Ready to take butter chicken to the next level? Discover the perfect pairing, including rice, bread, raita, salad, veggies, and more!
Butter chicken is the most popular dish from North India. It’s a creamy tomato-based curry with chicken pieces and aromatic spices. You can find it in Indian restaurants all over the world, but you can also easily make it at home.
But the question arises: What should you eat with butter chicken to make it even better?
Being a North Indian, I am well-versed in the best side dishes to serve with butter chicken. So, let’s get started and find out how to make your butter chicken dinner taste even better.
Table of Contents
Best Butter Chicken Sides
When choosing the best sides for butter chicken, a few classics stand out. Fragrant basmati rice provides the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce. At the same time, warm garlic naan bread adds a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. But there are more!
Rice & Breads
Turmeric Rice
Flavorful, fragrant turmeric rice pairs perfectly with creamy curries like butter chicken.
Basmati Rice
At the most basic level, basmati rice is the best pairing for any curry, such as butter chicken. You can cook perfectly fluffy basmati rice in the Instant Pot, a rice cooker, or on the stovetop.
Jeera Rice
Perfectly cooked Basmati Rice flavored with cumin and whole spices. Enjoy this aromatic Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) with any meat or lentil curry.
Quinoa
Like rice, quinoa pairs well with curries and lentils. We love fluffy quinoa served with butter chicken and salad!
Naan
Naan is a versatile flatbread that may be served as a side dish with Indian curries. Serve crisp, pillowy naan bread with butter chicken.
Roti
Roti, also known as Chapati or Phulka, is a staple in most Indian homes. This whole wheat Indian flatbread is typically enjoyed as a side with curries or lentils.
Paratha
Parathas are one of the most popular unleavened flatbreads from India. Parathas are made with whole-wheat flour by layering and rolling the dough, then cooking them on a griddle with ghee or oil. Parathas are wonderfully paired with butter chicken!
Condiments – Salad, Raita, and Chutneys
Cucumber Raita
This easy homemade Indian Cucumber Raita is so refreshing. It is a perfect, easy side dish made with grated cucumber yogurt and flavored with spices. Serve it as an accompaniment to biryani, pulao, curry, or any Indian meal.
Kachumber Salad
This simple, satisfying kachumber salad is so easy and refreshing. Made with chopped veggies and seasoned with spices, serve it as a side with any Indian food. It is vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
Indian Onion Salad
This famous Indian salad – sliced onion rings tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing and fresh herbs- perfectly accompanies your Indian curry. This is not only gluten-free but a no-oil salad. Perfect for Vegetarians and Vegans!
Mint Cilantro Chutney
An excellent, spicy, and tangy green chutney. This no-cook mint cilantro chutney is a must-try accompaniment to Indian food such as samosa, chaat, kebabs, and sandwiches.
Mango Lassi
Fresh Mango Lassi, made with just a few ingredients, is so creamy and refreshing. This Mango Lassi, a favorite to enjoy at Indian restaurants, can be easily made at home in no time!
Vegetable Sides
Palak Paneer
A North Indian favorite with spinach and cottage cheese, Palak Paneer. Make this instant pot palak paneer a one-pot dish, super easy and delicious!
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta, a popular smoky and zesty dish from North India, is made with roasted, mashed eggplant sauteed in onion, garlic, tomatoes, and Indian spices.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a delicious, easy 20-minute Indian potato-and-cauliflower stir-fry. A vegan and gluten-free side dish that pairs perfectly as a veggie side with butter chicken.
Bombay Potatoes
Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices in a one-pot dish are perfect as an appetizer or side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Samosa
Crispy, golden samosas make a perfect appetizer to serve alongside butter chicken, adding crunch and contrast to the rich, creamy curry.
Lentils that pair with Butter Chicken
Dal Makhani
Authentic Punjabi Dal Makhani (Madras Lentils) is rich, creamy, and flavorful. It is a great side to serve along with butter chicken and rice, especially if you are making a complete Indian dinner.
Dal Fry
Dal Fry is a simple lentil dish that pairs perfectly with butter chicken, balancing the rich, creamy flavors with its simple, spiced goodness. Served with rice or naan, it adds warmth and variety to a well-rounded Indian meal.
Desserts
Kheer
An Indian favorite dessert for special occasions is rice pudding, made with rice and milk infused with saffron, cardamom, and assorted dried fruits.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is hands down the most popular Indian dessert. They are deep-fried donut-like balls soaked in sweet rose-flavored syrup. This heavenly dessert is often served at Indian restaurants at buffets!
Want to make a complete Indian meal? Check out Indian dinner menu ideas and fusion Indian recipes.
What do you like to serve with your butter chicken? Share in the comments your favorite sides.
