Butter Chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in the world and for good reason. It’s creamy, comforting, and versatile enough to transform into everything from pizzas to lasagnes. In this article, we’ll explore the absolute best Butter Chicken recipes, each with its own unique twist, while also showing you how Appetise makes meal planning easier, faster, and cheaper with real-time recipe pricing.
Why Butter Chicken Never Gets Old
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani if we’re being proper) is more than just a dish, it’s a global comfort food phenomenon. The rich, tomato-based sauce with tender chicken pieces hits that sweet spot between spice, creaminess, and crave-worthy indulgence. But here’s the thing: Butter Chicken isn’t limited to just being served with rice. It can morph into creative, weeknight-friendly dishes that fit almost any craving.
And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today, five standout Butter Chicken recipes, each with its own charm.
Before we jump into the recipes, a quick side note: if you’re tired of scrambling through meal planning each week, Appetise is the online tool that makes life easier. You’ll not only get meal plans done in minutes but also Priced Recipes, so you know exactly how much your cooking adventure will cost before you shop.
Now, let’s explore.
1. Food Court Butter Chicken with Simple Garlic Naan
This is the OG Butter Chicken experience, creamy, fragrant, and downright addictive. The garlic naan on the side isn’t just a carb delivery system, it’s basically a spoon in disguise.
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for first-time Butter Chicken cooks.
- The garlic naan balances the richness with just the right amount of chew and char.
- Ideal as a Friday-night-in dinner that still feels like a treat.
Pro tip: Use Appetise’s priced recipes to see the exact cost before you commit. Spoiler: this comfort classic is more budget-friendly than a takeaway.
2. Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
Yes, you read that right. Peanut butter. In Butter Chicken. It sounds rebellious, but once you taste it, you’ll wonder why it’s not standard practice. The peanut butter adds a subtle nuttiness that deepens the sauce without overpowering it.
Why you’ll love it:
- A protein-packed twist that feels familiar yet exciting.
- Creamy without needing quite as much cream.
- A win with kids and adventurous adults alike.
Best occasion: When you want comfort food with a cheeky twist.
3. Butter Chicken Naan Pizza
Pizza and Butter Chicken had a baby, and it’s glorious. Instead of a traditional pizza base, naan takes the stage, topped with luscious Butter Chicken, melted cheese, and whatever extra toppings your heart desires.
Why you’ll love it:
- Quick weeknight dinner, ready in less time than delivery.
- Combines the fun of pizza night with the indulgence of Indian comfort food.
- Customisable with toppings (hello, extra onions and coriander).
Smart move: Double the Butter Chicken batch and save half for pizza night. Two meals, one prep.
4. Butter Chicken Lasagne
This is where Italian meets Indian, and honestly, it’s a culinary power couple. Layers of pasta sheets, creamy Butter Chicken sauce, and gooey cheese all baked until golden.
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for impressing dinner guests without breaking a sweat.
- Meal-prep friendly, make it ahead and bake when needed.
- Comfort food on comfort food.
Top tip: Use Appetise’s meal planning tool to automatically add the lasagne ingredients into your shopping list. One click, no stress.
For the plant-based eaters in the room, Butter Chicken doesn’t need to be off the table. Enter Murgh Tofu, where golden, pan-seared tofu takes the chicken’s place in the velvety sauce.
Why you’ll love it:
- Vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavour.
- High in protein and great for Meatless Mondays.
- Can be served with rice, naan, or even tossed through pasta.
Extra bonus: It reheats beautifully for lunches the next day.
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The Smart Way to Cook Butter Chicken (and Everything Else)
Cooking delicious meals is fun, until you get stuck in the cycle of “What’s for dinner?” followed by a random, expensive supermarket trip. That’s where Appetise steps in.
Here’s why Butter Chicken fans (and food lovers in general) love it:
- Free Meal Planning Tool: Spend less time planning, more time cooking.
- Priced Recipes: See the real-time cost of your recipe before you shop.
- Recipe Variety: From classics to modern twists, everything’s at your fingertips.
Imagine planning your week’s meals in under five minutes and actually knowing how much they’ll cost. That’s efficiency, flavour, and budget control wrapped up in one neat package.
Final Thoughts
Butter Chicken is the kind of dish that evolves with you. Whether you’re craving the nostalgic food court version, feeling bold with peanut butter, or ready to wow friends with a Butter Chicken Lasagne, there’s a recipe for every mood.
And if you’re serious about making your cooking life easier, Appetise is the tool you need in your kitchen toolkit. Try the free meal planning tool today and experience the power of priced recipes, it’s a small change that makes a big difference.
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