calgary, Chicken Tikka Masala, is often confused with Butter Chicken due to their similarities. However, at the best Indian restaurants in Calgary, we're here to clear up this confusion for you right away.

The origins of Chicken Tikka Masala are somewhat controversial, with some sources claiming it was invented in the UK, while others suggest it originated in Asia. However, most sources agree that the dish was created in a UK restaurant in the 1960s, when an Indian chef tried to appease a customer who requested a gravy with his chicken tikka.

The dish features tender chunks of marinated and grilled chicken, also known as tikka, in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is crafted from a blend of authentic Indian herbs, spices, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh cream. These ingredients together give the chicken the perfect balance of tang and spice, making it a perfect partner to naan bread and a fluffy bed of rice.

Try the best Chicken Tikka Masala at the best Indian restaurant in Calgary, Gate of India, where we blend the beauty of authentic Indian cuisine with a twist.

Crazy Facts About Chicken Tikka Masala You Probably Didn’t Know!

• Did you know that more than 50 variations of chicken tikka masala exist around the world depending upon the chef’s creativity and culinary allure.

• Chicken Tikka Masala is rumored to be a part of the British royal household and has been cherished by royals on multiple occasions.

While we can’t promise you a royal dinner with the monarchy, we can certainly offer you this royal dish at the best Indian restaurant in Calgary.

• Chicken Tikka Masala played a significant role in the popularity of the UK’s 'curry house' culture, which rapidly emerged and helped shape the country’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Difference Between the Two

Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala both are versatile dishes that showcase similarity yet many differences. Let’s look at some of these differences for a better understanding: these differences have been expertly crafted by our Indian restaurant in Calgary, for your clarity and understanding.

Origin

• Butter Chicken is said to be an accidental invention from the early 1940s in Northern India, at the Moti Mahal restaurant. It was created when leftover tandoori chicken was cooked in a tomato-based gravy with butter and cream, which turned out to be a massive hit.

• Chicken Tikka Masala, on the other hand, is believed to have been invented in the late 1960s at a UK restaurant. An Indian chef, aiming to satisfy a customer’s request for grilled chicken with gravy, crafted this now-iconic dish.

Base Flavor

• Butter Chicken is known for its slightly sweet, mild, and creamy flavour. At our restaurant in Calgary we craft the sauce using tomatoes, cream, and butter creating a rich and smooth texture.

• Chicken Tikka Masala on the other hand has a more spicy and tangy flavour profile. It is spicier than butter chicken and features robust flavors from vinegar or lemon juice.

Preparation

• Butter Chicken is prepared by first cooking tandoori chicken and then simmering the chunks in a rich tomato based gravy with butter and cream.

• Chicken Tikka Masala on the other hand starts with grilled or roasted chicken tikka chunks, which are marinated in yogurt and spices, then tossed into the spicy, tomato-based masala sauce.

Accompaniments

• Butter Chicken is most usually enjoyed with a serving of long grain basmati rice or an assortment of Indian breads.

• Chicken Tikka Masala pairs beautifully with pilaf rice, naan, or chapati for a complete meal. Enjoy these two iconic dishes at the best Indian restaurant in Calgary, where we don’t just cook—we create magic that takes you on a culinary journey beyond imagination.