What to Serve with Butter Chicken: 7 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Indian Cuisine Game!

Updated on 
2 May, 2023

What To Serve With Butter Chicken

For many of us, butter chicken is a quintessential Indian dish that's both delicious and comforting. But what do you serve with it to make the meal complete?

If you're looking for something beyond plain white rice, this article will provide you with some creative accompaniments that'll take your butter chicken experience to the next level! You'll be surprised at how simple it can be to add an innovative twist to a classic favorite.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, these accompaniments are sure to satisfy your taste buds and have you coming back for more!

Naan Bread

Naan bread is a classic accompaniment to butter chicken. This traditional flatbread from the Indian subcontinent is an essential part of any Indian feast.

Naan is usually cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven, which gives it an amazing smoky flavor. It's light and fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy butter chicken sauce. Plus, it's perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce!

Now that you've had your fill of naan bread, let's move on to the next accompaniment: raita.

Raita

Have you ever wondered what the perfect accompaniment to butter chicken is? Raita is a cooling yogurt-based condiment that's a great pairing for this hearty, savory dish. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your own taste.

To make raita, begin by blending together plain yogurt, cucumbers, and diced tomatoes. For added flavor and texture, add chopped mint leaves as well as some freshly ground cumin. If you like spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Serve the raita alongside the butter chicken for an amazing combination of flavors! Raita provides the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and savory spices that pairs perfectly with butter chicken. Not only does it add flavor to your meal, but it also helps cool down any spiciness from the dish itself.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily whip up this delicious condiment in no time at all! Now let's look at some vegetable side dishes that will round out your meal.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Vegetable side dishes are a great accompaniment to butter chicken.

Roasted spiced cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy option. The vegetable is tossed in a mix of flavorful spices, then roasted until it develops a delicious golden-brown crispiness. It's the perfect complement to the creamy and savory flavors of butter chicken.

For another delicious pairing, try sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil. This simple dish can be made in minutes, yet it adds a pleasing crunch to the meal. The bright colors of the spinach along with its earthy flavor balance out the richness of the butter chicken perfectly.

Adding an unexpected twist to your dinner menu? Try adding curried brussels sprouts to your spread! These little green gems are cooked in aromatic Indian spices and have an amazing taste that will take your dinner up a notch. They offer a unique blend of flavor that will have everyone at the table wanting more! With its playful texture and bright colors, it's sure to become a favorite when served alongside butter chicken.

These vegetable side dishes make for an exciting dinner plate that is sure to please all! Their complementary flavors provide a delightful contrast with butter chicken and will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

Next up, let's explore some rice dishes that pair well with this popular Indian dish.

Rice Dishes

Vegetable side dishes are the perfect accompaniment to butter chicken, like peanut butter and jelly. They provide a crunchy texture, vibrant colors and a variety of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Here are some vegetable side dishes you can serve with butter chicken:

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These little cabbages have a nutty flavor when roasted in the oven with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  • Green Beans: These beans can be steamed or sautéed with onions and mushrooms for added flavor.
  • Spinach: For a creamy addition to your meal, sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish.
  • Broccoli: This green veggie is great steamed or roasted in the oven with herbs such as oregano and basil for extra flavor.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes make an excellent creamy side dish that pairs well with butter chicken.

Vegetable side dishes are just the start of what you can serve with butter chicken. Next up we'll explore rice dishes that provide an even more filling experience as well as chutneys and pickles to complete your meal.

Chutneys And Pickles

Chutneys and pickles are a great accompaniment to butter chicken. Not only do they add a vibrant punch of flavor, but they also help to balance out the creamy richness of the dish.

Chutneys and pickles come in many varieties - from mild and sweet mango chutneys to spicy chili pickles - so there's something for everyone!

If you're looking for something with a bit more complexity, try making your own chutney or pickle. You can customize it to your taste by adding more spices or herbs, or even adding some fresh fruits like apple or pear. Making your own chutney or pickle is not only rewarding but also surprisingly easy if you have the right ingredients on hand.

No matter what kind of accompaniment you choose, serving chutney or pickle alongside butter chicken is sure to be a hit with your guests. It's a great way to give them an extra layer of flavor and make your meal truly unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Best Types Of Butter To Use In Butter Chicken?

When it comes to butter chicken, no ingredient is more important than the butter.
But not all butters are created equal!
To get the best flavor out of your dish, you should opt for a high-quality unsalted butter like European-style cultured butter or clarified butter.
These types of butters have higher fat content and will create a richer, creamier sauce.
Additionally, their higher melting points prevent them from burning during the cooking process and imparting an unpleasant taste.

Is It Possible To Make Butter Chicken Without A Lot Of Spices?

Making butter chicken without a lot of spices is absolutely possible, and can provide an innovative twist on the classic dish!
You don't need to sacrifice flavor for simplicity either - with a few key ingredients like garlic, ginger, and tomato puree, you can still create a delicious and flavorful dish.
Try adding a few extra herbs or spices to take your butter chicken to the next level!

How Long Should Butter Chicken Be Cooked For?

We've all been there, trying to make a tantalizingly delicious butter chicken that's cooked just right - but how long is just right?
Let's take a step back in time and recall the traditional method of cooking this classic dish; it's said that butter chicken should be cooked for no more than 30 minutes on low heat.
This ensures that the flavors are blended together perfectly and you're left with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
So if you're looking for the perfect butter chicken, cook it for no longer than half an hour, and serve it with your favorite accompaniments!

What Other Proteins Can Be Used In Butter Chicken Instead Of Chicken?

Butter chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of proteins. While chicken is the most popular choice, this dish can also be made with other proteins such as lamb, beef, shrimp, or even tofu.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor profile for your taste buds!

What Are Some Creative Ways To Serve Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish that has made its way into many kitchens around the world. It's rich, creamy, and full of flavor, so it's no wonder why it's one of the most popular dishes on restaurant menus!
But if you're looking for a creative way to serve this flavorful dish, we have some ideas. Try throwing together a butter chicken salad with some fresh greens and crunchy veggies like carrots and bell peppers. Or, give your butter chicken an Italian twist by serving it over creamy polenta or your favorite pasta. For a unique spin on the classic recipe, try baking butter chicken into individual pies or even using it as a pizza topping!

Conclusion

To conclude, butter chicken can be a delicious and hearty meal that can be served in many different ways. It's important to use the right type of butter and spices to create the perfect flavor. Cooking it for approximately 30 minutes will ensure your chicken is cooked through. Additionally, creative alternatives such as paneer or tofu can be used if desired.

Serving options are endless when it comes to butter chicken. Interesting side dishes like naan bread or basmati rice can bring out the flavor even more!

A fun fact about butter chicken is that it was created in 1947 by an Indian chef named Kundan Lal Gujral - making this beloved dish over 70 years old!

Whether you prefer a traditional approach or something new and exciting, butter chicken is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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