Butter Chicken vs Chicken Tikka Masala: What’s the Difference?

Butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are two of the best-loved curries in Britain, and they sit side by side on almost every Indian menu. Both are made with char-roasted chicken in a red, tomato-based sauce, so it is no surprise that people often ask us what the difference actually is. Here is a simple guide to butter chicken vs tikka masala — and how to choose between them at Meghna Grill in St John’s Wood.

What is butter chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is generally linked with Delhi and the tandoor kitchens of North India. The idea is simple: chicken cooked in the tandoor is finished in a smooth, buttery tomato sauce. The classic flavour note is fenugreek (kasuri methi), which gives the gravy a gentle, slightly savoury aroma.

Butter chicken is mild, rich and rounded rather than spicy. It is a good choice if you are new to Indian food, if you are ordering for children, or if you simply want something comforting.

At Meghna Grill our Butter Chicken (£15) is char-roasted chicken pieces in a rich tomato-fenugreek gravy.

What is chicken tikka masala?

Chicken tikka masala starts the same way, with marinated chicken tikka roasted over high heat. The difference is the sauce. A masala sauce is built on onion, tomato and a fuller blend of spices, so it tastes deeper, more savoury and a little more tangy than butter chicken. It is closely associated with British curry houses and has been a favourite in this country for decades.

Our Chicken Tikka Masala (£15) is char-roasted chicken thigh in a spiced masala sauce. Using thigh meat keeps the chicken juicy and gives it more flavour.

Butter chicken vs tikka masala: the main differences

• Sauce: butter chicken is smooth, buttery and tomato-led; tikka masala is more onion-rich and spice-led.
• Spice: both are mild to medium. Butter chicken is usually the milder and slightly sweeter of the two; tikka masala has a little more warmth.
• Key flavour: fenugreek in butter chicken; a broader masala of spices in tikka masala.
• Who it suits: butter chicken for anyone who likes it gentle and creamy-tasting; tikka masala for anyone who wants a bit more depth.

If you cannot decide, order one of each and share — with rice and naan, that makes an easy dinner for two.

Vegetarian versions: paneer butter masala and paneer tikka masala

Both curries work beautifully with paneer, the firm Indian cheese that holds its shape when grilled. Our Paneer Butter Masala (£13) is char-roasted paneer tikka in the same rich tomato-fenugreek gravy, and our Paneer Tikka Masala (£13) is grilled paneer in a tangy, spiced onion-tomato gravy. They are popular with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. For more meat-free ideas, add a Dhal Makhani (£10), our hearty black lentil dish.

What to order with your curry

Both sauces are made for mopping up. Good matches from our menu:

• Breads: Butter Naan (£5), Garlic Naan (£5), or the coconut-sweet Peshawari Naan (£6), which goes especially well with butter chicken.
• Rice: Pulao Rice (£6), fragrant basmati tempered with ghee and whole spices, or Plain Rice (£5).
• Starter: if you love the smoky taste of tikka on its own, try Meghna’s Special Chicken Tikka (£14) — chicken thighs marinated in spiced yoghurt and char-grilled in the tandoor.
• Drinks: a cold Cobra or Kingfisher (£6) from our drinks list, or a masala tea (£4) to finish.

Prefer rice and chicken in one dish? Our Chicken Tikka Biryani (£15) layers smoky tandoori chicken with spiced basmati rice and mint.

Want something with more heat?

Butter chicken and tikka masala are the gentle end of the curry spectrum. If you would like to explore further, our guide to Chicken Madras vs Chettinad Chicken explains the bolder South Indian curries on our menu, and our wine with curry guide suggests what to drink with them.

A note on allergies

Butter chicken, tikka masala and the paneer dishes contain dairy, and recipes for rich Indian sauces can include other allergens. Please tell your server about any allergies or dietary needs before you order, or call us on 020 7624 2595 and we will be happy to help.

Try both at Meghna Grill, St John’s Wood

You will find butter chicken and chicken tikka masala on our menu at 113 Boundary Road, St John’s Wood, London NW8. We are open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 17:00–23:00, Friday and Saturday 12:30–23:00 and Sunday 12:30–22:00 (closed on Tuesdays). Book a table, or order online.