Hey there, foodies! Today we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics – what to serve alongside that creamy, rich, and totally irresistible butter chicken. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a pot of delicious butter chicken wondering, “now what sides should I make to complete this meal?”
Well, worry no more! I’ve spent years perfecting my Indian feast game, and I’m sharing all my best side dish ideas that pair perfectly with butter chicken. These companions will transform your basic curry night into an impressive spread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why Side Dishes Matter for Butter Chicken
Before we jump into the specifics, let’s talk about why sides are so important. Butter chicken (or murgh makhani) is known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces. While absolutely delicious on its own the richness really benefits from some complementary flavors and textures to create a balanced meal.
The perfect sides should
- Balance the richness of the butter chicken
- Provide textural contrast
- Add complementary flavors
- Help soak up that incredible sauce!
Let’s dive into the best options!
The Classic Carb Companions
1. Naan Bread – The Ultimate Sauce Soaker
Is there anything better than tearing off a piece of warm, soft naan bread and using it to scoop up that velvety butter chicken sauce? I think not! Naan is probably the most iconic pairing with butter chicken, and for good reason
Why it works: The soft, slightly chewy texture of naan makes it perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Plus, the mild flavor doesn’t compete with the star of the show.
Variations to try:
- Garlic naan (my personal fave!)
- Butter naan
- Peshwari naan (stuffed with coconut and raisins)
- Whole wheat naan for a healthier option
2. Basmati Rice – The Classic Foundation
No Indian meal feels complete without some fluffy basmati rice. The long, aromatic grains provide the perfect neutral base for butter chicken to shine.
Why it works: Rice soaks up the sauce beautifully and its mild flavor complements without overwhelming.
Variations to try:
- Jeera rice (with cumin seeds)
- Coconut rice
- Lemon rice
- Plain basmati rice
I usually make a big batch of jeera rice when serving butter chicken – the cumin adds just enough flavor without competing with the main dish.
Cooling Accompaniments
3. Cucumber Raita – The Temperature Tamer
Raita is like the unsung hero of any Indian meal. This yogurt-based side dish provides a cooling contrast that balances the richness of butter chicken perfectly.
Why it works: The cool, creamy yogurt with crunchy cucumber helps cut through the richness and tames any heat in the dish.
How I make it: I mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, a pinch of cumin, salt, and fresh mint. Simple but so effective!
4. Fresh Salad – The Crisp Contrast
A simple salad adds freshness and crunch that complements butter chicken beautifully.
Why it works: The raw vegetables provide textural contrast and brightness.
Try this combo: Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice with a little salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a bit of cilantro too when I’m feeling fancy!
Veggie Sides for Balance
5. Aloo Gobi – The Hearty Vegetable Option
This potato and cauliflower dish is a staple in Indian cuisine and pairs wonderfully with butter chicken.
Why it works: The earthy flavors and hearty texture make it substantial without overpowering.
Tip: I like to roast my cauliflower until it gets those crispy brown edges for extra flavor!
6. Roasted Vegetables – The Simple Solution
When I’m short on time but still want a veggie component, roasted vegetables are my go-to.
Why it works: Roasting brings out natural sweetness that complements the savory butter chicken.
My favorites: Eggplant, bell peppers, and carrots tossed with a bit of oil and garam masala before roasting.
7. Palak Paneer – The Creamy Green Addition
This spinach and cheese curry is another fantastic side that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
Why it works: The earthiness of spinach pairs beautifully with butter chicken, and the paneer adds another protein element.
Protein-Packed Sides
8. Dal – The Lentil Love
Dal, a lentil stew or soup, adds protein and fiber to your meal.
Why it works: The earthy flavors of lentils complement the richness of butter chicken.
Types to try: Dal makhani (black lentils) works particularly well with butter chicken, but yellow dal is delicious too!
9. Paneer Tikka – The Cheese Choice
Grilled cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in spices make for a delicious side dish.
