fbpx

What to Serve With Butter Chicken Besides Rice: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your butter chicken meal with delicious sides like naan bread, which is fluffy and perfect for scooping up sauce. Roti and garlic naan are fantastic variations, while paratha, stuffed with spiced potatoes or paneer, adds a unique twist. Cool cucumber raita balances the dish's spiciness, and mango lassi offers a sweet-tangy refreshment. Crunchy samosas, flavorful pakoras, and crispy onion bhajis make great appetizers. For added variety, consider dal tadka, aloo gobi, or chana masala. There are plenty more options to discover, each bringing delightful flavors and textures to your butter chicken experience. Delicious side dishes for butter beans include sautéed spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, and quinoa salad. These options provide a range of flavors and nutrients to complement the hearty and creamy texture of the butter beans. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or rich and satisfying, there are plenty of delicious side dishes to explore and enjoy with your butter beans. If you’re in the mood for a comforting and filling meal, consider pairing your butter chicken with fragrant basmati rice or flavorful biryani. These will complement the richness of the dish and provide a satisfying base. Additionally, delicious side dishes for chicken and rice casserole may include roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and a crisp green salad. These options offer a balance of textures and flavors to round out your meal.

Naan Bread

indian flatbread with history

Why is naan bread the quintessential side dish for butter chicken?

Naan, a traditional Indian flatbread, is fluffy, chewy, and slightly crispy. Its texture and taste perfectly complement the creamy, rich flavors of butter chicken, allowing you to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Made from all-purpose flour, yeast, yogurt, and cooked in a hot tandoor oven, naan bread is an ideal companion.

Roti

tandoori roti recipe details

In addition to naan bread, another popular flatbread that pairs excellently with butter chicken is roti. This traditional Indian flatbread, made from whole wheat flour, serves as a staple carbohydrate.

With its soft and slightly chewy texture, roti complements the creamy, flavorful butter chicken perfectly. Its simplicity and neutral taste make it an ideal choice for scooping up the rich gravy.

Garlic Naan

tasty indian bread option

Garlic naan, a popular North Indian flatbread, is made with all-purpose flour, yogurt, and garlic for a flavorful twist. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, it boasts a soft, chewy texture with crispy edges.

This delicious bread perfectly complements butter chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience. As side dishes go, garlic naan is a staple in Indian cuisine and an excellent pairing for rich curries.

Paratha

delicious indian flatbread recipe

Following the delectable experience of garlic naan, another beloved Indian flatbread that pairs wonderfully with butter chicken is paratha. Made from whole wheat flour, these flaky treats can include various fillings like spiced potatoes or paneer.

Cooked on a griddle with ghee until crispy and golden brown, parathas are a delightful accompaniment, adding texture and flavor to your meal.

Cucumber Raita

cool and creamy condiment

Cucumber raita, an invigorating yogurt-based side dish, offers a cool contrast to the spicy flavors of butter chicken. Made with diced cucumbers, yogurt, and spices, this revitalizing and creamy accompaniment balances the richness of the butter chicken.

Its light texture and easy preparation make it a convenient addition, enhancing your dining experience with its delightful blend of flavors.

Kachumber Salad

refreshing cucumber tomato salad

Complementing the invigorating qualities of cucumber raita, Kachumber salad is another traditional Indian side dish that pairs excellently with the rich flavors of butter chicken.

Made with diced cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs, this light and revitalizing salad adds a crunchy texture.

Its vibrant colors and flavors balance the creamy and spicy elements of butter chicken, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Dal Tadka

lentil soup with tempering

Dal Tadka is a comforting and flavorful Indian lentil dish that offers a nutritious and textural contrast to the rich and creamy Butter Chicken.

Made with a mix of lentils and aromatic spices, this dish is high in protein and fiber. The tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, and garlic enhances the flavor, making Dal Tadka a delicious and well-rounded addition to your meal.

Aloo Gobi

indian cauliflower and potato

Aloo Gobi is a beloved North Indian vegetarian dish. It combines the robust flavors of potatoes and cauliflower with a blend of aromatic spices. Infused with Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, this dish boasts a flavorful gravy.

Nutritious and satisfying, Aloo Gobi pairs well with roti, naan, or rice, making it an excellent side dish for butter chicken.

Palak Paneer

indian spinach and cheese

Palak Paneer, a quintessential North Indian delicacy, features a harmonious blend of creamy spinach and protein-rich paneer. This vegetarian dish not only adds vibrant color but also complements the rich, spicy flavors of Butter Chicken.

The creamy texture of Palak Paneer balances the meal, making it an ideal side dish that is both nutritious and satisfying, enhancing your Indian dining experience.

Chana Masala

indian chickpea curry recipe

Chana Masala is a hearty, protein-rich dish featuring chickpeas in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It is a perfect complement to the rich flavors of Butter Chicken. This North Indian vegetarian delight blends cumin, coriander, and garam masala, creating a flavorful experience.

Its wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices enhance the meal, making it a nutritious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with naan or roti.

Vegetable Biryani

spicy indian rice dish

Following the robust flavors of Chana Masala, Vegetable Biryani offers a vibrant and aromatic rice dish that complements Butter Chicken with its blend of mixed vegetables and fragrant spices.

This one-pot rice dish, a popular vegetarian alternative, includes carrots, peas, bell peppers, and more. Its customizable nature and rich flavor profile make Vegetable Biryani a delightful addition to any meal.

Onion Bhajis

spicy indian fritters recipe

Frequently enjoyed as a crisp and flavorful side, Onion Bhajis add a delightful crunch to a Butter Chicken meal.

These deep-fried fritters, made with chickpea flour, spices, and sliced onions, are staples in Indian cuisine.

Often served with chutneys like mint or tamarind, Onion Bhajis are versatile appetizers or side dishes that enhance the sweet and savory profile of your meal.

Samosas

delicious indian fried snack

Samosas, with their crispy golden-brown exterior and savory fillings of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, serve as a perfect accompaniment to Butter Chicken.

This popular Indian appetizer pairs delightfully with chutneys like mint or tamarind, adding extra flavor.

Samosas can be made ahead and reheated, offering a convenient side dish that complements the rich taste of Butter Chicken beautifully.

Pakoras

delicious fried indian snack

Pakoras, with their crispy texture and flavorful seasoning, make an excellent side dish to complement the rich and creamy Butter Chicken.

These popular Indian snacks are made by deep-frying vegetables or meat in a chickpea flour batter seasoned with Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Common vegetables used include potatoes, onions, and spinach, providing a tasty and delightful accompaniment.

Mango Lassi

refreshing indian yogurt drink

Mango lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, offers a revitalizing complement to the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken. Made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, sugar, and cardamom, this invigorating beverage balances the dish's spiciness perfectly.

Its sweet-tangy taste and creamy texture harmonize beautifully, providing a nutritious boost with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

Enjoy this delightful pairing for a truly satisfying meal.