Butter Chicken Reykjavík searches often lead guests to one of the most comforting dishes in Indian cooking. At Indian Food Box, our Makhani Chicken brings together tender chicken, tomato, gentle spice and a creamy sauce designed to be enjoyed with rice or Indian bread.
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is commonly known in India as Murgh Makhani. The word makhani refers to a buttery, rich style of sauce. Recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen, but the dish is usually built around tomato, warming spices and a smooth finish. It is popular with first-time Indian-food guests because the flavour is aromatic without depending only on chilli heat.
The appeal comes from balance. Tomato adds acidity, fat gives the sauce body, and spices create warmth and depth. A good Makhani sauce should taste rounded rather than sugary, flat or aggressively hot. Rice and bread absorb the sauce, turning a simple curry into a generous meal.
Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala Are Not Exactly the Same
The names are sometimes used as if they describe the same dish, but they have different traditions. Butter Chicken is associated with a smoother makhani-style sauce, while Chicken Tikka Masala often has a more pronounced spice and tomato character. Every restaurant has its own recipe, so the clearest way to choose is to ask how the two dishes differ on the current menu.
How to Order Makhani Chicken
- Choose your side: rice keeps the meal simple, while naan or roti is ideal for scooping up the sauce.
- Ask about spice: Makhani is usually gentle, but spice perception is personal. Tell the team what you prefer.
- Add freshness: raita can cool the palate, and pickle or chutney adds contrast.
- Share with another curry: combining Makhani Chicken with dal, paneer, tofu or biryani gives a group more variety.
- Explain dietary needs: this dish normally contains dairy. Guests with allergies or restrictions should confirm the current ingredients before ordering.
A Comfortable Choice for Families and First-Time Guests
Some guests want a fiery curry, while others want a familiar and comforting entry point into Indian food. Butter Chicken works well for the second group. It can also anchor a family or group order: pair it with one lentil dish, one vegetarian curry, rice, bread and a starter so the table has different textures and spice profiles.
If your group includes vegetarians, consider Paneer Makhani as a dairy-based vegetarian alternative or ask about tofu choices. For vegan guests, sauces may need a different preparation because butter, cream, yogurt or ghee are common ingredients. Our vegetarian and vegan Indian food guide explains what to ask before ordering.
Order Butter Chicken in Reykjavík or Kópavogur
Reykjavík Takeaway
Order from our original location at Langirimi 21 for takeaway, casual seating and selected delivery. Visit the Reykjavík takeaway page.
Kópavogur Restaurant
Dine in at Hamraborg 11, order for a group or enjoy a relaxed Indian meal. See our Kópavogur restaurant page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butter Chicken very spicy?
It is usually gentler than many other curries, but recipes and individual spice tolerance vary. Ask the team about the current preparation and tell us the heat level you prefer.
Does Butter Chicken contain dairy?
Butter Chicken normally contains dairy ingredients. If you have an allergy or restriction, read our allergy information and speak with the restaurant before ordering.
What should I order with Butter Chicken?
Rice, naan or roti are the most practical choices. Add samosa, dal or a contrasting vegetarian curry if you are creating a meal to share.
Written and reviewed by the Indian Food Box team
Indian chefs and hospitality professionals serving Iceland since 2020. Reviewed 29 July 2026.
Ready for homestyle Indian food?