The Secret to Reheating Butter Chicken Without Killing the Flavour
So, you ordered extra Butter Chicken from Tunday Kababi Dubai (who could blame you?) and now you’re staring at the leftovers in your fridge. But here’s the catch—this isn’t just any curry. This is rich, silky, tandoori-kissed Butter Chicken, and one wrong move with the microwave could turn it into a dull, greasy mess.
Luckily, there’s a better way. With just a few steps, you can reheat Butter Chicken while preserving its velvety texture and deep flavour.
Table of Contents
- Why Reheating Butter Chicken Is Tricky
- What Not to Do: Common Reheating Mistakes
- The Ideal Method: Low and Slow on the Stovetop
- Microwave? Only with This Trick
- What to Add Back In: Water, Cream, or Ghee?
- The Bonus Tip: Fresh Garnishes Make a Difference
- Come Back for More Fresh
- Why Reheating Butter Chicken Is Tricky
Why Reheating Butter Chicken Is Tricky
Butter Chicken is built on a delicate emulsion of tomato, cream, and butter. That means it can split easily if reheated too fast or too high. The tandoori chicken pieces can also dry out if overcooked.
Preserving its integrity requires a gentle touch—much like the way it’s cooked in our kitchen in the first place.
What Not to Do: Common Reheating Mistakes
Don’t dump it into a dry pan. Don’t blast it on full power in the microwave. And please don’t reheat it uncovered.
These mistakes cause separation, uneven heat distribution, and loss of aroma. They also ruin the silky texture that makes butter chicken such a beloved dish.
The Ideal Method: Low and Slow on the Stovetop
Your best bet? A non-stick pan on low heat.
Add a tablespoon of water or cream to the pan before adding the butter chicken. Stir gently and heat slowly for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the sauce to re-emulsify and the chicken to heat through without drying.
Keep stirring at regular intervals to avoid burning or separation. Cover it with a lid between stirs to trap steam and maintain moisture.
Microwave? Only with This Trick
Yes, you can use a microwave. But it needs care.
Place your butter chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle a little water or cream over the top. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or cling film with a few holes poked to let steam escape.
Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round. Total time should be around 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your portion size and microwave.
What to Add Back In: Water, Cream, or Ghee?
If your sauce has thickened or separated, you can rescue it:
- Add a tablespoon of water for a thinner, lighter sauce.
- Add a splash of fresh cream to restore richness and sheen.
- Add half a teaspoon of ghee for aroma and gloss.
Whatever you choose, stir it in gently on low heat. Never bring it to a full boil.
The Bonus Tip: Fresh Garnishes Make a Difference
After reheating, top your butter chicken with a swirl of fresh cream, a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), and a squeeze of lemon. These finishing touches bring back brightness, aroma, and balance that might fade during storage.
A side of fresh Butter Naan or jeera rice from our kitchen doesn’t hurt either.
Come Back for More Fresh
Al Hudaiba Awards Building, Al Mina Street, Jumeirah Dubai
Nothing beats fresh, but if you’re enjoying Tunday’s Butter Chicken a second time, now you know how to do it right. Follow these tips, and your leftovers will taste almost as good as the first serving.
