Skip to Content

Butter Chicken vs Chicken Korma: Understanding the Key Differences

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve likely heard of butter chicken and chicken korma.

These two dishes are among the most popular Indian curries and are often compared to each other.

While both dishes have similarities, they also have distinct differences that set them apart.

In this article, we will explore the differences between butter chicken and chicken korma.

Butter chicken and chicken korma are both creamy, flavorful curries that are typically made with boneless chicken.

However, the two dishes differ in terms of their ingredients and preparation methods. Butter chicken is a rich, buttery curry that is made with heavy cream, butter, and yogurt, along with a blend of spices.

On the other hand, chicken korma is a spicier curry that is made with caramelized onions, ground and whole spices, and seasoned oil.

What Is Butter Chicken?

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve likely heard of butter chicken. This dish is a popular staple in Indian restaurants around the world, and for good reason. Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a creamy, tomato-based curry that is typically made with boneless chicken. The dish is said to have originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s, and has since become a beloved classic.

The creamy sauce in butter chicken is what sets it apart from other Indian curries. The sauce is made by combining tomatoes, cream, and spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor oven or on a grill. The cooked chicken is then added to the sauce, which is simmered until it thickens and becomes rich and creamy.

Butter chicken is known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. The dish has a subtle sweetness from the tomatoes and cream, which is balanced out by the spices. The texture of the sauce is smooth and creamy, making it the perfect accompaniment to naan bread or rice.

What Is Chicken Korma?

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of chicken korma. It’s a popular dish that’s known for its rich and creamy texture, as well as its complex blend of spices. Here’s what you need to know about this delicious dish:

Chicken korma is a type of curry that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It’s typically made with boneless chicken that’s been marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices. The chicken is then cooked in a creamy sauce that’s made with a variety of ingredients, including cashews, almonds, and coconut milk.

One of the key ingredients in chicken korma is yogurt. This gives the dish its signature tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken. Other common ingredients include onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Chicken korma can be served with a variety of side dishes, including rice, naan bread, and salad. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Similarities Between Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma

When it comes to Indian cuisine, there are many dishes that share similarities in terms of ingredients and cooking techniques. Butter chicken and chicken korma are two such dishes that have a lot in common. Here are some of the similarities between the two:

  • Both are creamy curries that are cooked in heavy cream, giving them a rich and indulgent texture.
  • Both dishes use boneless chicken, typically breast meat, as the main protein.
  • Both dishes have a tomato-based sauce, which provides a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Both dishes are often served with rice or naan bread, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Both dishes are popular choices in Indian restaurants and are enjoyed by people all over the world.

While there are certainly differences between butter chicken and chicken korma, it’s important to recognize that they share many similarities as well. Whether you prefer the buttery richness of butter chicken or the spicy earthiness of chicken korma, both dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Differences Between Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma

When it comes to Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are two of the most popular dishes. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two.

One of the main differences is the flavor profile. Butter Chicken has a unique sweet, spicy, and buttery-rich flavor due to its use of cream and tomatoes. On the other hand, Chicken Korma heavily relies on spices and slightly sour yogurt to flavor the gravy, resulting in a more earthy and slightly tangy taste.

Another difference is the texture of the dishes. Butter Chicken has a smooth, creamy texture, while Chicken Korma has a grainy gravy due to the use of ground nuts or seeds.

The cooking methods for the two dishes also differ. Chicken Korma is braised in a liquid mixture that’s predominantly yogurt and cream, while Butter Chicken is first slow-cooked and then simmered with its other constituent ingredients. This serves to keep the chicken moist and ensure that every bite practically melts in your mouth.

Finally, the calorie count is another distinguishing factor. Butter Chicken can contain 470-630 calories per serving, while Chicken Korma typically averages out at around 300-330 calories per serving. So, if you’re watching your calorie intake, Chicken Korma may be the better option.

Butter ChickenChicken Korma
Smooth, creamy textureGrainy gravy
Sweet, spicy, and buttery-rich flavorEarthy, slightly tangy taste
Slow-cooked and simmeredBraised in a liquid mixture
High calorie count (470-630 per serving)Lower calorie count (300-330 per serving)

Overall, both Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are delicious dishes that are worth trying. The differences in flavor, texture, cooking methods, and calorie count make them unique in their own ways, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Butter Chicken vs Chicken Korma: How to Choose Between Them?

Now that you know the differences between butter chicken and chicken korma, you may be wondering which one to choose when you’re at a restaurant or cooking at home. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Flavor: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor, go for butter chicken. If you like a spicier, tangier flavor, chicken korma may be more your style.
  • Texture: Butter chicken tends to be smoother and creamier, while chicken korma has a thicker, more textured sauce.
  • Ingredients: If you’re looking for a dish that’s lower in calories and fat, chicken korma may be the way to go. It relies less on cream and butter than butter chicken does.
  • Price: Depending on where you are, one dish may be more expensive than the other. Keep this in mind when making your decision.

Ultimately, the choice between butter chicken and chicken korma comes down to personal preference. If you’re not sure which one you’ll like better, try both dishes and see which one you enjoy more.

Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma FAQs

What is the origin of Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma?

Butter Chicken originated in India in the 1950s, while Chicken Korma has its roots in Mughlai cuisine, which is a blend of Indian and Persian cooking styles. Both dishes have become popular staples of Indian cuisine and are now enjoyed all over the world.

Are Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma the same dish?

No, Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are not the same dish. While they may share some similarities, such as their creamy texture and mild spice level, they have different flavor profiles and are made with different ingredients.

What are the main differences between Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma?

The main differences between Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are:

Butter ChickenChicken Korma
Made with tomato-based gravyMade with yogurt-based gravy
Has a sweet and buttery flavorHas a spicy and earthy flavor
Uses boneless chickenUses bone-in chicken

Which dish is spicier?

Chicken Korma is generally spicier than Butter Chicken. However, the level of spice can vary depending on the recipe and the restaurant that you order it from.

Which dish is creamier?

Both Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are creamy dishes, but Butter Chicken is typically creamier due to the addition of cream or butter in the recipe.

Which dish is healthier?

Neither Butter Chicken nor Chicken Korma are particularly healthy dishes due to their high calorie and fat content. However, Chicken Korma may be slightly healthier due to its use of yogurt in the gravy instead of cream or butter.

Which dish is more popular?

Both Butter Chicken and Chicken Korma are popular dishes in Indian cuisine and are enjoyed by many people around the world. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste.

Website | + posts

Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.