What to Serve with Butter Chicken (8 Incredible Sides)

When you’re preparing a meal of butter chicken, it’s important to choose the right side dishes.

I once tried to serve butter chicken with a side of plain mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, the potatoes were cold, and I had to microwave them in the middle of the dinner party. The result was a hot, lumpy mess. My guests were not impressed!

Since then, I’ve learned that when it comes to side dishes, you must always remember the three Cs: color, crunch, and creaminess. This will ensure that your dish is not only tasty but also healthy and balanced.

To avoid any potential side dish disasters as I experienced, here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with butter chicken:

Best Sides for Butter Chicken

  1. Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower
  2. Raita
  3. Naan Bread
  4. Aloo Gobi
  5. Basmati Rice
  6. Onion rings
  7. Vegetable Salad
  8. Samosa

Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

You might not expect it, but roasted broccoli or cauliflower is an excellent side dish for butter chicken. These two vegetables are often used interchangeably, but they have different flavors.

Broccoli has a slightly nutty taste, while cauliflower is more neutral. Both are cruciferous vegetables, and they’re packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K.

When roasted, these vegetables become tender and slightly sweet. However, the key is in the preparation. First, you need to cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and toss them in olive oil.

Then, you need to roast them in a hot oven until they’re just beginning to brown. The result is a crispy, flavorful side dish that offsets the rich creaminess of the butter chicken. And trust me, your guests will be impressed.

Raita

I’m often asked why I recommend raita as a side dish for Butter Chicken. And my answer is usually the same- because it’s delicious!

The cool, creamy yogurt pairs perfectly with the rich, spiced chicken, creating a dish that is both flavorful and balanced. Plus, the added vegetables give the meal a nice crunch and an extra dose of nutrients.

But, I understand that not everyone is as passionate about food as I am. So I’ll try to explain it in more detail. Raita contains ingredients like yogurt and cucumber that help to offset the spicy flavors of the chicken.

This means that you can enjoy all the flavors of Butter Chicken without setting your mouth on fire. In addition, raita helps to cool and refresh the palate, making it the perfect accompaniment to a spicy dish.

Now that you know why raita is such a great side dish for Butter Chicken, you’re probably wondering how to prepare it. Luckily, it’s super easy!

Simply combine yogurt, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and spices in a bowl and mix until smooth. Then serve alongside your favorite Butter chicken.

Naan Bread

Following on from the theme of cooling and refreshing side dishes, naan bread is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy all the flavors of Butter Chicken without the spice.

The soft, fluffy bread is traditionally served with Indian food and it’s the perfect vehicle for mopping up all that delicious sauce.

Plus, it’s super easy to prepare. All you need to do is combine self-rising flour, yogurt, milk, and oil in a bowl and mix until smooth. Then roll out the dough onto a floured surface and cook in a hot oven for 12 minutes.

Once the naan bread is cooked, serve it warm with your Butter Chicken.

Aloo Gobi

We continue our tour of side dishes with a classic Indian dish- Aloo Gobi. This dish is traditionally made with potatoes, cauliflower, and spices, and it’s a delectable accompaniment to Butter Chicken.

The reason why Aloo Gobi pairs so well with Butter Chicken is that the two dishes share similar flavors. Both are rich and full of spice, and they’re both sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Also, this pairing is popular because the two dishes complement each other in terms of color and presentation.

When it comes to preparation, Aloo Gobi is fairly simple to make. The most time-consuming part is chopping the vegetables, but once that’s done, the dish comes together quickly.

Simply combine potatoes, cauliflower, ginger, garlic, cumin, and turmeric in a pan and cook until the vegetables are tender. Then add some chickpeas for extra protein and flavor, and serve with your Butter Chicken. Delicious!

Basmati Rice

Now, when it comes to pairing rice with butter chicken, basmati is the gold standard. This long-grain variety has a delicate texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes like butter chicken.

Basmati rice is also incredibly versatile, it can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit any preference.

For a classic Indian-style dish, try boiling the rice in water with a pinch of salt. For a more festive presentation, try cooking the rice in chicken or vegetable stock, then add sautéed onions and green peas.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a pinch of garam masala. No matter how you prepare it, butter chicken and basmati rice make a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal that is sure to please any crowd.

Onion rings

Following on the list, we have another crispy and crunchy side dish, onion rings. They are an excellent choice for those who want to add a little extra texture to their meal.

These deep-fried snacks are traditionally served as appetizers but they also make a great accompaniment to Butter Chicken.

Nonetheless, the key to making perfect onion rings is to use fresh onions and to coat them in a light batter. This will help to create a crispy outer layer that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy sauce of Butter Chicken.

To make the batter, simply combine flour, water, and salt in a bowl and mix until smooth. Then dip each onion ring into the batter and fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Once they’re cooked, drain on a paper towel and serve with your Butter Chicken. Yum!

Vegetable salad

Next, we have a healthy and revitalizing side dish that is perfect for those hot summer days, vegetable salad. This dish is packed with nutrients and it’s a great way to balance out a heavy meal like Butter Chicken.

For me, the best thing about vegetable salad is that it’s incredibly versatile and you can use any combination of vegetables that you like.

For this particular dish, we recommend using tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. But feel free to get creative and add in your favorite vegetables.

To make the dressing, simply combine olive oil, vinegar, and salt in a bowl and mix until well combined. Then pour the dressing over the vegetables and give it a good toss.

And that’s it! This nutrient-packed and flavorful side dish is ready to be served.

Samosa

Last but surely not least, we have a classic Indian snack that makes for a great side dish, samosa. Samosa is a fried pastry that is typically filled with potatoes, peas, and spices. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to add some extra flavor and texture to their meal.

In addition, the crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. And best of all, the fillings in the samosa can vary depending on your preferences, meaning that you can tailor them to suit your own taste.

Preparing samosas as a side dish for butter chicken is also very easy. All you need to do is cook the samosas according to your recipe or favorite method, and then serve them alongside the butter chicken.

Also, If you want, you can even drizzle some of the sauce from the butter chicken over the top of the samosas for an extra bit of pizzazz.

FAQ

What veggies go with chicken?

There are a variety of vegetables that go well with chicken. Some popular options include broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas, and corn. You can also use more unique vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and celery root.

What is a good starch to serve with chicken?

Some popular starch options include rice, potatoes, pasta, and bread. You can also use more unique starches like quinoa, bulgur wheat, and farro.

What is a good fruit to serve with chicken?

Serving fruits with chicken is a great way to add some natural sweetness and brightness to the dish. Some popular fruit options include grapes, apples, pears, and citrus fruits. You can also use more unique fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapple.

Is buttered chicken similar to curry chicken?

Butter chicken is a type of curry chicken that is cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. It is often served with rice or naan bread. Curry chicken, on the other hand, is a spicier dish that is cooked in a variety of different spices. Curry chicken can be served with rice or roti bread.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. And with the right side dishes, it can be even more enjoyable.

So now that you know what to serve with Butter Chicken, head to the kitchen and have some fun cooking. After all, the best part of any meal is sharing it with friends and family.