Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes. It consists of chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, then simmered in a creamy tomato and butter sauce. The complex flavors of the rich and silky sauce are incredibly addictive. While the chicken is important, it's really the butter chicken sauce that makes this dish so special.
The sauce is made from tomatoes, cream or coconut milk, butter or ghee, and an array of aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and fenugreek. When these ingredients come together and are allowed to simmer, they meld into a luscious creamy curry with a subtle sweetness and mild spiciness. The sauce clings to the chicken, permeating it with flavor.
Making authentic butter chicken sauce from scratch is time consuming, requiring simmering and reducing fresh tomatoes for the right texture and taste. For busy home cooks, using a ready-made sauce can help capture the essence of this iconic Indian dish without all the work. However, with so many options on the market, finding a sauce that brings quality ingredients and authentic Indian flavors can be tricky.
This buying guide looks at what to consider when selecting a ready-made butter chicken sauce, from nutritional value to spice level. We'll also recommend some of the best pre-made butter chicken sauces that you can purchase to create restaurant-quality dishes right in your own kitchen.
Kitchens of India Butter Chicken Curry Paste
Experience the rich, creamy flavors of India with Kitchens of India's Butter Chicken Curry Paste. This flavorful paste makes it easy for you to whip up an authentic Indian dish in minutes. The smooth, fragrant blend of tomatoes, cream, yogurt, and Indian spices is crafted by master chefs to taste just like the butter chicken curries found in Indian restaurants.
All you need to do is sauté chicken and stir the paste into a pan. The paste quickly infuses the chicken with aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and paprika. Simmer for a few minutes, and you'll have a rich, creamy curry bursting with flavor. The paste comes in convenient pouches that store easily until you're ready to cook.
With Kitchens of India pastes, anyone can feel like an expert chef making tasty Indian meals for the whole family. Try pairing this delicious butter chicken with rice, naan bread, or pita for a complete Indian-inspired dinner. The mild spice level makes this curry paste perfect for kids as well. Satisfy your cravings for authentic Indian cuisine with the incredible convenience of Kitchens of India's Butter Chicken Curry Paste.
Key features:
- Authentic restaurant-style Indian butter chicken flavor
- Smooth, creamy paste infuses food with spice
- Easy to use - just sauté and simmer
- Mild spice level great for kids
- Convenient pouches for storage
Pros:
- Delicious, authentic Indian flavor
- Simple to make butter chicken at home
- Versatile pairing options like rice and naan
- Mild spice perfect for the whole family
- Easy-to-use resealable packaging
Cons:
- Only one flavor option, not a variety pack
Patak's Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala & Korma Simmer Sauce Variety Pack
Explore the rich diversity of Indian cuisine with Patak's variety pack of simmer sauces. This convenient 3-pack includes the brand's most popular Indian sauce flavors: Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, and Korma Curry.
Each 15 oz jar contains a pre-made sauce flavored with aromatic spices and ingredients like garlic, ginger, tomatoes, cream, honey, and yogurt. To use, simply sear your protein of choice, add sauce to the pan, and simmer until fully cooked. In just minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian dishes like juicy butter chicken, savory chicken tikka masala, or creamy korma.
The sauces are naturally flavorful without artificial additives, so you get authentic Indian taste in every bite. They're also mild enough for the whole family to enjoy. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a fast weeknight meal or impressive dinner party dish. With this variety pack, you can sample Patak's top three Indian sauces to find your new favorites.
Key features:
- Pack of 3 jars - 15 oz each
- Flavors: Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Korma Curry
- Thick, pre-made sauces flavored with Indian spices
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Mild spice level suitable for all
Pros:
- Tasty, authentic Indian sauce flavors
- Easy to make restaurant-style dishes
- Convenient pack to sample varieties
- Naturally flavorful with real ingredients
- Perfect spice level for family meals
Cons:
- Only three sauce options included
Passage to India Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce
Treat your family to the incredible flavors of India with Passage to India's Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce. This aromatic sauce features a masterful blend of mild spices and honey, yogurt, tomato, and cream inspired by Northern Indian cuisine.
