Butter chicken, one of India’s most loved dishes, is usually celebrated for its rich tomato-based gravy, gentle spices and smoky, creamy finish. Traditionally prepared with marinated, char-grilled chicken simmered in a spiced butter–cream sauce, it is commonly enjoyed with naan, roti or rice.

However, a viral video doing the rounds on social media has reimagined the iconic dish in an entirely unexpected way — by taking its name quite literally.

## A literal take on a classic dish

In the video, shared on Instagram, a food vlogger is seen unwrapping nearly 10 sticks of butter and generously coating a whole chicken with it. The butter-covered chicken is then cooked for nearly an hour, resulting in a golden-brown roast sitting in a pool of melted butter.

Alongside the clip, the creator wrote: “I was 8 years old when I learned how to make butter chicken. I didn’t realise it’s literally just butter and chicken, so I covered the chicken in 10 sticks of butter and cooked it for an hour.”

After cooking, the vlogger cuts into the crispy roast chicken, tasting it and offering a positive review. She adds that she is preparing to attend culinary school and is experimenting with new dishes as part of her learning process. The caption simply read: “My first time making butter chicken.”

## Internet reacts with humour and disbelief

The video quickly sparked a flood of reactions. While many viewers were amused by the unconventional approach, others were less forgiving.

“Please don’t go to culinary school,” one user commented, while another joked, “It’s butter and chicken, not butter chicken.” Some labelled it “heart attack chicken,” while others hoped the video was satire.

At the same time, a section of viewers admitted that despite being wildly inaccurate, the dish looked tempting. “Even though it’s wrong, it looks really good,” one comment read.

## Food, fun and internet creativity

The clip has become a reminder of how social media continues to reinvent food culture — sometimes respectfully, sometimes humorously. While purists may shudder at the recipe, the light-hearted take has clearly succeeded in entertaining millions.

Whether culinary crime or creative experiment, the video has certainly ensured that butter chicken — in one form or another — remains a talking point online