No Chicken Butter Chicken Recipe · i am a food blog (2024)

Chicken is swapped out for nutrient and protein packed tofu and paneer for a vegetarian take on butter chicken.

I spent the holiday hanging out wrapped up in blankets binge watching The Final Table– a Netflix cooking competition show featuring top chefs making signature dishes from around the world. I chose it on a whim to have on in the background while I was doodling on my iPad, but it turned out so binge-able that I went ahead and watched all the episodes in about 3 days. That’s not to say that I thought it was agood show, it was one of those trashy I can’t stop watching and maybe it’s really bad but also kinda good shows.

There was lots of cheesy dramatic music and at the same time, no drama. Every chef is completely respectful and talented and there’s no backstabbing or throwing people under the bus. They take criticism well and take losing even better. I felt inspired by the fact that every time someone lost, they took it as learning experience. Plus, there were plates after plates of pretty food. I especially loved when the contestants had to make their versions of a country’s signature dish. Afterwards I totally wanted to make paella, pasta, and most of all, butter chicken.

I’ve made butter chicken quite a few times now and I’m hooked. But I was intrigued by the no chicken butter chicken concept of the show and wanted to try my hand at it. At first I was going to use cauliflower, but then I thought that a little bit of protein goes a long way so I went with firm tofu. Mike also suggested paneer – Indian cheese that’s similar to halloumi so then I thought, “why not both?”

I whipped up a quickmakhani gravy – the sauce that is used in butter chicken, crisped up some tofu and paneer and popped them into the sauce. It was SO GOOD. Served up with a bit of rice and naan and I didn’t even miss the chicken at all. It was maybe even better than butter chicken?! The best part is you can put in anything you like into the sauce. If you’re feeling cauliflower, roast some then pop it in. Or maybe some sautéed kale? Definitely not traditional, but quick, tasty, and perfect for warming up.

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No Chicken Butter Chicken Recipe
serves 4


  • 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 5 or 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, adjust this to your spice preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • oil for the pan
  • 1 package firm tofu
  • 1 package paneer
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into cubes
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Note: You don’t have to crisp up the tofu and paneer, but it does add a nice bit of texture to the dish. If you’re short on time, I recommend crisping up the paneer and skipping out on crisping the tofu. Also, feel free to customize and go for just paneer or just tofu or any other vegetable you love.

In a large saucepan, lightly sauté the garlic, ginger,1 teaspoon garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and salt.

Stir in the tomatoes, bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer gently while you fry the tofu and paneer.

Cut the paneer and tofu into cubes. Heat up a bit of oil in a non-stick pan over medium high heat and fry the tofu and paneer cubes in batches, until golden. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Use an immersion blender and blend the sauce until smooth. Alternately, carefully transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.

When the sauce is smooth, stir in the butter, cream, and the last teaspoon of garam masala. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Stir in the crispy tofu and paneer. Top with the cilantro and enjoy with rice and naan.

7 Comments

  1. thefolia says:

    January 10, 2019 at 11:29 am

    It’s all about the sauce and naan anyways! Happy feasting!

    Reply

  2. January 10, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    I always order butter paneer instead of chicken! Love the tofu addition, can’t wait to make!

    Reply

  3. Lyndsay says:

    January 15, 2019 at 11:59 am

    Look at your little crispy tofu cubes! Teddy would love those. I am inspired, this dish is perfect for our veggie crew! xo

    Reply

    1. Stephanie says:

      January 16, 2019 at 10:33 am

      ooh yes!!! i think you guys would love it. but tone down the spice LOL

      Reply

  4. Margaret says:

    October 28, 2019 at 6:28 pm

    Made this almost to exact except added onion to the garlic and ginger. The flavour is fantastic and this is hands down the best indian meal I have made to date. Thank you!!! Used paneer only (not a tofu fan). I noticed that in your directions you reference adding tomatoes twice. I added them after I heated up the onions, ginger, garlic and spices. Trust that was correct?

    Reply

    1. Stephanie says:

      October 29, 2019 at 10:35 am

      yes to the tomatoes! so happy you loved it and thanks so much for leaving a comment :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply

No Chicken Butter Chicken Recipe · i am a food blog (2024)

FAQs

What do you call butter chicken without the chicken? ›

Many Indian vegetarian curries have a similar flavour profile to butter chicken. One popular option is paneer makhani, made with paneer (a type of Indian cheese) cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Other options include malai kofta (vegetable balls in a creamy sauce) and.

What is the dispute over butter chicken? ›

Moti Mahal vs Daryaganj – the battle of the Kundan Lals

There is now bitterness between the two restaurants and the furious feud between the two families has materialised into a 2,752-page lawsuit filed by Moti Mahal, accusing its rival eatery, Daryaganj, of falsely taking credit for inventing butter chicken.

What can I use instead of chicken in butter chicken? ›

In this recipe, oven-baked tofu is the tasty and protein-packed chicken substitute. The silky sauce is made with only a few spices, tomatoes, and a bit of cream and butter (although much less than your favorite takeout option!). The combination is bursting with flavor.

Which is healthier, butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Regarding nutrition, Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Butter Chicken has more fat and calories than Tikka Masala due to the use of cream and butter in the sauce. However, Tikka Masala has more sodium than Butter Chicken due to the use of canned tomato puree.

What do Indians call butter chicken? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce. Its sauce is known for its rich texture.

Is garam masala the same as curry powder? ›

While both are Indian spice mixes, their unique flavor profiles distinguish them. Curry Powder tends to be milder, with a symphony of spices creating a harmonious, less intense flavor compared to the robust complexity of Garam Masala.

What is unhealthy about butter chicken? ›

Both butter and cream are high in saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol levels and the chance of heart disease. Relying on your recipe, one serving of butter chicken may include about 28 grams of whole fat and 12 grams of saturated fat.

What is butter chicken called in America? ›

What Is Butter Chicken? Tikka masala became popular in America as butter chicken after Indian restaurants began serving it with a side of white rice instead of basmati. The dish doesn't always include chicken, but it's called chicken-tikka or chicken-curry when it does.

Are tikka masala and butter chicken the same? ›

The main difference between butter chicken and tandoori chicken tikka masala is the level of creaminess; butter chicken is much creamier, whereas chicken tikka masala relies on tomatoes and other spices, giving it its earthy and spicy flavor profile.

How do you thicken homemade butter chicken? ›

Yoghurt: Greek-style yoghurt thickens the sauce and adds a creamy lusciousness to the dish (plus a cooling quality and yoghurt tang).

How do you thicken butter chicken without cream? ›

Mix in unflavored yogurt.

Stir your yogurt into the curry and keep adding a little more at a time until it reaches your desired thickness. This is great for Indian-style curries as a cream substitute. It can also come in handy if your curry is a little spicier than you would like, as it can cool your curry down.

What can I use if I don't have butter chicken cream? ›

Traditional butter chicken is made with heavy cream to give the sauce a smooth and velvety texture. In this recipe I replaced the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk which creates the same delicious consistency. I like adding ghee to the sauce at the end in place of butter to make this recipe Paleo and Whole30.

Is butter chicken healthy or unhealthy? ›

A single serving of butter chicken can contain a significant amount of saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to health issues like heart disease. But fret not! If you're craving the flavors of butter chicken without compromising your health, there are ways to enjoy it guilt-free.

Is Indian food healthy for you? ›

Supports digestion: Indian food often includes ingredients like ginger, fennel, and cumin, which have been shown to help support healthy digestion. Promotes heart health: Some Indian dishes, such as those made with lentils and vegetables, are low in saturated fat and high in fiber, which can help promote heart health.

Why is butter chicken called butter chicken? ›

Butter chicken is actually the American name for the signature Indian dish. The true name of the dish is murgh makhani, which translates to buttery chicken, hence the common nickname.

What is the difference between butter chicken and butter chicken curry? ›

In my opinion, both are curries with different taste profiles. Butter chicken is mostly made up of tomatoes has a thick and creamy consistency. While the chicken curry is made up of onion, spices, and yogurt with a much spicier and thinner base.

What is the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala chicken? ›

Butter Chicken is much more creamy and rich due to the addition of a generous amount of butter. The Butter Chicken sauce is pureed until smooth, while Chicken Tikka Masala keeps the tomatoes and onions in chunks to add more texture to the sauce. And, Butter Chicken is much less spicy than Chicken Tikka Masala.

Is chicken tikka the same as butter chicken? ›

The main difference between butter chicken and tandoori chicken tikka masala is the level of creaminess; butter chicken is much creamier, whereas chicken tikka masala relies on tomatoes and other spices, giving it its earthy and spicy flavor profile.

What is Korai? ›

The actual meaning of Korai or karahi is an Indian cooking pot made from cast iron, very similar to a wok. Karahi dishes are an Indian style of cooking rather than a traditional recipe, so you'll find the restaurant versions can vary significantly. But the basic ingredients will be the same throughout.

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