To prepare, simply add the creamy, pre-made sauce to cooked chicken, vegetables, or paneer then simmer until heated through. In just minutes, you can enjoy tender butter chicken or flavorful curry without the fuss of lengthy recipes. The rich, fusion of spices gives this simmer sauce bold Indian taste from the very first bite.
Passage to India uses quality ingredients handpicked for authentic flavor, so every component shines through. This mild sauce is delightful but not spicy, making it fun for the whole family. Serve over basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a satisfying Indian-style meal. When you're craving the exotic flavors of a restaurant curry minus the work, reach for Passage to India Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce.
Key features:
- Authentic Indian butter chicken flavor
- Creamy, pre-made sauce with tomato and spices
- Just add to protein and simmer
- Mild, family-friendly spice level
- Quality ingredients provide robust flavor
Pros:
- Simple way to make flavorful Indian curry
- Deliciously creamy, aromatic butter chicken sauce
- Perfect spice blend, not too hot for kids
- Convenient and easy meal solution
- Quality ingredients result in authentic taste
Cons:
- Only one flavor option, not a variety pack
Passage to India Butter Chicken Sauce
Transport your taste buds to India with Passage to India's authentic Butter Chicken Sauce. This restaurant-style simmer sauce features a rich medley of mild spices, tomato, honey, yogurt, and cream. The aromatic blend of ingredients is crafted to replicate the incredible flavor of Indian butter chicken.
To use, just sear chicken or vegetables, add the pre-made sauce, and simmer for a few minutes until heated through. In no time at all, you'll enjoy a luxurious curry bursting with authentic Indian essence. The smooth, creamy sauce infuses every bite with delicious notes of garlic, ginger, and exotic spices.
Passage to India uses quality components to provide true Indian flavor. This curry sauce has a mild, family-friendly spice level that everyone can enjoy. Serve over basmati rice or with warm flatbread for a satisfying meal with exotic appeal. When you crave lip-smacking Indian food without the fuss, Passage to India's Butter Chicken Sauce delivers.
Key features:
- Authentic butter chicken curry flavor
- Creamy pre-made sauce with yogurt and spices
- Easy to prepare - just sauté, simmer and serve
- Mild spice level suitable for all
- Quality ingredients provide robust Indian taste
Pros:
- Deliciously rich, aromatic Indian sauce
- Convenient shortcut to flavorful curry
- Smooth texture and balanced spice blend
- Perfect for family meals, not too spicy
- Made with quality components for authentic taste
Cons:
- Only one flavor option, not a variety pack
Sharwood's Butter Chicken Sauce
Take your taste buds on a flavor journey to India with Sharwood's Butter Chicken Sauce. This creamy cooking sauce features a rich medley of aromatic spices and ingredients like garlic, ginger, tomato, and honey. The exotic blend was crafted to replicate the incredible essence of Indian restaurant-style butter chicken.
To prepare, simply simmer chicken, vegetables, fish, or paneer in the pre-made sauce for a few minutes. In no time, you'll enjoy a luxurious curry bursting with authentic butter chicken flavor. The smooth, velvety sauce permeates each bite with notes of cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and other Indian spices. Sharwood's uses quality ingredients to provide a true taste of India in every bottle.
This mild curry sauce has just enough spice to tantalize the palate without overheating it. Serve over basmati rice with warm naan bread for an exotic yet easy family meal. When you want to infuse your cooking with authentic Indian flavor minus the work, Sharwood's Butter Chicken Sauce is a quick passport to delicious curry.
Key features:
- Authentic Indian restaurant-style butter chicken flavor
- Rich, creamy pre-made sauce with spices
- Easy to prepare - just simmer with protein
- Mild spice level suitable for all
- Quality ingredients provide authentic taste
Pros:
- Deliciously aromatic, exotic Indian sauce
- Convenient shortcut to flavorful curry
- Velvety texture with balanced spice blend
- Perfect for family meals, not too hot
- Made with quality components for robust flavor
Cons:
- Only one sauce variety, not a multipack
Khazana ORGANIC Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce
You are looking for an authentic Indian simmer sauce to make delicious butter chicken at home. This organic butter chicken simmer sauce from Khazana is a great option to consider.
