Serve Butter Chicken alongside Naan Bread, Raita, Cucumber Avocado Salad, Samosa, and Steamed Vegetables.
Naan Bread
A much-enjoyed flatbread in the Indian subcontinent, naan bread is a must-have item on this list.
For a lighter option, try Steamed Vegetables. All you have to do is steam some of your favorite vegetables and steam them until they are tender to your preferences.
Butter chicken has crowned itself the king of curries, no contest there. Rich, creamy, and absolutely dreamy, it's the dish that has us all swooning.
Now, we've all had those moments staring into the fridge, wondering, "What on earth goes well with this majestic creation?"
We've been there too. It's like trying to choose an outfit for the Oscars.
Stressful, right? Our mission today is to make that choice a piece of cake.
Or better yet, a serving of the perfect side dish.
We've scoured our kitchens, dove deep into family cookbooks, and even had a few friendly debates to bring you the top 7 side dishes that will improve your butter chicken night from good to legendary.
Get ready, you're about to become the dinner hero you were always meant to be.
7 Flavorful Sides for Butter Chicken
The list below has a collection of ethnic and regular side dishes that go well with butter chicken - or consider chili party side ideas for gatherings if serving a crowd.
1 - Naan Bread
A much-enjoyed flatbread in the Indian subcontinent, naan bread is a must-have item on this list.
It is baked in a tandoor, ie., a charcoal or firewood oven.
Naan bread is made of garlic, yogurt, and yeast, which are some of a naan's main ingredients.
You'll need some baking powder if you don't have yeast.
The bread rises and has a wonderfully soft texture, and it is best eaten warm when the aroma makes it even more delicious.
Most naan recipes ask that you include butter in the finished bread, but you can skip this step since the chicken already contains a lot of butter.
For a totally different bread pairing, banana bread side pairings for sweet loaves suggests complementary savory and sweet options.
2 - Raita
Often used as a sauce or condiment, raita has an Indian twist to the regular yogurt we eat.
Green onions, cilantro, and cucumbers make it to almost every raita recipe; they give a refreshing taste to it.
Raita is a must-have item in Indian meals that includes meat; it helps digestion and is also known to keep your weight in check.
Owing to the flavors of all the ingredients, raita has a tangy and fresh taste; you will quickly fall in love with it.
The reason most Indians love this side salad-like side is that the contrasting taste and textures of butter chicken and raita make up a great combo.
3 - Cucumber Avocado Salad
Another summer favorite is the cucumber and avocado salad.
As bright as its green color is, this salad does not disappoint when it comes to refreshing you on a hot summer day.
The juicy, munchy, and nutritious cucumbers, when combined with the health benefits of avocadoes, result in a satisfyingly irresistible salad.
You should try it to experience how it goes with the savory butter chicken - or check cucumber soup side pairings for cool meals for more refreshing ideas.
Other additions you can make to this salad are green onions, lime juice, and cilantro.
Combine all this, and you'll have a fresh, green bowl of nutrition.
4 - Samosa
This Indian snack is a must-try item while having any Indian-inspired meal.
With each bite, you are in for a pop of flavors.
Samosas are part of the ideal Indian breakfast or lunch and have become a significant food item.
This shaped pastry is stuffed with a mix of cooked and seasoned potatoes and lentils and sometimes includes meat.
These pastries are either deep-fried or coated with oil and baked in the oven.
You can dip the samosa in the butter chicken gravy or eat it alongside for a beautiful mix of all the ethnic spices and flavors.
5 - Steamed Vegetables
Since butter chicken is quite heavy and rich in spices, try making some steamed vegetables as a side dish.
All you have to do is steam some of your favorite vegetables and steam them until they are tender to your preferences.
Steaming is among the healthiest ways to cook vegetables.
Steamed vegetables are so pleasant to eat, but what do for those that don't like their veggies - try tempura vegetable options for crisp texture as a crowd-pleasing alternative.
Try it, and you'll find that even the most stubborn kids love them.
6 - Seasoned Rice
Seasoned rice is a healthy and filling side dish to add to your butter chicken meal.
The Indians love to use Basmati rice for this recipe, so you should try it too.
Basmati rice is aromatic and fits perfectly with the chicken.
To make seasoned rice, you will need complementary ingredients such as cilantro, cumin, shredded coconut, ginger, and salt.
This dish is easy to make and has a simple yet comforting taste.
Also, using seasoned rice as a side dish will ensure that you get some carbs in your meal since butter chicken mainly consists of protein and fat.
If looking for a heartier rice option, chicken fried rice side ideas for full meals offers flavorful, filling complements.
7 - Garlic Bread
Another exciting way to eat bread would be to make some garlic made.
Of course, the bakeries have garlic bread, but why not try fresh-out-of-the-oven aromatic bread?
You will need some fresh herbs, garlic paste, butter, and olive oil.
This mixture is spread over the bread and then grilled in an oven.
Eat them once they have cooled down but still have a wonderful aroma.
The thing with garlic and butter is that they are an undeniable combo of flavors, which is why you cannot go wrong with garlic bread and butter chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Naan Bread A much-enjoyed flatbread in the Indian subcontinent, naan bread is a must-have item on this list. Raita Often used as a sauce or condiment, raita has an Indian twist to the regular yogurt we eat.
Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. This side dish is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.
Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
For fruit-forward spreads, apple butter side pairings for spreads suggests sweet and savory matches. For roast poultry menus, beer can chicken side ideas for roasts lists complementary accompaniments.