Are you stuck on what side dishes to serve with butter chicken? Don’t worry! You’re not alone. It can be hard to know what goes well with any dish, but it’s especially challenging when you’re trying to create the perfect meal.
In this article, I’ll provide you with some helpful tips and ideas for side dishes that pair perfectly with butter chicken. From classic accompaniments like naan and rice to creative vegetable dishes, I’ll give you all the inspiration you need to make a delicious and memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, I’ll show you how to create a meal that everyone will love!
So let’s get started and explore some of the best side dishes to serve with butter chicken!
If you’re looking for side dishes to serve with butter chicken, consider basmati rice, naan bread, and a cucumber raita. All of these pair well with the creamy tomato-based sauce of butter chicken.
Accompaniments for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved around the world. The creamy and rich flavor of the buttery tomato-based sauce pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with flavorful starches like basmati rice or naan bread, or opt for something lighter like a crisp salad or steamed vegetables. Here are some delicious accompaniments to serve with butter chicken:
Rice:
Basmati rice is a popular choice to serve with butter chicken, as it has a delicious nutty flavor and long grain texture. Cook it according to the package instructions, adding in some aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cumin for extra flavor.
Naan Bread:
Naan is an Indian flatbread that goes perfectly with butter chicken. You can buy naan from most grocery stores or make your own using this easy recipe. Serve it warm alongside your butter chicken for a comforting and delicious meal.
Salad:
A light and refreshing salad is the perfect contrast to a rich dish like butter chicken. Try making one using crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and red onions tossed in an herb-infused vinaigrette dressing. Add some crunchy nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra texture.
Vegetables:
Steamed vegetables are another great way to add color and nutrition to your meal. Try pairing your butter chicken with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, or bell peppers that have been lightly seasoned and cooked until tender.
Complementary Foods for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a creamy, richly spiced dish that originates from India. This classic dish is typically served with naan, rice or chapatis. But there are a variety of other foods that can be served alongside butter chicken to create a delicious and complete meal.
Rice dishes like jeera rice (rice cooked with cumin seeds) are a great accompaniment to butter chicken as they provide a mild contrast to the richness of the dish. For added flavor and texture, try garnishing the jeera rice with freshly chopped cilantro or mint leaves. You could even add some nuts like cashews, almonds or pistachios for an extra crunchy texture.
Another great side dish for butter chicken is roti, an unleavened flatbread made from whole wheat flour. Roti can be served plain or topped with melted butter and fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for added flavor. For even more flavor, try making stuffed roti by filling it with grated cheese and chopped green chilies.
A classic Indian accompaniment to any curry is raita – a cool yogurt based condiment that helps cut through the spiciness of the curry. Raita can be made in many different ways, but the most common version is made by mixing yogurt with cucumber, tomatoes, onions and herbs like mint or coriander leaves. Add some roasted cumin powder to give it an extra kick.
Another side dish you could serve with butter chicken is bhindi masala – okra cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. The slight bitterness of okra pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of butter chicken, creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth!
For a unique twist on traditional accompaniments, try serving your butter chicken with mango chutney – this sweet and tangy condiment will balance out all of the flavors in your meal perfectly!
Rice
Rice is a classic accompaniment to butter chicken. The combination of tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce with fluffy rice makes for a delicious meal. You can opt for plain white rice or brown rice, or try something more interesting such as basmati rice cooked in coconut milk and flavored with cardamom and cinnamon. Another option is jeera (cumin) rice, which can be cooked with butter and finished with toasted cashews or raisins. Serve the butter chicken on top of the steaming hot rice for an extra flavorful dish.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is another popular Indian side dish that pairs beautifully with butter chicken. Naan bread is an unleavened flatbread that can be baked in a tandoor oven or made on the stovetop. It can be served plain or topped with garlic, herbs, nuts and/or cheese for added flavor. Try serving your butter chicken alongside naan bread for a restaurant-style meal at home.
Chapatis
Chapatis are similar to naan bread but are made without yeast and are thicker and chewier. They are traditionally served as part of an Indian meal but can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone side dish with butter chicken. Chapatis are usually made from wheat flour and cooked on a hot griddle until lightly browned on both sides.
Vegetables
Butter chicken pairs well with a variety of vegetables such as peas, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots and green beans. These vegetables can be cooked separately or added to the sauce before serving. If you prefer something lighter, try steamed broccoli florets drizzled lightly with olive oil and lemon juice or sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic and ginger.
Salads
A salad makes a great accompaniment to butter chicken because it helps to balance out the richness of the dish. Try making an Indian-inspired salad by combining cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and cilantro in a bowl then seasoning it with cumin powder, coriander powder and salt to taste. Or simply serve up some fresh greens tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.
Dal
Dal is one of India’s most popular dishes consisting of lentils cooked in spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili powder. Dal is usually served as a soup but can also be enjoyed as an accompaniment to butter chicken when prepared thicker like stew. Dal goes particularly well with basmati rice for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor.
