Not sure which curry to order? Here is the short answer. Butter chicken is smooth, buttery and gently spiced. Chicken tikka masala is tangier and smokier, with a bit more heat. Korma is the mildest of the three, with a creamy, nutty sauce.
All three are chicken curries, and all three use cream or yoghurt. The real differences come down to the sauce base, the spice level and how the chicken is cooked. This guide breaks each one down so you can order with confidence.
Quick Answer: Butter Chicken vs Chicken Tikka Masala vs Korma
- Butter chicken: tomato, butter and cream. Mild, silky and lightly sweet.
- Chicken tikka masala: tomato, onion and cream. Medium heat, tangy and smoky.
- Chicken korma: yoghurt, onion and nuts. The mildest, creamy and nutty.
Butter Chicken vs Chicken Tikka Masala vs Korma at a Glance
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken, also called murgh makhani, is a North Indian dish of tandoor-cooked chicken in a silky tomato sauce. The sauce is finished with butter and cream. It is rich and smooth rather than fiery.
The dish is widely linked to Delhi. Many food writers trace it to the Moti Mahal restaurant, where cooks reportedly used leftover tandoori chicken in a tomato and butter gravy. That is why it still tastes of the tandoor.
Butter chicken ingredients
- Chicken thigh or breast, marinated in yoghurt and spices
- Tomato purée or fresh tomatoes
- Butter and cream
- Ginger and garlic
- Kashmiri chilli for colour
- Garam masala
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Is butter chicken spicy?
No, butter chicken is not usually spicy. It is one of the mildest tomato-based Indian curries. The cream and butter soften the spices, and a touch of sweetness balances the tomato.
What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is chicken tikka, which is marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor or under a grill, served in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. The sauce is usually orange and a little tangier than butter chicken.
The origin is debated. Britannica notes that its roots are disputed and that it is a staple of curry houses across Britain. In April 2001, then Foreign Secretary Robin Cook described it in a speech at the Social Market Foundation as “a true British national dish”. That speech made the dish a symbol of modern multicultural Britain.
Chicken tikka masala ingredients
- Chicken marinated in yoghurt, lemon juice and spices
- Tomato, onion and a thicker masala base
- Cream or yoghurt
- Ginger, garlic and green chilli
- Cumin, coriander, paprika and garam masala
- Fresh coriander to finish
Is chicken tikka masala spicy?
Chicken tikka masala is usually medium. It has more bite than butter chicken because the sauce uses more onion, chilli and ground spice. Most restaurants can adjust the heat if you ask.
What Is Chicken Korma?
Chicken korma is a mild, creamy curry built on yoghurt, onions and ground nuts. It does not rely on tomato. The flavour is gentle, warm and slightly sweet.
Korma comes from the Mughal tradition of slowly braising meat in yoghurt and spices. Because it is cooked gently, the chicken stays tender and the sauce stays pale.
Chicken korma ingredients
- Chicken
- Yoghurt
- Onions, often fried until golden
- Cashew or almond paste
- Cream
- Cardamom, cinnamon, clove and coriander
- Ginger and garlic
Some regional versions add coconut. Others use saffron or rose water for a fragrant finish.
Butter Chicken vs Korma: What Is the Difference?
The main difference is the sauce base. Korma is built on yoghurt, onion and nuts. Butter chicken is built on tomato, butter and cream.
This changes the taste in three clear ways:
- Flavour: Korma is nutty and sweet. Butter chicken is rich with a light tomato tang.
- Colour: Korma is pale. Butter chicken is orange-red.
- Cooking style: Korma is braised in the sauce. Butter chicken uses chicken that is grilled in the tandoor first.
Both are mild, and both suit people who dislike heat. Butter chicken has a little more tang. Korma is the softer, creamier option.
Is korma milder than butter chicken?
Yes, korma is generally milder than butter chicken. It has no tomato base, and the nuts and cream give it a soft, sweet taste. Butter chicken is still gentle, but it has more tang.
Butter Chicken vs Chicken Tikka Masala: Which Is Milder?
Butter chicken is milder than chicken tikka masala. Both use tomato and cream, but tikka masala has a bolder spice mix and a tangier, smokier finish.
- Sweetness: Butter chicken is smoother and slightly sweet. Tikka masala is more savoury.
- Texture: Butter chicken is silky. Tikka masala is a little thicker and more textured.