When you open the jar, the rich aroma of spices like turmeric, garlic, ginger, and garam masala fills your kitchen. The sauce has a smooth, creamy texture and orange-red color. Pour the sauce into a pan and simmer chicken breast cubes in it for 10-15 minutes. The chicken pieces soak up the flavors and turn tender. Serve the butter chicken with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
A major benefit of this simmer sauce is that it uses all-natural ingredients and has USDA organic certification. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. You can trust its quality and purity. The recipe is also vegan and gluten-free.
Key features:
- USDA certified organic
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Made with natural spices
Pros:
- Convenient jar packaging
- No artificial ingredients
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Makes cooking easier
Cons:
- Only one flavor option
- Lid can be tricky to open
Sharwood's Butter Chicken Sauce
You want to cook delicious Indian butter chicken but don't have time to make the complex sauce from scratch. Sharwood's ready-made butter chicken sauce is the perfect shortcut.
This jarred cooking sauce has a rich, creamy texture and vibrant orange-red color. It tastes like traditional Indian restaurant butter chicken. Heat the sauce in a pan, add chicken pieces, simmer for 10 minutes. The chicken absorbs the incredible flavors. Sprinkle chopped cilantro before serving with rice or naan.
The sauce contains tomato puree, cream, spices like cumin, garlic, ginger, cinnamon. It has a smooth consistency and pours easily from the jar. A little goes a long way, no need to drown the chicken. The sauce makes weeknight dinners quick and satisfying.
Key features:
- Rich, creamy texture
- Vibrant orange-red color
- Traditional Indian restaurant flavor
- Smooth, pourable consistency
Pros:
- Saves time and effort
- Recreates authentic taste
- Easy weeknight meal solution
- Convenient jar packaging
Cons:
- Contains dairy
- Only one flavor option
Shan Butter Chicken Seasoning Mix
You want to cook scrumptious homemade Indian butter chicken but don't have all the necessary spices. Shan's butter chicken seasoning mix has you covered.
This spice blend contains the perfect masala mix to turn basic ingredients into a rich, flavorful curry. The process is simple - marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and 1 packet of the seasoning. Cook the chicken until tender. Mix tomato puree with another packet, add cooked chicken, simmer 10 minutes. Garnish with cream and voila!
The resulting butter chicken curry is aromatic, creamy, and full of complex flavors. The recipe is vegetarian and uses no artificial additives. Shan ensures authentic taste through quality spices.
Key features:
- Shelf-stable packets
- Vegetarian recipe
- No artificial additives
- Complex flavor blend
Pros:
- Recreates true Indian restaurant taste
- Easy to follow instructions
- Saves time and effort
- Quality spices for authenticity
Cons:
- Need other ingredients on hand
- Only one flavor available
Alcoeats Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce
You want to enjoy restaurant-style Indian butter chicken in your own kitchen. Look no further than this ready-made simmer sauce by Alcoeats.
One jar is enough to make 4 full meals for your family. Heat the sauce, add chicken pieces, simmer for 15 minutes. The chicken absorbs the incredible flavors. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan. The whole meal takes just 15 minutes of active cooking time.
This simmer sauce replicates the taste of butter chicken from your favorite Indian restaurant. It has a rich, silky texture and vibrant color. The recipe uses natural ingredients like cashews, spices, onion, tomato. There are no artificial additives.
Key features:
- Makes 4 meals from 1 jar
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Natural ingredients
- Authentic Indian restaurant flavor
Pros:
- Saves cooking time and effort
- No artificial additives
- Convenient jar packaging
- Delicious restaurant-style taste
Cons:
- Only one flavor option
- Lid can be tricky to open
Shan Butter Chicken Cooking Sauce
You want to enjoy delicious, authentic Indian butter chicken without spending hours cooking. Shan's ready-made butter chicken cooking sauce is the perfectshortcut.
Simply pour the sauce into a pan, add chicken pieces, simmer for 10-15 minutes. The chicken absorbs the incredible flavors and turns tender. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread. The whole meal takes just 20-25 minutes start to finish.
