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Vegan Butter Chicken

Name: Vegan Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 package extra firm tofu*; 2 tablespoons oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; pinch of pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegan butter; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled, grated and finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion (powder); 1/8 teaspoon cardamon powder; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or 1/8 cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup plain vegan yogurt, I use Silk Cultured Coconut yogurt; 1 can coconut milk; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 can (2 oz) chopped green chilies

May 16, 2022 / By Verna / 33 Comments

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This Vegan Butter Chicken recipe dresses crispy fried tofu in a silky Indian spiced butter sauce. It’s a delightfully creamy and gluten free meal with BIG flavor!

vegan butter chicken on a plate with rice and naan

Can you believe this Vegan Butter Chicken recipe isn’t made with any butter or cream? This simplified and veganized version of the popular Indian recipe is deliciously creamy and silky smooth. Made with crispy fried tofu instead of chicken, you won’t be able to stop after one bowl!

This easy vegan butter chicken recipe is:

Made with crispy and tender tofu instead of chicken
Easy to make in one pan
Naturally gluten free
Savory and delectable

If you love Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala, then you’re sure to be a fan of tofu butter chicken as well. Both dishes feature tofu dressed in a creamy sauce and are best served over basmati rice with vegan naan bread on the side. However, if you’re a fan of rich flavors and silky smooth sauces, butter chicken is the dish for you.

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What is butter chicken?
What is vegan butter chicken made of?
How to make vegan butter chicken
Frequently asked questions
More vegan Indian-inspired recipes
Vegan Butter Chicken

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What is butter chicken?

Butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a popular recipe from northern India. It’s traditionally made with chicken covered in a creamy butter, cream, and tomato-based sauce. The spice levels are very mild and the flavors are well-rounded, making it a popular family-friendly dinner.

What is vegan butter chicken made of?

Tofu - Extra firm tofu acts as the “chicken” in this vegan butter chicken recipe. It’s cut into small pieces and pan-fried to get it nice and crispy, but you can easily air fry or bake the tofu instead.

Cornstarch - The cornstarch surrounds the tofu pieces to help them crisp up as they fry.

Vegan butter sauce - This creamy sauce is made with a base of vegan butter, vegan yogurt, coconut milk, tomato sauce, green chilies, and a variety of Indian spices and aromatics.

Indian spices - A variety of Indian spices is the secret to a truly flavorful Indian butter sauce! If you can, use all of the spices listed in the ingredients, especially garam masala. This spice blend is traditional to India and will help the butter chicken recipe taste warm and comforting.

tofu cubes simmering in the vegan butter chicken sauce

How to make vegan butter chicken

Make sure to press the block of tofu before you begin. The more moisture that’s removed from the tofu, the crispier it will become. Once that’s done, you can put the rest of the dish together:

Prepare the tofu: Chop the tofu into small cubes and place them in a bowl. Toss them in oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Pan fry the tofu: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the tofu. Fry until the cubes are golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate. Want to save time? Air fry the tofu instead!
Start making the butter sauce: Melt the vegan butter in the same pan and cook the garlic and ginger. Afterward, stir in the spices.
Finish the butter sauce: Stir the rest of the ingredients (except the tofu) into the pan. Bring the sauce up to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
Bring everything together and serve: Add the tofu into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then serve over cooked rice with vegan naan bread on the side. Enjoy! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below.

step by step photos how to make vegan butter chicken

vegan butter chicken on a plate with naan and rice

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?

The difference between the two comes down to the flavor profile. Butter chicken is very creamy and buttery, whereas tikka masala is tomato-based and not as creamy. The flavors are more intense, too!

What can I use instead of tofu?

The tofu “chicken” can easily be replaced with chickpeas, roasted cauliflower, soy curls, homemade seitan chicken, or store-bought vegan chicken.

How long does vegan butter chicken last?

The leftover vegan butter chicken will last for 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes! To freeze vegan butter chicken, transfer the cooled leftovers to a sealed container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them defrost overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

More vegan Indian-inspired recipes

Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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