If you’ve ever craved that rich, creamy Indian butter chicken but ditched the meat (or dairy), this one’s for you. Meet: Vegan Butter Chicken made with jackfruit – juicy, meaty, and 100% plant-based.
Forget boring tofu blocks or bland sauces — this version packs bold Indian flavors, a silky tomato-cashew gravy, and the satisfying bite of jackfruit that mimics chicken like magic.
And guess what? It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and better than takeout. Whether you’re a curious foodie, trying meatless Mondays, or deep into vegan living, this is the recipe you didn’t know you needed.
A plant-based twist on the Indian classic — rich, creamy, protein-packed, and totally meat-free.
🔥 Why This Vegan Butter Chicken Is Going Viral in 2025
The world is falling in love with Indian food — and veganism is booming. Combine the two, and you get this game-changing recipe that satisfies your cravings and your values.
Here’s why this jackfruit-based vegan butter chicken is blowing up on TikTok and Reddit:
💪 Perfect for High-Protein Vegan Diets
🧡 Comfort Food Without Compromise
🇮🇳 Authentic Indian Flavor, 100% Plant-Based
🌍 Ideal for Meat-Free Mondays, Veganuary, or Daily Vegan Goals
🛒 What You’ll Need (Serves 2)
🍗 For the “Chicken”:
1 can of young green jackfruit (in brine, not syrup)
1 tbsp oil
½ Garam Masala – Indian spice mix (can be found in global/ethnic aisle)
Salt to taste
🍅 For the Creamy Makhani Gravy:
2 ripe tomatoes (roughly chopped)
5-6 cashews (soaked in warm water)
1-inch ginger
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp plant-based butter (or coconut oil)
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp Mild Indian red chilli powder (like Kashmiri chilli) – or use paprika for color
½ tsp Garam Masala – Indian spice mix (can be found in global/ethnic aisle)
1 tbsp coconut cream or vegan heavy cream
Salt to taste
Optional: ½ tsp sugar
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🧊 Step 1: Prep the Jackfruit
Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove any hard seeds.
Use your hands or fork to shred it like pulled chicken.
Sauté in oil with garam masala and salt for 6–7 minutes. Set aside.
🍅 Step 2: Make the Gravy
Boil tomatoes, cashews, garlic, and ginger in water for 10 minutes.
Blend into a smooth, creamy puree.
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp plant-based butter (vegan) + cumin seeds, then pour the puree.
Add chili powder, garam masala, salt, sugar. Simmer 5 mins.
🫕 Step 3: Combine and Finish
Mix the sautéed jackfruit into the gravy.
Add coconut cream + a small knob of vegan butter.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Done!
✅ Why This Is a Better Alternative to Butter Chicken
Traditional Butter Chicken
This Vegan Version
Uses dairy and meat
100% plant-based & cruelty-free
High cholesterol
Rich in fiber & heart-healthy
Hard to digest
Gut-friendly jackfruit magic
Not allergen-free
Soy-free, gluten-free option
🧠 Bonus: Health & Nutrition Insights
💥 Jackfruit is being called “the ultimate vegan meat” — it’s low in fat, high in fiber, and absorbs spices like a dream.
💪 Want more protein? Add grilled tofu or chickpeas.
🛍️ Must-Haves for Making This at Home
Best Vegan Butter Brands in USA 🇺🇸
Top-Rated Nonstick Pans Under $30
Canned Jackfruit You Can Trust (Buy Online)
Best Indian Spice Blends for Beginners
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just curious, this dish gives you all the warm, rich flavours of butter chicken — without the meat, dairy, or guilt. With jackfruit, it’s surprisingly close to the real thing, and perfect for everything from casual dinners to TikTok-worthy meal preps.
Try it, love it, and share it with your non-vegan friends. They won’t believe it’s plant-based. 😉