Why it works: The smoky, charred flavor adds another dimension to your meal.
Crunchy Elements
10. Papadums – The Crispy Crackers
These thin, crispy lentil crackers add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Why it works: The light, airy texture provides contrast to the creamy butter chicken.
Serving suggestion: I like to serve these alongside chutneys as an appetizer while the butter chicken finishes cooking!
11. Samosas – The Savory Starter
These triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes or meat make a fantastic starter or side.
Why it works: The crispy exterior and flavorful filling add another texture and flavor dimension.
Flavor-Boosting Chutneys
12. Mango Chutney – The Sweet Accent
Mango chutney adds a sweet-tangy element that cuts through the richness of butter chicken.
Why it works: The fruity sweetness provides balance to the savory main dish.
13. Mint Chutney – The Fresh Zing
Fresh mint chutney adds brightness and zing to your plate.
Why it works: The herbaceous flavor cleanses the palate between bites of rich butter chicken.
14. Tamarind Chutney – The Tangy Touch
Sweet and sour tamarind chutney is another excellent accompaniment.
Why it works: The tanginess cuts through the richness of the butter chicken sauce.
Sweet Ending
15. Carrot Halwa – The Perfect Dessert
After enjoying your butter chicken feast, carrot halwa (a sweet carrot pudding with cardamom and nuts) makes the perfect ending.
Why it works: The sweet, warm flavors provide a satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Putting It All Together: Creating Your Butter Chicken Feast
When I’m planning a butter chicken dinner, I don’t try to make ALL these sides (that would be crazy!). Instead, I usually pick:
- One carb (usually naan AND rice, because I’m greedy!)
- One cooling element (raita or salad)
- One veggie side
- One chutney
- Maybe a crunchy element if I’m feeling ambitious
This gives a nice balance of flavors and textures without overwhelming myself in the kitchen.
My Go-To Butter Chicken Side Combo
If you’re wondering what I personally serve most often with butter chicken, here’s my tried-and-true combo:
- Garlic naan (store-bought if I’m busy, homemade if I have time)
- Jeera rice (the cumin flavor works so well!)
- Cucumber raita (essential for balance)
- Mango chutney (I confess, I usually buy this ready-made)
This combination hits all the right notes and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I serve butter chicken with regular bread?
Sure! While naan is traditional, a good quality pita bread or even French bread can work in a pinch.
What’s a good non-Indian side dish for butter chicken?
Simple steamed vegetables or a green salad with a light vinaigrette works surprisingly well if you want to fusion things up a bit.
Is butter chicken traditionally spicy?
Nope! Butter chicken is usually mild to medium in spiciness, making it perfect for those who don’t love heat. But you can always adjust the spice level to your preference!
What drink pairs well with butter chicken?
A mango lassi (yogurt drink) is traditional and delicious. For alcoholic options, a light beer or a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling works well.
So there you have it – my comprehensive guide to what goes good with butter chicken! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a special meal, these sides will elevate your butter chicken to restaurant-quality status.
What’s your favorite side to serve with butter chicken? Do you have any special twists on the classics? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Happy cooking, curry lovers!
Why is chicken marinated for Korma?
I have tested & retested chicken korma a lot of times without marinating and realized it made a huge difference to the flavor and texture. Chicken unlike red meat, cooks faster and does not get enough time to soak up the flavors while cooking.
I found the resulting dish was not as flavorful & succulent as the marinated chicken. This step also helps to get rid of the raw meat flavor quickly.
Photo Guide
Step by Step Photo Instructions
1. To a mixing bowl, add
- ½ kg chicken (1.2 lbs. skinless, bone-in preferred but boneless is okay)
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (or coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon ginger & garlic paste or ½ tbsps. each grated (We usually rub the chicken with turmeric and then rinse off before cooking. Hence the yellow color here.)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon salt
3. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices. Cover and keep aside until needed or refrigerate overnight if you want.