The creamy, smooth texture coats the chicken perfectly. The sauce has a rich orange-red color that looks appealing. It strikes the ideal balance of aromatic spices, tangy tomato, and velvety dairy. The recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Key features:
- Shelf-stable jars
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Vibrant orange-red color
- Suitable for vegetarians
Pros:
- Replicates true Indian restaurant taste
- Saves significant cooking time
- Easy weeknight meal solution
- Convenient jar packaging
Cons:
- Contains dairy
- Only one flavor option
Butter Chicken Sauce Buying Guide
When purchasing a ready-made butter chicken sauce, here are some key factors to consider:
Ingredients
Check the ingredient list for signs of an authentically-flavored sauce. The sauce should be tomato-based, with pureed or crushed tomatoes towards the top of the list. Tomato sauce or tomato puree on their own don't provide the right texture.
Spices like garlic, ginger, cumin and coriander should also feature prominently, as they build the sauce's aromatic foundation. Look for the inclusion of cream, coconut milk or cashews to provide richness and body. Ghee or butter should be present for the signature buttery flavor.
Avoid products with mystery "natural flavors" or excessive thickeners like starch, gum or flour which can make the sauce gloppy. Low quality sauces often compensate for lack of spices with extra sugar, so be wary of those with added sugar high on the ingredients list.
Spice Level
Butter chicken has a mild, family-friendly spice level that allows the other complex flavors to shine through. However, everyone has a different heat tolerance.
Assess your preferences and look for indicators of spice level on the packaging, like "mild," "medium" or "hot." Garlic, chili, cayenne and black pepper contribute heat, while ingredients like coconut milk and cream create a milder sauce. Test a small amount first if you are very sensitive to spice.
Prepared vs. Concentrate
Ready-made butter chicken sauces come in two main formats:
- Prepared sauces are fully cooked and shelf-stable. They just need to be gently heated before serving.
- Sauce concentrates require mixing with water, cream and/or butter before cooking to thicken the sauce. They take a bit more effort but allow customizing consistency.
Think about your cooking habits and preferences. Prepared sauces offer convenience while concentrates provide flexibility.
Certifications
For reassurance about quality, check label certifications like:
- "USDA Organic" verifies at least 95% organic ingredients.
- "Non-GMO Project Verified" requires best practices to avoid GMOs.
- "Certified Gluten-Free" confirms gluten testing at less than 10ppm.
- "Certified Vegan" indicates no animal-derived ingredients.
Nutritional Value
While butter chicken sauce is high in fat and calories, brands vary in nutrition profiles. Compare products and select one that fits your needs, whether that is lower fat, higher protein, or vegan.
Watch out for excessive sodium levels, as preservatives and flavor enhancers can cause this. Good quality sauces rely on spices, not salt, for flavor.
Taste and Texture
The most important factor is how the sauce actually tastes! It should have:
- Rich, velvety texture but not be overly thick or gloppy
- Savory, complex flavor with spices, tomato and butteriness coming through
- Touch of sweetness to balance the spices
- Mild heat that provides warmth without overpowering
Before deciding on a product, read reviews and look for feedback on how the sauce actually performs in cooking. Samples or trial sizes can also help you determine taste and quality.
Types of Butter Chicken Sauce
There are a few different forms ready-made butter chicken sauce comes in:
Jarred Prepared Sauce
This is a fully cooked butter chicken sauce in a jar that just needs gentle heating before serving. It comes ready as-is, with no mixing required. The sauce has a smooth pureed texture. Jarred sauces need to be refrigerated after opening.
Pouch Concentrate Sauce
This type of sauce comes as a concentrated paste in a foil pouch. To prepare it, you squeeze the contents of the pouch into a pan and simmer with water, cream or coconut milk and spices to create the final sauce. The concentrate allows you to customize the consistency as desired.
Simmer Sauce Packet
Simmer sauces come in a packet as a dry spice mix. They are activated by sautéing aromatics like onion and tomato, then simmering with the spice mix and water or milk to create a sauce. This allows total control over flavor.
Frozen Sauce
Some companies offer frozen butter chicken sauce in pouches that can be thawed and heated. The frozen format helps maintain flavor.