- Spice: Butter chicken uses gentle spice. Tikka masala uses more onion, chilli and ground spice.
If you like creamy Indian curries but want more character, choose tikka masala. If you want the softest tomato curry, choose butter chicken.
Chicken Tikka Masala vs Korma: Which Should You Order?
Choose korma for the mildest taste. Choose chicken tikka masala for a stronger, tangier curry with a gentle kick.
The two share very little beyond cream. Tikka masala is tomato-led and smoky. Korma is yoghurt-led and nutty. Korma suits young children and anyone sensitive to heat. Tikka masala suits diners who want flavour with moderate warmth.
Which Indian Curry Is Best for Beginners?
Butter chicken is a strong starting point for most beginners. It is mild, creamy and familiar, and it pairs well with naan or basmati rice.
- Want the mildest option? Order korma.
- Want mild with some tang? Order butter chicken.
- Want a little more heat? Order chicken tikka masala.
Butter chicken or korma for people who don’t like spicy food
Both work well. Korma is the safest choice if you want no heat at all. Butter chicken is a good second choice if you enjoy tomato flavour without the burn.
A Quick Guide to Indian Curry Differences and Flavours
Indian curry differences come mainly from the sauce base, the spice blend and the cooking method. These three dishes show the range of Indian curry flavours well.
- Tomato-based Indian curry: Butter chicken and chicken tikka masala.
- Creamy Indian curries: All three, but korma is the creamiest.
- Mild Indian chicken curry: Korma first, then butter chicken.
- Bolder options: Dishes with an onion-tomato masala or extra chilli, such as jalfrezi or madras.
If you are exploring the types of Indian chicken curry, start with these three. They give you a clear map of mild, medium and rich flavours.
Try Them at Delhi Brasserie in Soho, Central London
Delhi Brasserie serves authentic North Indian food on Frith Street, in the heart of Soho and the West End. We are a short walk from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square. Many guests join us for pre-theatre or post-theatre dining in Theatreland.
If you are unsure which curry to pick, ask our team. We will explain the dishes, suggest a spice level and match your curry with breads, rice and sides. Please check our current menu, as dishes can change.
We also welcome groups, birthdays, anniversaries and business meals, and we offer private dining rooms for larger parties.
Ready to taste the difference? Book a table at Delhi Brasserie for dinner, pre-theatre dining or a private celebration in Soho.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between butter chicken, chicken tikka masala and korma?
Butter chicken has a tomato, butter and cream sauce that is mild and silky. Chicken tikka masala uses a tangier tomato and onion sauce with medium heat. Korma uses yoghurt, onion and nuts, and it is the mildest.
2. Which is milder, butter chicken or tikka masala?
Butter chicken is milder. It has a smoother, slightly sweeter sauce. Tikka masala has a stronger spice blend and a smokier, tangier taste.
3. What is the difference between korma and butter chicken?
Korma is made with yoghurt, onions and nuts, so it tastes creamy and nutty. Butter chicken is made with tomato and butter, so it tastes rich with a light tang.
4. Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?
No. They look alike, and both use tomato and cream. Butter chicken is smoother and sweeter, while tikka masala is spicier and tangier. Some food historians suggest tikka masala may have developed from butter chicken, but its origin is still debated.
5. Which Indian curry is best for beginners?
Butter chicken is a popular choice for first-timers. It is mild, creamy and easy to enjoy. Korma is a good alternative if you want even less spice.
6. Is butter chicken or korma better for people who don’t like spicy food?
Korma is the better pick for anyone avoiding heat. Butter chicken is also mild, but it has a slight tomato tang that some people notice.
7. Is chicken tikka masala spicy?
It is usually medium. It is not as hot as a madras or vindaloo, but it has more heat than butter chicken or korma. You can ask for a milder version at most restaurants.
8. Can I get a mild curry for children at Delhi Brasserie?
Our team can recommend mild dishes for children and adjust spice where possible. Please tell your server about any allergies, since korma usually contains nuts and dairy.
Which Curry Should You Choose?
Butter chicken is rich and mellow. Chicken tikka masala is bolder and smokier. Korma is the gentlest and creamiest. Once you know the sauce base behind each one, choosing is easy.
Come and try them side by side with naan at Delhi Brasserie in Soho. Whether you are heading to the theatre, celebrating a birthday or hosting a business dinner, we would be glad to welcome you.
