Butter chicken is probably one of my favorite Indian dishes ever. That creamy, tomato-based sauce with tender chicken pieces is just heavenly! But let’s be honest – as amazing as butter chicken is it needs the right companions to make a complete meal. I’ve spent years perfecting my Indian dinner parties and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about the best sides to serve with butter chicken.
In this article I’ll share traditional and modern sides that pair perfectly with butter chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a weeknight meal, these recommendations will help you create a balanced and satisfying Indian feast.
Traditional Indian Accompaniments for Butter Chicken
Bread Options
Indian flatbreads are essential for scooping up that delicious butter chicken sauce Here are some popular options
1. Naan Bread
Naan is probably the most popular choice to serve with butter chicken. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
While plain naan is fantastic, why not try these variations:
- Garlic Naan – infused with garlic butter for extra flavor
- Peshwari Naan – stuffed with coconut, nuts, and raisins for a sweet contrast
- Cheese Naan – filled with melty cheese for indulgence
I personally love making garlic butter naan at home. The aroma fills my kitchen, and there’s nothing like fresh, warm naan straight from the stove!
2. Roti and Paratha
If you want something lighter than naan, rotis are perfect. They’re unleavened whole wheat flatbreads that are healthier but still delicious with butter chicken.
Parathas are similar to rotis but flakier and often stuffed with fillings. A plain or aloo (potato) paratha works well with butter chicken.
Rice Options
Rice is the other classic pairing with butter chicken. The sauce coating the rice creates the perfect bite!
1. Basmati Rice
Simple basmati rice is my go-to for butter chicken. Its fragrant, fluffy texture complements the rich curry perfectly. Just remember to rinse your rice well before cooking for the fluffiest results!
2. Flavored Rice
Want to elevate your rice game? Try these:
- Jeera Rice – basmati rice with cumin seeds
- Lemon Rice – tangy rice that cuts through the richness of butter chicken
- Peas Pulao – rice cooked with peas and subtle spices
3. Biryani
Though biryani is typically a main dish itself, a simple vegetable biryani can work alongside butter chicken for a luxurious meal. The complex flavors of biryani complement rather than compete with butter chicken.
Refreshing Side Dishes
Butter chicken is rich and creamy, so refreshing sides help balance the meal.
1. Raita
Raita is a yogurt-based side dish that provides a cooling effect against the butter chicken. My favorite versions include:
- Cucumber Raita – refreshing with diced cucumber, mint, and a hint of cumin
- Boondi Raita – made with tiny fried gram flour balls
- Onion Raita – with a slight kick from red onions
2. Kachumber Salad
This fresh, chopped salad is like an Indian version of pico de gallo. It typically contains:
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Spices like cumin and cayenne
The crispness and acidity cut through the richness of butter chicken perfectly.
3. Simple Green Salad
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple green salad with a lemon dressing. The freshness provides a nice contrast to the hearty curry.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Adding vegetables creates a more balanced meal and introduces different textures and flavors.
1. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
This dry curry of potatoes and cauliflower seasoned with Indian spices is a classic pairing with butter chicken.
2. Saag Paneer
Creamy spinach with cubes of paneer cheese makes for a delicious vegetarian side. The earthiness of the spinach works wonderfully with butter chicken.
3. Bhindi Masala (Okra)
Crispy, spiced okra is a texture contrast to the smooth butter chicken sauce. The slight crunch is really satisfying!
4. Vegetable Pakoras
These crispy vegetable fritters are fantastic as an appetizer before serving butter chicken or as a side dish. I love serving them with mint chutney for dipping.
Modern and Fusion Side Options
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with these contemporary pairings.
1. Potato Wedges
Crispy baked potato wedges make a fun, fusion-style side for butter chicken. Trust me, dipping them in the sauce is amazing!
2. Quinoa
For a healthier, higher-protein alternative to rice, try quinoa. Its nutty flavor pairs surprisingly well with butter chicken.
3. Cauliflower Rice
If you’re watching your carbs, cauliflower rice is a great option. Season it with some cumin and coriander to complement the butter chicken flavors.
Chutneys and Pickles
These condiments add bursts of flavor to your meal.