Tips for Choosing a Butter Chicken Sauce
- Look for sauces made with pureed tomatoes, cream or coconut milk, Indian whole spices and minimal thickeners.
- Consider your preferred spice level and look for indicators of heat on the packaging.
- Choose a ready-to-use jar for maximum convenience or a concentrate for flexibility to adjust consistency.
- Check for certifications like USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified or Certified Gluten Free for peace of mind.
- Compare nutrition facts to fit your dietary needs and watch for excessive sodium levels.
- Read reviews and check company websites for recipes and guidance on use.
- Purchase a smaller size or trial offer first to test a new brand for taste and performance.
With so many options for ready-made sauces, take your time to read labels and find one with quality ingredients and authentic Indian flavor. A good butter chicken sauce can make home cooking this favorite dish quick and easy.
FAQ
What spices should be in butter chicken sauce?
Authentic butter chicken sauce is flavored with a blend of aromatic Indian spices. Key spices to look for include:
- Garlic - Provides pungency and savory flavor
- Ginger - Adds a touch of heat and bright flavor
- Coriander - Warm, earthy flavor
- Cumin - Distinctively nutty and bitter flavor
- Turmeric - Slightly bitter with mild earthiness
- Paprika - Hint of sweetness with smokiness
- Cardamom - Intense floral aroma with citrusy note
- Cinnamon - Warm sweetness with subtle spice
- Fenugreek - Imparts aromatic herbaceousness
- Kashmiri Chili - Provides mild red color and gentle heat
A quality butter chicken sauce balances these spices to create a well-rounded and nuanced flavor profile.
Is butter chicken sauce spicy?
Traditional butter chicken has a very mild level of spice heat. It relies more on complex aromatic flavors from its blend of spices rather than intense chili heat. However, spice tolerance is subjective. Garlic, ginger, black pepper and chilies add varying degrees of heat while coconut milk and dairy help tone it down. Look for terms like "mild," "medium" or "hot" on packaging to gauge spice level. Taste a small amount first if you are especially sensitive. Overall, classic butter chicken provides warmth but allows the rich, creamy sauce to still shine through.
What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are often confused since they are creamy, tomato-based chicken curries. However, they have some distinct differences:
- Butter chicken uses bone-in chicken or boneless thighs while tikka masala uses boneless tandoori-style chicken breast.
- The chicken is marinated differently - butter chicken in just yogurt and spices, tikka masala in yogurt plus citrus, herbs and chili.
- Butter chicken has a smoother, creamier sauce thickened with cashews or dairy while tikka masala is chunkier from added onions and peppers.
- Butter chicken is mildly spiced while tikka masala has a noticeable chili pepper heat.
- Traditional butter chicken uses fenugreek which gives it a subtler, herbal taste.
- Butter chicken was invented in India while chicken tikka masala originated later in the UK by adapting Indian recipes.
While both curries have creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based sauces, the preparation method, ingredients and spice level does vary between the two.
Can you freeze butter chicken sauce?
Yes, butter chicken sauce can be frozen for longer term storage. For best results:
- Make sure sauce is cooled to room temperature before freezing.
- Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving headspace to allow for expansion.
- Flatten pouches as much as possible to minimize air pockets.
- Label container with name and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stove over low heat.
Freezing is a great way to have butter chicken sauce ready when a craving hits!
Conclusion
Butter chicken is one of the most beloved Indian restaurant menu items. While the marinated chicken is key, it's the luxuriously creamy and aromatic tomato-based sauce that really sets this dish apart. With ready-made sauces, home cooks can now enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken without the elaborate preparation.
Look for sauces made with pureed tomatoes, spices like cumin and garlic, and cream or ghee for authentic flavor. Consider your preferred spice level and cooking habits to choose jarred ready-to-use sauces for convenience or concentrates to customize. Seek out quality ingredients without chemical additives or excessive sodium. With so many options available, you can find a pre-made sauce to suit your tastes and diet. A good store-bought butter chicken sauce allows you to quickly recreate this iconic Indian dish anytime the craving strikes.