Ready to take butter chicken to the next level? Discover the perfect pairing, including rice, bread, raita, salad, veggies, and more!

What to serve with Butter Chicken - 20 Easy side dishes
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

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.

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

Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice

Flavorful and fragrant turmeric rice pairs perfectly with creamy curries such as butter chicken.

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice in a bowl

At the most basic, basmati rice is the best pairing for any curry, such as butter chicken. You can cook perfectly fluffy basmati rice in the instant pot, rice cooker, or stovetop.

Jeera Rice

Jeera rice in a black bowl

Perfectly cooked Basmati Rice flavored with cumin and whole spices. Enjoy these aromatic Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) with any meat or lentil curry.

Quinoa

Instant Pot Quinoa with pip option

Similar to rice, quinoa is great to pair with curries and lentils. We love fluffy quinoa served with butter chicken and salad!

Naan

Reheated naan on a platter

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

Phulka Roti - Chapati - Whole Wheat Indian Flatbread in a plate with dal

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. 

Roti

Paratha in a serving plate

Parathas are one of the most popular unleavened flatbreads from India. Parathas are made using whole wheat flour by layering and rolling the dough, then cooking on the griddle with ghee or oil. Parathas are wonderfully paired with butter chicken!

Condiments – Salad, Raita and Chutneys

Cucumber Raita

Cucumber Raita in a bowl garnished with mint leaves and spices

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

Kachumber with cilantro

This healthy, 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

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

Green mint cilantro chutney in a bowl

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

Mango lassi in a glass

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

Palak Paneer in a serving pot

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 garnished with cilantro

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

Indian Roasted Aloo Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower) in a bowl

This Roasted Aloo Gobi is so good! All you need to do is toss cauliflower and potatoes in spices and roast in the air-fryer or oven, and you have the perfect Indian veggie dish. No mushy cauliflower and it takes less than 20 minutes to put together!

Bombay Potatoes

Spicy bombay potatoes in a brown bowl

Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices as a one-pot dish are perfect to serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or stovetop.

Samosa

Air Fried Frozen Samosa in a plate served with chutneys

Air-fried samosas are a quick and easy appetizer! Place the frozen samosas in the air fryer, and when done, serve with your favorite dip or chutney.

Lentils that pair with butter chicken

Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani made in the instant pot, served in a earthen pot with some brown rice and spices in the back

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

Instant Pot Dal Fry

Dal and Rice are the most delicious Indian comfort food. Toor dal, or Yellow Split Pigeon peas, is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and flavorful spices. Pair this dal with butter chicken and a veggie side such as aloo gobi for a perfect Indian dinner menu!

Desserts

Kheer

Kheer made in instant pot served in a wooden bowl.

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 (Indian sweet balls) served in a pretty brass plate.

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.

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

About Meeta

I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, healthy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.

You May Also Like

Get new recipes sent to your inbox!
Don't miss out! Subscribe and get all the new recipes first.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *