Butter Chicken Lasagna

This Butter Chicken Lasagna brings together the best of two culinary worlds—Italian and Indian. The creamy, spiced butter chicken layered between lasagna noodles makes for an indulgent and hearty dish. The rich tomato sauce and delicate spices infuse the lasagna with mouthwatering flavors, making each bite a comfort-filled experience.

It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal that will wow your guests. The lasagna layers are complemented by the fresh cilantro garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish. If you’re craving something new and exciting, this fusion recipe is sure to impress.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

3. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.

5. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and egg until smooth.

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the butter chicken mixture on the bottom.

8. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, then spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixture, followed by more chicken mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.

9. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Origins of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, originating from Delhi in the 1950s. The dish was created by the chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, who sought to use leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich and buttery tomato-based sauce. Over the years, it has become a staple in Indian restaurants around the world, known for its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and rich flavor. The addition of cream and butter transforms the dish into a comfort food that balances sweetness, tang, and spice.

The Fusion of Italian and Indian Cuisine

The concept of fusion cuisine has become increasingly popular in recent years, with chefs and home cooks alike experimenting with combining the flavors of different culinary traditions. Butter Chicken Lasagna is an excellent example of such fusion, blending the essence of traditional Italian lasagna with the bold, spiced flavors of Indian butter chicken. While lasagna is typically made with ground meat, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, this fusion version replaces the traditional meat sauce with a spiced chicken filling, creating a unique and flavorful alternative.

This fusion dish offers the best of both worlds, incorporating the familiar comfort of lasagna with the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors of butter chicken. The use of spices such as garam masala, cumin, and chili powder adds depth to the dish, while the creamy tomato sauce brings a luscious texture that complements the lasagna noodles.

What Makes Butter Chicken Lasagna So Special?

The combination of butter chicken and lasagna noodles might seem unusual at first, but it’s a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The spiced chicken is tender and juicy, while the creamy butter chicken sauce provides a rich, velvety coating that envelops the noodles. The layers of mozzarella and ricotta cheese add a wonderful creaminess and richness to each bite, making the dish indulgent and comforting.

The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to bring together two distinct culinary traditions. You get the heartiness of lasagna, with its multiple layers of cheese and sauce, and the complex flavors of Indian cuisine, with its warming spices and creamy sauce. The result is a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, appealing to food lovers of all tastes and backgrounds.

Flavor Profile of Butter Chicken Lasagna

Butter Chicken Lasagna is a flavor-packed dish that delights the taste buds with its creamy, savory, and mildly spicy profile. The richness of the butter chicken sauce, made with a blend of butter, cream, and tomatoes, creates a luxurious texture that coats the chicken and noodles. The spices in the dish are subtle but flavorful, with garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder providing a warm and aromatic base. These spices are balanced by the sweetness of the tomato puree and the creaminess of the sauce, making it a well-rounded dish that isn’t overly spicy.

The lasagna noodles, which serve as the base for this dish, are soft and tender, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the sauce. The mozzarella and ricotta cheese add a creamy, cheesy element that complements the richness of the butter chicken sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

Variations of Butter Chicken Lasagna

While the traditional version of Butter Chicken Lasagna is undoubtedly delicious, there are several ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Butter Chicken Lasagna: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or even roasted vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers. The creamy tomato sauce will still provide the same indulgent texture, while the vegetables or paneer will add a satisfying bite.

• Gluten-Free Lasagna: For those who follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives made from rice, corn, or quinoa, which work perfectly in this dish.

• Spicy Butter Chicken Lasagna: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies to the butter chicken sauce. The spices will add an extra kick, making the dish even more exciting.

• Dairy-Free Version: For those with lactose intolerance or a dairy-free diet, you can replace the butter, cream, ricotta, and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives. Coconut milk or cashew cream can be used as a substitute for the cream, and vegan cheese can replace the dairy cheese for a completely plant-based version.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Chicken Lasagna

Butter Chicken Lasagna is a filling and hearty dish that can easily stand on its own as a main course. However, if you want to serve it as part of a larger meal, here are some delicious accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of freshly baked garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish, allowing you to scoop up the creamy sauce and enjoy every last bite.

• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Consider adding ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta for extra flavor.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and eggplant can add an earthy, savory component to your meal, balancing the richness of the lasagna.

• Indian Roti or Naan: For a more authentic experience, serve the Butter Chicken Lasagna with warm naan or roti on the side. These soft, pillowy flatbreads are perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Lasagna is a delightful and innovative fusion dish that brings together the bold flavors of Indian cuisine with the comforting layers of traditional Italian lasagna. This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys the creamy, spiced richness of butter chicken, as well as the hearty, cheesy goodness of lasagna. Whether you’re a fan of fusion cuisine or simply looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy your favorite dishes, Butter Chicken Lasagna is sure to impress. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to suit different dietary preferences, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds begging for more.