1. Mango Chutney
The sweet-tanginess of mango chutney creates a delicious contrast with butter chicken.
2. Mint Chutney
Fresh and vibrant mint chutney provides a cooling effect similar to raita.
3. Indian Pickles (Achar)
Spicy, tangy pickles like lime, mango, or mixed vegetable add intense flavor bombs to your butter chicken meal. A little goes a long way!
Drinks to Serve with Butter Chicken
Don’t forget the beverages! The right drink can enhance your butter chicken experience.
1. Lassi
This yogurt-based drink comes in sweet and savory varieties:
- Mango Lassi – sweet, fruity, and refreshing
- Sweet Lassi – with sugar and cardamom
- Salted Lassi – with cumin and salt
2. Chai
A spiced Indian tea is traditional and pairs nicely with the meal.
3. Beer
A cold lager or IPA cuts through the richness of butter chicken beautifully.
4. Wine
If you prefer wine, off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer complement the spices in butter chicken well.
Complete Meal Ideas for Butter Chicken
Here are some meal combinations to try:
Family Weeknight Dinner
- Butter Chicken
- Plain Basmati Rice
- Cucumber Raita
- Store-bought Naan
Weekend Indian Feast
- Butter Chicken
- Garlic Naan
- Jeera Rice
- Saag Paneer
- Cucumber Raita
- Mango Chutney
- Mango Lassi
Fusion Dinner Party
- Butter Chicken
- Lemon Rice
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Naan
- Green Salad
- Wine or Craft Beer
Desserts After Butter Chicken
Finish your meal with these traditional Indian sweets:
- Gulab Jamun – fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup
- Kheer – rice pudding with cardamom and nuts
- Kulfi – dense Indian ice cream
Tips for Serving Butter Chicken
- Serve butter chicken in a large bowl with a ladle so guests can help themselves
- Place naan in a cloth-lined basket to keep it warm
- Put rice in a separate serving dish
- Offer small bowls of various chutneys and pickles
- For dinner parties, I like to set everything up buffet-style so people can customize their plates
My Go-To Butter Chicken Menu
Whenever I make butter chicken for friends, this is my fool-proof menu that always gets rave reviews:
- Butter Chicken
- Garlic Naan
- Jeera Rice
- Cucumber Raita
- Aloo Gobi
- Mango Chutney
- Mango Lassi
- Gulab Jamun for dessert
FAQ About What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Can I serve butter chicken with regular bread?
While you can use regular bread in a pinch, traditional Indian breads like naan or roti are better at soaking up the sauce and complementing the flavors.
What’s the healthiest side dish for butter chicken?
A simple vegetable side dish like sautéed spinach, cauliflower rice, or a fresh kachumber salad would be the healthiest option.
What’s a quick side dish I can make with butter chicken?
Microwave some frozen naan and make a simple cucumber raita—just mix yogurt with diced cucumber, salt, and cumin.
Can I serve butter chicken with pasta?
It’s not traditional, but the sauce works surprisingly well with pasta for a fusion dish!
Final Thoughts
Butter chicken is so versatile that it pairs well with many different sides. Traditional options like naan and rice are classics for a reason, but don’t be afraid to experiment with modern pairings too!
The key is to balance the rich, creamy curry with contrasting textures and refreshing elements. Whether you go full traditional Indian or create your own fusion menu, butter chicken will undoubtedly be the star of your table.
What’s your favorite side to serve with butter chicken? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!
Why is chicken marinated for Korma?
I have tested & retested chicken korma a lot of times without marinating and realized it made a huge difference to the flavor and texture. Chicken unlike red meat, cooks faster and does not get enough time to soak up the flavors while cooking.
I found the resulting dish was not as flavorful & succulent as the marinated chicken. This step also helps to get rid of the raw meat flavor quickly.
Photo Guide
Step by Step Photo Instructions
1. To a mixing bowl, add
- ½ kg chicken (1.2 lbs. skinless, bone-in preferred but boneless is okay)
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (or coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon ginger & garlic paste or ½ tbsps. each grated (We usually rub the chicken with turmeric and then rinse off before cooking. Hence the yellow color here.)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon salt
3. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices. Cover and keep aside until needed or refrigerate overnight if you want.