What to Serve With Butter Chicken | The Best Sides
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy, and spiced sauce. If you’re planning to serve this flavorful dish and wondering what to pair with it, you’re in for a treat! Here are some delightful options to complement your Butter Chicken and create a memorable meal.
Butter chicken is a very popular Indian dish in the United States. It consists of tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a tomato sauce spiced with Indian flavors like garam masala and then mixed with heavy cream to create a rich creamy sauce. It has so much flavor and can be fairly easy to make at home.
Check out my recipe for Instant Pot Butter Chicken HERE and try making Indian food for yourself at home!
Yum! Just look at that creamy delicious chicken dish! This is a favorite recipe in our house…our kids go back for seconds and usually, thirds when we have butter chicken for dinner.
If you decide to make this easy butter chicken recipe, here are some options or ideas for what to serve with it to make a complete delicious meal. From side dishes to drinks and desserts this list will hopefully give you some ideas to complete this meal at home.
What to Serve With Butter Chicken | The Best Side Dishes, Desserts, and Drinks
Types of Indian Breads
What is one of the best side dishes for scooping up every last drop of that luscious, creamy tomato-based sauce? Bread! Specifically Naan. Naan is pretty readily available in most grocery stores these days. It’s not as good as the real deal, but it’s a good substitute. Most naan can be found with the bread or sometimes even in the freezer aisle.
Naan: This soft, pillowy Indian flatbread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce of Butter Chicken. Serve it warm and brushed with a bit of butter or garlic for extra flavor.
Garlic Naan: Naan with a hint of garlic. It’s so delicious!
Roti or Chapati: If you prefer a healthier alternative to naan, roti or chapati made from whole wheat flour is an excellent choice. They’re light and versatile, making them a staple in many Indian households.
Paratha: For those who love a bit of texture, paratha is a flaky, layered flatbread that adds a delightful crunch and richness to your meal.
Rice To Seve With Butter Chicken
Fluffy rice is a classic pairing for Butter Chicken, offering an aromatic base that soaks up the rich, creamy sauce. From simple basmati to more elaborate pulao, these rice dishes are a delicious and inexpensive way to add flavor to your meal.
Basmati Rice: The aromatic and long-grain white rice is a classic pairing with Butter Chicken. Its fragrant notes and fluffy texture balance the rich sauce perfectly.
Jeera Rice: Add a hint of spice to your rice by cooking it with cumin seeds. Jeera rice is simple yet flavorful and pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken curry.
Pulao: If you want something a bit more elaborate, try pulao. This lightly spiced rice dish often includes vegetables, nuts, and raisins, adding both color and flavor to your plate.
If you want flavorful Basmatti Rice here’s a method you could try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 ¾ cups water (or use the absorption method)
- 1-2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1-2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick (1-2 inches long)
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- A pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm water or turmeric (optional for color)
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Rinse and soak the rice:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, keeping the rice grains light and fluffy. Soak the rice in water for about 20-30 minutes and drain. - Sauté the spices:
Heat the ghee or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant and the cumin seeds start to sizzle. - Add the rice:
Drain the soaked rice and gently add it to the pan with the spices. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and spices, letting it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. - Add water and seasoning:
Add the water, salt, and saffron or turmeric (if using). Bring the water to a boil. - Cook the rice:
Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. - Fluff and serve:
Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Discard the whole spices if you prefer not to bite into them, or leave them in for a more authentic look. - Garnish:
Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added freshness.
This method gives the rice the same fragrant, lightly spiced flavor you’d expect from an Indian restaurant. The whole spices impart a subtle warmth, while the ghee or oil adds richness. Let me know how it turns out!
Vegetables and Sides
Adding vegetables and sides to your meal not only makes them more nutritious but also provides a balance of flavors and textures. From cooling raita to vibrant salads and hearty vegetable curries, these sides complement the richness of Butter Chicken perfectly.
Raita: This cooling yogurt-based side is a must-have to balance the spices in Butter Chicken. Try cucumber, mint, or boondi (crispy chickpea flour droplets) raita for a refreshing accompaniment.
Kachumber Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a dash of lemon juice provides a vibrant and healthy contrast to the rich main dish.
Saag Paneer: Adding a leafy green component to your meal, saag paneer is a delicious dish of spinach and Indian cottage cheese. It’s creamy yet distinct enough to stand out. This is one of my favorite dishes. It’s a delicious way to get your greens!
Aloo Gobi: This dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower is a hearty vegetable option that complements Butter Chicken beautifully with its own unique blend of spices.
Aloo Matar: A delicious and simple curry made with potatoes and green peas and pairs very well with Butter Chicken.
Appetizers
If you want to add more to the meal and create an experience that feels like you’re eating an Indian meal in a restaurant, add some appetizers to your menu. Two of my favorites are Samosas and Pakoras.
Samosas: These fried or baked pastries filled with savory potatoes and peas are a perfect start to your meal. Their crispy exterior and spicy filling make them an irresistible appetizer.
Pakoras: Vegetables dipped in chickpea batter and fried to golden perfection, pakoras add a crunchy start to your dinner and are sure to be a hit.
Other Accompaniments
Accompaniments like papadums and various chutneys and pickles add an extra layer of flavor and complexity to each bite.
Papadums: Thin, crispy crackers that can be enjoyed with dips or simply alongside the main dish. They add a delightful crunch and a bit of fun to your meal.
Pickles and Chutneys: Indian pickles and chutneys, such as mango, mint, or tamarind, add bursts of flavor and can enhance the overall taste of your Butter Chicken.
Drinks
Whether you choose a refreshing mango lassi or a warm, spiced masala chai, a special drink can complement the flavors of your meal and enhance your enjoyment.
Mango Lassi: A sweet, mango-flavored yogurt drink that is both refreshing and soothing, perfect for counteracting the spices in your meal.
Masala Chai: A warm, spiced tea that provides a comforting and aromatic finish to your meal. It’s a great way to relax after enjoying your Butter Chicken feast.
Desserts
If you want a sweet treat, traditional Indian desserts like gulab jamun and kheer provide a delightful finish to your meal.
Gulab Jamun: Soft, syrup-soaked dough balls that melt in your mouth, offering a sweet conclusion to your meal. This is one of my favorite desserts I’ve ever had!
Kheer: This rice pudding, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, is a creamy and delightful dessert that adds a traditional touch to your Indian feast.
I hope this post gave you some ideas and inspiration to turn this beloved Butter Chicken Curry into a full meal at home.