Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, stands as a testament to culinary innovation and cultural amalgamation. This dish, renowned for its creamy texture and rich flavors, has transcended borders to become a global favorite.

Origins in Pre-Partition India

The inception of Butter Chicken traces back to the 1920s in Peshawar, then part of undivided India. Kundan Lal Gujral, a chef at Mukhey da Dhaba, pioneered Tandoori Chicken by marinating chicken and grilling it in a clay oven known as a tandoor. To prevent wastage of unsold Tandoori Chicken, Gujral devised a method of immersing the dried pieces into a rich gravy composed of butter, cream, tomatoes, and spices. This innovative approach led to the creation of Butter Chicken.

Post-Partition Innovation

Following the partition of India in 1947, Gujral relocated to Delhi and established Moti Mahal restaurant in Daryaganj. It was here that Butter Chicken gained prominence, offering solace to refugees and locals during tumultuous times. The dish quickly became a staple, symbolizing comfort and resilience.

Disputes Over Its Creation

While Kundan Lal Gujral is widely credited with inventing Butter Chicken, there are claims by the Jaggi family that Kundan Lal Jaggi, another partner at Moti Mahal, was the actual creator. This dispute has reached the Delhi High Court, adding intrigue to the dish's history. 

Craving that rich, creamy flavor right now? Try our delicious ready-to-eat Butter Chicken - just heat and enjoy!

Butter Chicken’s Rise to Global Fame

Impact on Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken revolutionized Indian cuisine by introducing a dish that combined simplicity with exotic appeal. Its creamy tomato-based gravy paired perfectly with naan or rice, making it accessible to diverse palates. The dish also inspired variations like Chicken Tikka Masala in Britain.

Global Popularity

The dish spread globally through Indian migrants who opened restaurants abroad. In the United Kingdom during the 1970s, Punjabi restaurateurs introduced Butter Chicken alongside other curry dishes, cementing its place in international culinary culture. Today, Butter Chicken is served in Michelin-starred restaurants like Gymkhana in London and has inspired creative adaptations like keto-friendly recipes for modern diets.

Cultural Anecdotes

Butter Chicken's popularity transcends borders:

• In Australia during COVID lockdowns, a man famously drove 32 km searching for Butter Chicken and was fined AUD 1,652 for breaking restrictions. The restaurant rewarded him with free Butter Chicken for a year.
  
  

• In the U.S., food blogger Urvashi Pitre became known as the "Butter Chicken Lady" after her Instant Pot recipe went viral.
  
  

Why Food Lovers Adore Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is cherished for its balance of flavours—sweetness from cream and tomatoes, richness from the  butter, and aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin. Its velvety texture makes it universally appealing. The dish offers versatility; it can be mild or spicy depending on preference and pairs well with various accompaniments such as naan or basmati rice.

Lesser-Known Facts About Butter Chicken

1. Serendipitous Creation: The dish was born out of necessity—to prevent wastage of unsold Tandoori Chicken.
   
   

2. Similarity to Mughlai Cuisine: Some argue that Butter Chicken is an evolution of Shahi Korma due to its nut-based gravy and creamy texture.
   
   

3. Second Most Searched Indian Dish: Globally, Butter Chicken ranked as the second most searched Indian dish online in 2020, receiving over 400,000 monthly searches.
   
   

4. A Dish of Memories: For many Indians, Butter Chicken is tied to nostalgic childhood memories and family gatherings.
   
   

Butter Chicken’s journey from pre-Partition Peshawar to global kitchens exemplifies how food can transcend borders and cultures. Its rich history reflects innovation born out of necessity, and its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt while retaining its essence. Whether enjoyed at home or at fine dining establishments worldwide, Butter Chicken remains an iconic dish that continues to unite food lovers across generations and geographies.