Complementary Flavors for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that combines creamy, spiced tomato and butter sauces with tender chicken pieces. It’s a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with many complementary flavors. To make the most out of your butter chicken experience, here are some delicious suggestions to serve alongside it:
Rice
A simple white or brown rice can provide a wonderful contrast to the richness of the butter chicken. Basmati rice is especially flavorful and fragrant when cooked with Indian spices.
Naan Bread
Traditional naan bread, made from flour and yogurt, is perfect for dipping in the tangy sauces from the butter chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making naan at home or purchase them already made from your local grocery store.
Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a sweet-and-spicy condiment that adds a unique flavor to any meal. It’s perfect as an accompaniment to your butter chicken and can be found in most grocery stores.
Vegetables
Adding some vegetables to your meal can help balance the flavors of your dish. Some great options include sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower, or lightly boiled green beans.
Yogurt Raita
Yogurt raita is an Indian condiment made of yogurt mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and herbs. It’s cool and creamy texture will compliment the richness of butter chicken nicely.
Traditional Side Dishes for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a popular dish that is rich, creamy and flavorful. It consists of chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce and then finished with cream and butter. It is usually served with rice or naan bread for a complete meal. But there are many other traditional side dishes that can be served with butter chicken to make the meal even more delicious and enjoyable. Here are some traditional accompaniments to consider:
Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that is often served with Indian curries. It helps to balance out the spiciness of the curry while adding an extra layer of flavor. The yogurt in raita also helps to cool down the palate.
Papadums: Papadums are thin, crispy lentil wafers that are fried until golden brown. They can be served as a snack before or after the meal, or as an accompaniment to the main dish. Papadums are often served with chutney, pickles or other condiments.
Pulao: Pulao is a fragrant, spiced rice dish prepared by simmering basmati rice with onions, garlic, spices and herbs. Pulao can be made vegan by substituting vegetable stock for chicken stock and omitting ghee (clarified butter) from the recipe. Pulao makes an excellent accompaniment to butter chicken.
Naan Bread: Naan bread is a type of flatbread made from wheat flour, yeast and water. Naan bread has a soft texture and pairs perfectly with curry dishes like butter chicken. It can be served plain or topped with garlic, herbs or cheese.
Chapatis: Chapatis are unleavened flatbreads made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a griddle until lightly browned and crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside. Chapatis make an excellent accompaniment to Indian curries like butter chicken as they help soak up all of the delicious flavors in the sauce.
Yogurt Dip: Yogurt dip is another great accompaniment for butter chicken as it helps cool down your palate if you find it too spicy. You can make your own yogurt dip by mixing together plain yogurt, chopped cucumbers, lemon juice, cumin powder and salt to taste.
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish made with marinated chunks of chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-butter sauce. It is buttery, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, or for entertaining friends and family. The best part about this dish is that it can be served with a variety of accompaniments, from fragrant basmati rice to naan bread. Here are some delicious compliments that will take your butter chicken to the next level:
Naan Bread: Naan bread is a classic side dish to serve alongside butter chicken. It can be made plain or flavored with garlic, herbs, or spices. Try making it in the oven or on the stovetop for an authentic taste.
Basmati Rice: Fragrant basmati rice makes an excellent bed for butter chicken. Cooked in flavorful broth and seasoned with spices like cumin and cardamom, this dish offers great texture and flavor.
Raita: Raita is a cooling yogurt-based condiment that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes like butter chicken. It can be made in many different ways, but it usually includes cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.
Salad: A simple green salad is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the richness of butter chicken. Opt for fresh greens like romaine lettuce or spinach tossed with vinaigrette dressing.
Papadum: Papadum are thin and crispy flatbreads that are usually served as appetizers before meals. They are usually flavored with spices like cumin and chili powder, which add an extra kick of flavor to any meal.
Accompanying Dishes to Serve with Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that is known for its creamy, rich flavor. To enhance the flavor of butter chicken, it’s best served with accompaniments that will balance out the richness and provide some texture. Here are some great dishes to serve alongside butter chicken:
- Naan bread: Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce in butter chicken. It’s also great for scooping up all the delicious bits of chicken.
- Rice: Rice is a classic accompaniment to many Indian dishes, and it’s no different when it comes to butter chicken. White or brown rice goes well with this dish, as does basmati rice.
- Chapati: Chapati are flatbreads made from whole wheat flour and water. They have a slightly nutty flavor that complements butter chicken perfectly.
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based condiment made with cucumbers and herbs adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of butter chicken.
- Mint Chutney: Mint chutney adds a spicy-sweet flavor to any dish, including butter chicken. It’s great for adding an extra kick of flavor or cooling things down if your dish is too spicy.
These accompaniments will help you create an unforgettable meal that your guests won’t soon forget! Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix of flavors.
Conclusion
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that can be a great addition to your next dinner party. It pairs well with traditional sides like naan bread, basmati rice, and chutneys. You can also opt for complementary sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, and couscous. No matter what combination you choose, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
When it comes to side dishes for butter chicken, the possibilities are endless. From traditional accompaniments to modern takes on classic Indian dishes, there is something for everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or an extravagant event, make sure you have plenty of butter chicken and delicious side dishes to go along with it!