Imagine the iconic, luxurious flavors of Indian Butter Chicken—tender pieces of chicken swimming in a velvety, spiced tomato and cream sauce, but reimagined for a handheld, on-the-go feast. That is the magic of Indian Butter Chicken Wraps. This recipe masterfully translates the complex, restaurant-style classic into an accessible, quick, and utterly delicious wrap format that you can make any day of the week. It combines succulent, marinated chicken with a rich and aromatic gravy, all bundled up in a soft flour tortilla with crisp, cooling accompaniments. It’s the perfect fusion of global flavor and everyday convenience, offering a satisfying solution for lunch, a busy weeknight dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Why Is This Indian Butter Chicken Wraps So Popular?
The popularity of this dish stems from its genius ability to democratize a beloved restaurant favorite. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is one of the most popular Indian dishes globally, celebrated for its creamy, mildly spicy, and deeply flavorful sauce. By transforming it into a wrap, it becomes instantly more approachable, less messy, and perfectly portable. It caters to the modern desire for bold, international flavors without requiring a lengthy cooking process or a pantry full of obscure ingredients. Furthermore, its versatility is a huge draw; it can be customized to suit any heat preference and can easily be made ahead for meal prep, making it a superstar for busy individuals and families. It’s a familiar format (the wrap) filled with an exciting, gourmet-tasting filling, guaranteeing wide appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chicken Wraps:
You will fall in love with this recipe because it delivers an incredible depth of flavor that belies its simplicity. The marinade, built on yogurt and spices, tenderizes the chicken and imbues it with authentic taste, while the sauce comes together quickly yet tastes like it simmered for hours. You will love the contrast of textures: the warm, spiced chicken and sauce against the cool, crisp crunch of lettuce and red onion, all wrapped in a soft, pliable tortilla. It’s a complete, balanced meal packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs, all in one neat package. Best of all, you will love the freedom it offers—double the sauce and use it for a traditional dinner with rice later in the week, or make extra wraps for a next-day lunch that will be the envy of everyone around you.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Thighs are highly recommended for their juiciness and flavor, which stand up beautifully to the spices.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: The lactic acid tenderizes the chicken beautifully, while the creaminess adds body to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps in the tenderizing process.
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste: The fundamental flavor base. Fresh is best.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: The quintessential warming spice blend of North Indian cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides an earthy, warm depth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder: For color and a subtle smokiness without overwhelming heat.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: For earthy flavor and a vibrant golden hue.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the chicken at its core.
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter: Ghee provides the most authentic, nutty flavor.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Creates a sweet, savory base for the sauce.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Provides the smooth, rich body of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a deeper taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: For that signature luxurious, creamy texture. Coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar: A crucial pinch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the spices.
- 1 teaspoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves): The secret ingredient! Crushed between your palms before adding, it provides a distinct, maple-like aroma that is irreplaceable.
- ½ cup water or chicken broth: To adjust the consistency of the sauce for the wraps.
- Salt to taste
For Assembling the Wraps:
- 4-6 large flour tortillas or roti: Gently warmed before assembling to make them pliable.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or finely sliced cabbage: For a necessary fresh, crisp crunch.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, peppery bite.
- Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped: For a burst of herbal freshness.
- Mint chutney or raita (optional): For dipping or drizzling inside for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Wraps:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Indian Butter Chicken Wraps. The process is broken down into marinating, cooking, and assembling, ensuring a flavorful and foolproof result.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add the cubed chicken pieces and mix until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate for up to 4 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate and the yogurt to tenderize the chicken deeply.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You can cook the chicken two ways:
- Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- Oven (Healthier): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the tomato sauce, all the remaining spices used in the marinade (a pinch more garam masala, cumin, etc.), and salt. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and honey. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Sprinkle in the crushed kasoori methi. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce. If the sauce is too thick for a wrap filling, add water or chicken broth a few tablespoons at a time until you reach a thick, but spoonable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Just before assembling, warm the tortillas. This can be done in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, over an open gas flame (using tongs) for a few seconds, or stacked and wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved for 20-30 seconds. Warming makes them flexible and prevents tearing.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Lay a warm tortilla flat on a surface. Spoon a generous amount of the butter chicken mixture down the center, leaving a 2-inch border at the top and bottom. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro. If using, drizzle with mint chutney or raita.
Step 7: Fold and Roll
Fold the bottom flap of the tortilla up over the filling. Then, fold the left and right sides inward over the filling. Finally, roll the wrap tightly away from you, from the bottom to the top, creating a secure, burrito-style package. If desired, you can grill the seam-side down in a panini press or skillet for a minute to seal it shut.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: This is non-negotiable for tender, flavorful chicken. Even 30 minutes makes a significant difference.
- Control the Heat: The recipe as written is mild. For more heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sauce.
- Kasoori Methi is Key: This ingredient is found in most Indian grocery stores and is worth seeking out. It provides an authentic restaurant-style flavor that is difficult to replicate.
- Chicken Thighs are Best: They remain juicy and are more forgiving than chicken breasts if slightly overcooked.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The butter chicken filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before assembling your wraps.
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl (for marinating)
- Large skillet or oven-safe baking sheet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Variations of Indian Butter Chicken Wraps:
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas, paneer (Indian cheese), or firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu and follow the same marinating steps.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce for a low-carb, gluten-free wrap.
- Spicy Version: Add 1-2 finely chopped serrano peppers to the marinade and use a spicy garam masala blend.
- Deconstructed “Bowl” Version: Skip the tortilla and serve the butter chicken over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa with all the toppings for a delicious bowl.
Serving Suggestions for Indian Butter Chicken Wraps:
Serve the wraps immediately with a side of:
- Mango chutney for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Baked samosas or vegetable pakoras for a full Indian-inspired feast.
- A cold, refreshing glass of mango lassi or Indian chai.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per wrap, estimated, serves 4):
- Calories: ~680 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
Please note: This is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients and brands used, particularly the type of tortilla, cream, and yogurt.
FAQs about Indian Butter Chicken Wraps:
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! This is a great shortcut. Skip the marinating and cooking steps for the chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the finished sauce, letting it simmer for just 5 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Q: I can’t find kasoori methi. Can I omit it?
A: While it is a key flavor, you can make the recipe without it. The wraps will still be delicious, though they will lack that distinct, authentic aromatic note. There is no true substitute, but a tiny pinch of dried maple syrup powder or celery seed can hint at its unique flavor, but this is not traditional.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: It’s best to store the components separately. Keep the butter chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the toppings and tortillas separately. Reheat the filling gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Assemble the wraps fresh when ready to eat.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: As written, it is mild and family-friendly. The smoked paprika provides color and smoke, not heat. The level of heat is easily controllable. To increase it, add cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the sauce when cooking the onions.
Q: Can I freeze the butter chicken filling?
A: Yes, it freezes exceptionally well. Cool the filling completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Final Thoughts:
The Indian Butter Chicken Wrap is more than just a meal; it’s a passport to flavor, a testament to the idea that incredible, globally-inspired food can be a practical part of our daily lives. It takes the intimidation out of cooking Indian cuisine and packages its soul-satisfying essence into a fun, accessible, and mess-free format. From the first whiff of the marinating spices to the last satisfying bite of the creamy, crunchy wrap, the experience is a delight for the senses. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity, welcomes shortcuts, and promises a delicious reward with every iteration. So, gather your spices, marinate that chicken, and get ready to roll up a taste of something truly special. This isn’t just another wrap; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.
