From Dhaba to Dining Table: The Best Butter Chicken Masalas in India

 There’s something timeless about butter chicken. Creamy, mildly spiced, and rich in flavour, it’s the quintessential comfort food for many Indians and a top favorite for foodies across the world. Whether it’s served at a roadside dhaba in Punjab or plated in a fine-dining restaurant in Mumbai, butter chicken never fails to satisfy. But what makes this iconic dish truly unforgettable is the masala that is a perfect blend of spices that infuses the gravy with depth, warmth, and aroma.

Today, more and more home chefs are trying to replicate the restaurant-quality experience in their own kitchens. And thanks to a host of high-quality butter chicken masalas now available in the market, it’s easier than ever to bring dhaba-style magic straight to your dining table. In this blog, we’ll explore the essence of butter chicken, the role of masalas, and take a deep dive into some of the best butter chicken masalas in India, including a closer look at Shahi Riwayat’s Butter Chicken Masala, which is setting new standards in authenticity and taste.


What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?  

Originating in the 1950s in the kitchens of Moti Mahal in Delhi, butter chicken (or murgh makhani) was created by accident when leftover tandoori chicken was tossed into a tomato-rich, buttery gravy. What started as a creative experiment has become one of India’s most beloved dishes.

The appeal of butter chicken lies in its balance:

  • Creamy yet tangy

  • Spicy yet subtle

  • Rich yet comforting

And it’s this complexity that makes the masala at the heart of the recipe so crucial.


The Role of Masala In Butter Chicken  


Butter chicken masala is perhaps more essential than the chicken itself, for it dictates both flavor and aroma. A  butter chicken masala is complemented with its spices like every other dish;  


  • Kashmiri chilli for colour

  • Methi (fenugreek) for aroma

  • Cardamom for warmth

  • Coriander and cumin for depth

  • A hint of garam masala for that final kick 

Some blends also incorporate ingredients like dried ginger, black cardamom, cinnamon, and clove to provide a smoky, restaurant-style flavor.

A quality pre-mix like Shahi Riwayat Butter Chicken Masala takes the guesswork out of the equation, helping you create the dish effortlessly while maintaining its rich, authentic taste.


What To Consider When Buying A Butter Chicken Masala


While shopping for a butter chicken masala, check for:


  • Aroma: As soon as you open the packet, you should be able to breathe in warm and comforting spices.

  • Colour: Quality turmeric and chilli powder will create a rich orange or red hue.

  • Ingredient List: Excess artificial sugars, colour, or preservatives are red flags. 

  • Balance: A good butter chicken masala is balanced and does not overwhelm with spice. It achieves complexity without being overly warm. 

  • Flexibility: The greatest blends have the versatility to create creamy paneer gravies, or veggie ones.


Best Butter Chicken Masalas in India 


1. Shahi Riwayat Butter Chicken Masala


Shahi Riwayat is one of the rising stars of the spice industry. The brand is well known for balancing convenience and traditional spices. Their butter chicken masala is well known for:


Authenticity: Balanced and traditional North Indian spice ratios.


Creamy Richness: Highlighting the buttery flavors in the gravy while still letting the chicken shine through.


Natural Ingredients: No excess salt or other artificial ingredients.


User Friendly: Great for home cooks, whether they are novices or seasoned veterans.


How To Use:


  • Marinate the chicken with 3 tbsp ginger garlic paste and salt. Keep aside for 30 minutes. Heat ½ cup oil, add marinated chicken. Stir fry for 5 minutes and keep aside.


  •  In 1 litre water, add tomatoes, onions, coriander stems, garlic, ginger, cashews, green chillies, salt and ½ packet of Shahi Riwayat Delhi Butter Chicken Masala and cook until the tomatoes are cooked and mushy. Cool it down and grind to a fine paste. Strain it through a sieve and keep aside.


  • Heat 2 tbsp oil, 4 tbsp butter and add remaining half packet of Shahi Riwayat Delhi Butter Chicken Masala dissolved with ¼ cup water. Stir fry for some time and add ground paste. Cover and let it cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until oil separates and the rawness of tomatoes goes away.


  • Add fresh cream, honey and salt. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.


  •  Add in cooked chicken pieces and mix everything well.


  •  Delicious Butter Chicken is ready to be served


Chef's tip: For best results, cook as per the steps mentioned above.


2. MDH Butter Chicken Masala  


A must have in every kitchen, MDH has a butter chicken mix which is always consistent, mildly spicy, and perfect for effortless family meals. It is slightly tangy, and tastes lovely with cream-based gravies.  


3. Everest Butter Chicken Masala  


Famous for long-lasting products, and aromatic mixes with a peculiar touch, Everest’s version is best suited for those who prefer their butter chicken rich, and on the sweeter side. It is also good for vegetarians who relish paneer makhani dishes.  


4. Badshah Butter Chicken Masala  


Known for bolder flavors, this version is a better fit for people who like stronger smoky, tandoori notes. It is ideal with charcoal-grilled chicken and thicker gravies.  


5. Catch Butter Chicken Masala  


This brand is remembered for the balanced spices and freshness of ne. It has a unique buttery flavor and is more spicy compared to others, especially for those who enjoy a bold butter chicken meal.



Why Shahi Riwayat Stands Out

Each butter chicken masala brand brings its own signature flavour to the table. What sets Shahi Riwayat apart is the depth and authenticity it delivers, offering a home-cooked experience that closely mirrors restaurant-style richness. Their commitment to heritage, premium ingredients, and a harmonious spice profile makes their Butter Chicken Masala a delightful choice among many worthy options in the market.


For a Butter Chicken Worthy of Royalty

Crafted to recreate the indulgence of Shahi Riwayat, this blend includes:

  • Salt

  • Chilli

  • Turmeric

  • Cumin

  • Black Pepper

  • Black Cardamom

  • Cinnamon

  • Cardamom

  • Ginger Powder

Garlic PowderButter Chicken Across India: Regional Twists

1. Delhi: Cream-heavy, rich, with a silky gravy.
2. Punjab: Smokier flavours, with tandoori-style chicken.
3. Mumbai: Sweeter version, often with added nuts.
4. South India: Coconut cream or curry leaves for a unique spin.
5. Kolkata: Subtle and aromatic, with a hint of mustard oil.


Butter chicken is more than just a dish, it's an emotion. From cozy family dinners to special weekend feasts, it brings people together. And with the right masala in hand, you can recreate that magic any day of the week.

So whether you're a novice in the kitchen or someone who swears by dhaba-style flavours, investing in a good butter chicken masala is key.

And if you're looking to go beyond the ordinary, Shahi Riwayat’s Butter Chicken Masala is your best bet. Rich, flavourful, and easy to use  it bridges the gap between tradition and modern cooking.

Cook with love, serve with pride, and let the monsoon rains fall as you indulge in a hot bowl of buttery goodness.

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