Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that has an avid fan base of its own! This flavor-packed dish is made by simmering grilled chicken in creamy tomato-based gravy. The lip-smackingly delicious dish is easily the highlight of any menu.
While butter chicken is typically served with basmati rice or naan, there are many other sides that can add to its flavor. On that note, we’ve compiled a list of side dishes for butter chicken you can make to spruce up your dinners. We’re positive you’ll find your new favorite here!
1. All about Saag & Easy Saag Recipe (Indian Spiced Spinach)
Saag, a type of leafy veggie curry, is a tasty accompaniment to the creamy butter chicken. Make it by cooking healthy leafy greens with spices and aromatics, then blending it all with an immersion blender to get a smooth texture. The recipe uses sliced green chilis to pack a powerful punch of spice, but you can substitute them with jalapeños if you want to tone down the heat.
2. Aloo Gobi (Cauliflower and Potato Curry)
Aloo gobi is another classic Indian dish that pairs really well with butter chicken and naan. It combines potatoes and cauliflower florets with spices, aromatics, and seasonings (most of which are of Indian origin) to produce an all-time favorite. The highlight of this recipe? You can put this deliciously spicy dish on the table in under 30 minutes!
3. Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is light with fresh flavors — the perfect pairing to butter chicken. The cooling, creamy raita is a yogurt-based condiment that is easy to prepare. All you have to do is combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, let it rest in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop, and serve it garnished with a sprig of mint.
4. Homemade Papadums from Scratch
Papadum will add a delicious crunch to your butter chicken main course. The crispy snack is easy to prepare with garlic powder, urad dal flour, coconut or olive oil, whole cumin, black pepper, and salt. You can also flavor it with your choice of spices. Remember to add baking powder to help the papadum puff when cooked.
5. Homemade Peshwari Naan
This soft, fluffy naan is ideal for pairing with any Indian curry, and it’s absolutely perfect for soaking up the delicious flavors of butter chicken. There are many types of naan, and this recipe will help you make a stuffed naan with a sweet filling of sultanas, almonds, and coconut. Once cooked, you can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or coriander on top to serve.
6. How to Make Garlic Bread
Garlic bread can make a stellar side to butter chicken. This recipe for garlic bread comes together with three ingredients — bread, butter, and garlic. To make, slather garlic butter on bread slices and bake until they’re golden brown and crispy. This no-fuss dish requires minimal prep. Plus, it has the most enticing aromas as it cooks!
7. How to Make Perfect, Extra Crispy Homemade Onion Rings from Scratch
Onion rings are an appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They have a mild sweetness, which pairs well with the richness of butter chicken gravy. Serve it at your next BBQ, and watch everyone come back for more.
8. Indian Red Lentil Dal
This nutty and earthy plant-based Indian side dish will wonderfully complement the deep flavors of butter chicken. It is tempered with garlic, ginger, and spices, along with lemon juice, which gives it a burst of brightness. It also takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it the ideal dish to serve on hectic weeknights.
9. Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
You can make this refreshing salad in under 15 minutes! The main ingredients are tomato, onion, and cucumber. Chop them up and toss them all with chili, coriander, and lime juice. You can also add cumin powder for some warmth and nuttiness. It will result in a crunchy, light, flavor-packed side that will cut through the heaviness of butter chicken.
10. Mango Chutney (BEST EVER!)
Mango chutney is a mouthwatering Indian condiment that adds a sweet and tart flavor to the rich and creamy butter chicken. You can prepare this tasty chutney with fresh mango, sugar, ginger, garlic, red chilies, vinegar, spices, and seasonings to produce robust flavors. Here’s why we love it — it keeps for at least a year!
11. Perfect Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a fragrant white, long-grained rice that is lovely with butter chicken. To make, wash the rice to release starch, then drain it using a fine mesh strainer. Next, add it to a pot with water, butter, and salt, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer until all the water is absorbed. Finally, fluff up the rice with a fork to serve.
12. Roasted Broccoli
Crisp, golden-brown roasted broccoli is a nutritious side that will balance out the hearty butter chicken. You can make this healthy side dish by tossing broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper (or your choice of seasonings) and baking until they’re browned around the edges. The resulting dish is so delicious you’ll want to eat it right off the pan!
13. Samosa
Spiced potato filling in a flaky pastry, samosas are an incredibly popular Indian snack. While typically served as a snack or appetizer, you can also enjoy them as light side dishes with butter chicken. They are generally stuffed with potatoes and spices, but you can also use your favorite fillings to satisfy your cravings. Serve with tamarind dipping sauce to get a marriage of diverse flavors in every bite!
14. Steamed Corn on the Cob
Munch on this light and hearty steamed corn with butter chicken for an indulgent meal. To make this dish, steam the corn with sugar and lemon juice-infused water to make the juiciest, most flavorful kernels possible! Serve it with butter and salt to give it a depth of flavor. You can also top it with chili powder or sriracha for a hint of spice.
15. Tiktok Green Goddess Salad
This green goddess salad will add a delightful crunch to the smooth, silky butter chicken. It combines cabbage, chives, cucumber, and green onions with a bright and fresh dressing. The dressing features basil, garlic, lemons, nutritional yeast, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, shallot, spinach, and walnuts. It’s easy to make and delivers irresistible flavors in every spoonful!
