India's beloved butter chicken has achieved global recognition by securing a prestigious position among the world's finest chicken dishes. The creamy and comforting Murgh Makhani from Delhi has claimed the fifth spot in Taste Atlas's definitive ranking of the best chicken preparations worldwide.
The Global Chicken Dish Rankings
According to the prominent food and travel guide Taste Atlas, butter chicken earned an impressive 4.5 rating on their platform. The dish finds itself in elite company, with Turkey's Pilic Topkapi taking the top position. This classic Turkish creation features boneless chicken stuffed with savory rice pilaf.
Morocco's traditional Rfissa secured the second spot, consisting of stewed chicken pieces with onions and lentils served over shredded bread. South Korea's famous Korean fried chicken (Chikin) captured third place, while Peru's Pollo a la brasa – charcoal-grilled chicken served with French fries and salads – claimed fourth position.
The Delhi Origin Story
Butter chicken boasts a fascinating history that dates back to 1950s Delhi. The dish was born when Kundan Lal Gujral, founder of Moti Mahal restaurant, ingeniously combined leftover tandoori chicken with a rich sauce of tomatoes, butter, and spices. This culinary innovation resulted in the rich, velvety curry that has since become synonymous with Indian cuisine worldwide.
When paired with hot naan, the popular Indian flatbread, butter chicken transforms into what many describe as a meal fit for royalty. Its global popularity continues to grow, cementing its status as one of India's most successful culinary exports.
Other Indian Dishes Making Their Mark
Butter chicken wasn't the only Indian preparation to earn recognition on the Taste Atlas list. Several other chicken dishes from the subcontinent made impressive showings:
- Tandoori chicken secured the 14th position
- Chicken tikka ranked 35th globally
- Chicken 65 claimed the 38th spot
- Chicken rezala positioned at 51st
- Chicken kathi roll rounded out the Indian entries at 74th
The complete top ten chicken dishes worldwide includes representatives from Turkey, Morocco, South Korea, Peru, India, Japan, France, Pakistan, and the Philippines, showcasing the global diversity of chicken preparations.
For those inspired to recreate this iconic dish at home, MasterChef Sanjeev Kapoor's recipe provides a reliable guide. The process involves marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, cooking it in a tandoor or oven, and simmering it in the signature makhani gravy made from tomato purée, butter, cream, and aromatic spices.
This international recognition underscores butter chicken's enduring appeal and positions Indian cuisine firmly on the global culinary map. The achievement celebrates not just a single dish, but the rich culinary heritage and innovation that Indian food represents worldwide.
