Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a globally beloved dish renowned for its creamy, rich tomato-based sauce and tender chicken. Originating from Northern India, this mild curry has captured hearts worldwide with its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. While Butter Chicken itself is a star, the experience is elevated when paired with the right accompaniments. If you’re wondering “What To Serve With Butter Chicken” to create a complete and satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will explore the best side dishes to serve with butter chicken, ensuring a balanced and flavorful dining experience. From classic Indian breads and rice to vegetable sides and beyond, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create the perfect Butter Chicken feast.
Classic Bread Pairings for Butter Chicken
No Butter Chicken meal is truly complete without the perfect bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Indian breads are designed for this very purpose, and here are some of the top choices:
Naan: The Undisputed King
Naan is arguably the most popular bread to serve with Butter Chicken, and for good reason. This soft, fluffy, leavened bread, traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, is ideal for scooping up the creamy sauce. Its slightly smoky flavor and pillowy texture complement the richness of the curry beautifully.
- Garlic Naan: Enhance the flavor profile with garlic naan, adding an extra layer of savory goodness that pairs wonderfully with the mild spices of Butter Chicken.
- Butter Naan: For an extra indulgent experience, butter naan brushed with melted butter is a rich and decadent choice.
- Plain Naan: Even plain naan is a fantastic option, allowing the flavors of the Butter Chicken to truly shine while providing the perfect vessel for enjoying every last drop of sauce.
Roti or Chapati: Healthy and Wholesome
For a healthier alternative to naan, consider roti or chapati. These unleavened flatbreads made from whole wheat flour are a staple in Indian cuisine. They are lighter than naan but still excellent for pairing with Butter Chicken. Roti offers a slightly nutty flavor and a more rustic texture, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy curry.
Papadum: Crispy Delight
Papadums, thin, crispy lentil wafers, are another excellent accompaniment. While not ideal for scooping sauce like naan or roti, their crunchy texture provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy Butter Chicken. Serve them as a starter or alongside your meal for an added textural element. Papadums are perfect for dunking into the sauce for a quick, flavorful bite.
Rice: The Staple Side for Butter Chicken
Rice is another essential side dish to serve with Butter Chicken, providing a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the curry.
Basmati Rice: Fragrant and Fluffy
Basmati rice is the classic choice for serving with Indian curries, including Butter Chicken. Its long grains, delicate aroma, and fluffy texture make it an ideal partner. Basmati rice cooks up beautifully separate, allowing each grain to soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming mushy.
Pilau Rice: Enhanced Flavor and Aroma
For a slightly more flavorful rice option, consider pilau rice. Pilau rice is typically cooked with aromatic spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, and sometimes with vegetables or nuts. This adds another layer of flavor complexity to your meal, complementing the Butter Chicken without overpowering it.
Jeera Rice: Simple and Aromatic
Jeera rice, or cumin rice, is a simple yet flavorful option that pairs well with Butter Chicken. The earthy and warm flavor of cumin seeds infused into the rice adds a subtle depth that enhances the overall dining experience.
Vegetable Side Dishes to Complement Butter Chicken
To balance the richness of Butter Chicken and add nutritional value to your meal, consider serving vegetable side dishes. Indian cuisine offers a plethora of vegetarian options that pair beautifully with curries.
Saag Paneer: Creamy Spinach and Cheese
Saag Paneer, a classic Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cheese), is an excellent vegetable side. Its creamy texture and earthy spinach flavor provide a delicious contrast to the tomato-based Butter Chicken. The paneer adds a protein element, making it a satisfying and wholesome side.
Aloo Gobi: Potatoes and Cauliflower
Aloo Gobi, a dry vegetable dish made with potatoes and cauliflower, is another fantastic choice. The slightly spicy and tangy flavors of Aloo Gobi cut through the richness of Butter Chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
Raita: Cooling Yogurt Dip
Raita, a yogurt-based condiment, is a must-have side dish for any Indian meal, especially when serving a rich curry like Butter Chicken. Raita can be made with various ingredients, such as cucumber, onions, or mint. Its cooling and refreshing nature helps to balance the warmth of the spices and cleanse the palate. Cucumber raita, in particular, is a popular and refreshing choice.
Indian Salad: Fresh and Light
While traditional Indian meals might not heavily feature Western-style salads, a simple Indian salad can be a refreshing addition. Consider a salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, dressed with lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This light and fresh salad provides a welcome contrast to the rich and creamy Butter Chicken.
Other Complementary Dishes
Beyond breads, rice, and vegetables, there are other dishes that can enhance your Butter Chicken meal.
Dal Makhani: Creamy Lentils
Dal Makhani, a rich and creamy lentil dish, is a luxurious side option that complements Butter Chicken beautifully. Its slow-cooked, buttery flavor profile mirrors the richness of Butter Chicken, creating a harmonious and indulgent meal.
Chicken Tikka Masala (or other mild curries): Double the Delight?
While serving another chicken curry might seem redundant, a milder curry like Chicken Tikka Masala (which shares a similar creamy tomato base but with different spice profiles) can actually work well. Alternatively, explore other mild and creamy vegetable or paneer-based curries to offer variety and cater to different preferences.
Creating Your Perfect Butter Chicken Feast
Choosing what to serve with Butter Chicken is all about creating a balance of flavors and textures. Consider offering a combination of:
- Bread: Naan, roti, or papadum for scooping and dipping.
- Rice: Basmati, pilau, or jeera rice to absorb the sauce.
- Vegetable Side: Saag Paneer, Aloo Gobi, or raita for balance and nutrition.
- Optional Extra: Dal Makhani for added richness or a light Indian salad for freshness.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Butter Chicken pairings and create a memorable Indian feast at home. Enjoy the process of exploring these delicious flavors and creating a meal that everyone will love!
