When it comes to Indian cuisine, two dishes stand tall in popularity and taste — Chicken Korma and Butter Chicken. Both are rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, yet they differ significantly in ingredients, preparation, and flavor profiles. If you’ve ever wondered what sets Chicken Korma apart from Butter Chicken, or which one might suit your palate better, this comparison will help you understand their unique characteristics.
Origins and Background
Chicken Korma has its roots in Mughlai cuisine, which was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals. This dish reflects royal indulgence, often prepared with a blend of yogurt, cream, nuts, and aromatic spices. It’s a dish that emphasizes depth of flavor with subtle sweetness and richness.
Butter Chicken, on the other hand, originated in Delhi and was created by accident in the 1950s by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato-based gravy. Also known as Murgh Makhani, it quickly became a staple in Indian restaurants around the world due to its vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients and Preparation
The main difference between Chicken Korma vs Butter Chicken lies in the base of their gravies.
Chicken Korma is made using a base of ground nuts (like almonds or cashews), yogurt, and sometimes cream. Whole spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon are often used, along with garlic, ginger, and onions sautéed until golden. The chicken is cooked slowly in this sauce, absorbing the subtle, nutty flavors.
Butter Chicken uses a tomato and cream-based gravy, often featuring butter (as the name suggests), and occasionally cashews for extra richness. The chicken is usually marinated in yogurt and spices before being grilled or cooked in a tandoor, then added to the creamy tomato sauce with fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and garam masala for that distinctive flavor.
Flavor Profile
If you prefer a mildly spiced, sweet, and creamy curry, Chicken Korma is likely to be your favorite. It’s aromatic, smooth, and slightly nutty, without the tanginess of tomatoes. It leans more toward a royal, refined taste.
Butter Chicken is rich, buttery, and slightly tangy due to the tomato base. It’s more vibrant and bold in flavor compared to korma. The smokiness from the grilled chicken adds another layer of complexity.
Which One to Choose?
Choosing between Chicken Korma vs Butter Chicken depends on your taste preferences. If you’re looking for a rich, royal dish with a mellow flavor, korma is the way to go. If you want something more savory, tangy, and indulgent, butter chicken won’t disappoint.
Both dishes are excellent representations of Indian culinary artistry, and each offers a unique experience. Whether you’re new to Indian food or a seasoned lover of curries, trying both is the best way to decide your favorite.
In the end, there’s no real winner — just two timeless classics that bring joy to every bite.