What To Serve With Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a classic Indian curry dish similar to tikka masala. It’s made with a buttery gravy sauce with cream and spices that make it silky smooth and rich in flavor. It often has a ton of butter, which gives it its name. However, some recipes use ghee (clarified butter instead), which makes it a little less hearty. Whether you use butter or ghee, butter chicken is a filling meal all on its own, but your taste buds may still want some variety. Last Thanksgiving, I decided to make an all Indian meal instead of the traditional turkey and potatoes. So I had to do some research to get creative about what goes well with butter chicken. If you’re in the same boat, then look no further, because I’ve gathered the 11 best dishes to serve with butter chicken. From the perfect rice to palate-cleansing yogurt, keep reading for my list of mouth-watering Indian sides.

1. Pulao or Basmati Rice

Pulao is a rice dish similar to a pilaf. It has flavors and even veggies mixed in, making it more like a casserole than a simple white rice dish. It’s also cooked a little differently, so the grains don’t stick together. Pulao usually includes cashews, raisins, saffron, and spices such as nutmeg, bay leaf, and cardamom. Traditional Indian versions can also have lentils in it. Indian meals are known for being full of many flavors, so white rice can get boring in comparison to dishes like this. Basmati comes from the Hindi word for fragrant. It’s a nutty, aromatic rice that also goes with any Indian main dish. Pilaf or Pulao are usually made with Basmati rice, but this flavorful grain can be served on its own as well.

2. Broccoli or Cauliflower

Some simple steamed veggies go great with the dense butter chicken. They add color and texture that contrasts well with the smooth, creamy chicken. Just add some salt and pepper and a little butter (if you dare have any more), and you’re set!

3. Naan Bread

Naan is the most traditional side to be served with curry of any kind. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside flat bread, smothered in garlic and butter, and it’s simply divine. You can also go with the dessert version and top your naan with some honey, brown sugar, or cinnamon.

4. Saag

Something that goes great with butter chicken and with naan is saag. Saag is a leafy green vegetable-based curry. It can be made with mustard greens, collard greens, spinach, or even finely chopped broccoli. It can also sometimes include paneer, a curdled Indian cheese. Think of this dish as an Indian twist on creamed spinach. Like many other Indian dishes, it’s filled with spices and flavors, but the fresh greens will make it stand out among the rest.

5. Aloo Gobi

A lot of Indian dishes stick to veggies instead of meat, so if you’re needing to feed some vegetarians, Indian is an excellent cuisine to try out. Aloo gobi is a vegetarian dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and spices such as turmeric (which gives it a signature yellow color). Some of your orange butter chicken next to a big serving of yellow aloo gobi? Your table will be anything but dull, and everyone will be satisfied.

6. Samosa

Samosas are a great option for an Indian appetizer. They are these lovely fried or baked pastries filled with savory flavors like spiced potatoes and onions, cheese, meat, or lentils. Indian food is bursting with flavor, and samosas certainly pack a punch. Pair with a cool drink while you wait for your steaming curry to be ready.

7. Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad might be a good way to lighten up your meal, especially if you have several heavy dishes besides your main. It’s a light cucumber salad with tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and sometimes chili peppers. Give your palate a fresh flavor and your tummy a break from the heavy curry with this veggie salad.

8. Daal

Daal is really more of a food group than a dish. It’s dried lentils or split peas that can then be made into some tasty dishes. The dishes that result are usually spiced stews or thick, creamy soups. For a hearty, warm winter meal, a big serving of daal next to your butter chicken would be oh-so-cozy.

9. Raita

Raita is another lively, fresh dish to serve with your chicken. It can be used as a sauce or a condiment, or just eaten as a salad. It’s essentially yogurt with cucumbers and green onions. It’s light and refreshing, and the tangy yogurt makes a great contrast with the more heavy flavors of the butter chicken (or any other more spicy sides you might serve).

10. Papadum

Papadum is a flatbread that is either fried or cooked with dry heat. It’s super thin and crispy, sort of like a large cracker. Papadum can be made with other sources of flour such as lentils, chickpeas, rice, tapioca, or even potato. This makes it a great gluten-free option for any of your dinner guests that can’t partake in the usual flatbreads. It also brings a new texture to the table. When everything is cooked and creamy, you’ll love a good, snapping crunch.

11. Chutney

Chutney is a sauce made from fruits, vegetables, or herbs, mixed with vinegar, sugars, and spices. They come in a wide variety of flavors, from sweet to savory. They can be a sort of tomato relish, a peanut-y garnish, a cucumber and yogurt-based dish like the raita, made sweet or spicy with coconut, or even cooked up with refreshing mint flavors. You can use them as dipping sauces, side salads, or even mix up the flavors of your curry with them. No Indian spread is complete without some chutney.