If you’re wondering what the best side dishes are to serve with butter chicken but haven’t found the right answer yet, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
The truth is, in India, we enjoy butter chicken with many different sides, but one dish always stands out: garlic naan. It’s the ultimate companion to rich, creamy butter chicken. Soft, buttery, and full of flavor, it’s almost impossible to resist!
But here’s the good news is if you don’t want garlic naan to be your only side dish, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up 12 amazing side dishes that pair beautifully with butter chicken and are sure to satisfy your hunger.
One thing I can promise is that you’ll feel proud serving butter chicken at home with these perfect sides.
And yes, even that one family member who always says, “I only eat butter chicken at restaurants because they serve the best sides,” will be impressed this time.
So, get ready to shock your family, friends, and anyone who loves good food. Keep scrolling and you’ll find the exact list of side dishes that will take your butter chicken to the next level!
1. Garlic Butter Naan
When it comes to pairing with butter chicken, nothing beats garlic butter naan. This soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy bread is brushed with buttery garlic goodness, creating a flavor and texture combination that feels absolutely comforting.
The moment you take a bite, the naan practically melts in your mouth, leaving you with that irresistible wow feeling.
While garlic naan is often served with many of Indian curries, it pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken. Together, they create a classic combo that satisfies everyone at the table.
2. Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Jeera, known as cumin in English, transforms into something truly special when paired with rice, giving us the beloved jeera rice. In India, jeera rice is often served side dish because it’s aromatic, simple, and so comforting.
What makes jeera rice special is its light flavor and aromatic fragrance. It’s easy to make, healthy, easy to digest, and versatile enough to partner with almost any Indian dish.
But when served with butter chicken, jeera rice truly makes the dish shine. The mild, earthy taste of cumin perfectly balances the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
3. Lachha Paratha
Lachha paratha brings a whole new vibe to your butter chicken plate with its crispy, buttery, and flaky layers that make you want to keep eating more and more.
Each bite offers the perfect balance of crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a smoky flavor from the tawa or tandoor.
Not only does it pair beautifully with rich and creamy butter chicken, but lachha paratha can also be enjoyed on its own with a side of curd and pickle.
It’s a versatile, comforting bread that always makes the meal feel extra special and is also easy to make.
4. Vegetable Pulao
If you’re looking for a colorful side dish to brighten up your butter chicken plate, vegetable pulao is the perfect choice. The vibrant mix of veggies and fragrant basmati rice not only looks inviting but also makes every bite delicious.
Made with seasonal vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans, cooked gently with mild spices, this dish is light yet power-packed.
While it pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken, vegetable pulao can also be enjoyed on its own or served with raita and curry.
5. Kachumber Salad
It may sound funnier, but let’s be honest, that kachumber salad is much more than just tomatoes and cucumbers; it carries the homely comfort of your grandmother’s kitchen.
The best thing is that this light and refreshing salad pairs effortlessly with butter chicken. Kuchumber salad is made with freshly chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
Kachumber salad is tangy, crunchy, and incredibly refreshing, which gives you an amazing taste.
It not only balances the richness of butter chicken but can also be served as a side with many classic Indian dishes. Sometimes, the simplest dishes make the biggest impact!
6. Boondi Raita
If you’re craving something creamy and refreshing to balance the richness of butter chicken, boondi raita is the way to go.
Boondi are tiny fried balls made from besan (chickpea flour) are soaked in smooth, chilled yogurt and finished with a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. The result? A simple yet flavorful side dish that adds a cooling touch to every bite.
Boondi raita is one of the easiest and simplest Indian raitas to make and pairs perfectly with butter chicken. It’s light, delicious, and the ideal companion when you want your meal to feel wholesome and complete.
7. Masala Papad
Sometimes, we all just need a little crunch in our life, and masala papad delivers exactly that alongside your butter chicken. Think of it as the Indian version of chips and salsa!
A crisp roasted or fried papad is topped with fresh onions, tomatoes, coriander, and a sprinkle of spices, creating a light, tangy, and chatpata snack.
Masala papad can be served as a starter, appetizer, or even as a quick, crunchy side with butter chicken. It’s simple, addictive, and always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Tandoori Roti
If you’re looking for something easy and simple yet full of flavor, tandoori roti is one of the best sides to serve with butter chicken.
This humble flatbread is cooked in a traditional clay tandoor, which gives it that unique charred taste and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy curries.
The best part is that you don’t always need a tandoor to enjoy it, you can easily make tandoori roti at home on a hot tawa or oven. Quick, wholesome, and satisfying, it’s the perfect partner for butter chicken when you don’t have time for elaborate side dishes.
9. Pickled Onions
The very thought of pickles makes our mouths water, and pickled onions are no exception. Tangy, crunchy, and beautifully soaked in vinegar or lemon juice, these little gems instantly brighten up any meal.
Their vibrant color grabs attention on the plate, making any Indian thali or platter more appealing.
When served with butter chicken, pickled onions add just the right amount of tangy crunch, balancing the creamy richness of the curry while looking absolutely delicious on the side.
10. Paneer Tikka Skewers
Here’s something we got spicy and full of flavor, paneer tikka skewers, one of the most loved Indian appetizers, and a fantastic side for butter chicken. Just thinking about them brings back that smoky, juicy taste that makes them so irresistible.
Chunks of paneer are marinated in spiced yogurt, then grilled along with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
The result? Skewers that are colorful, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Their spiced, charred goodness pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of butter chicken, making this combo a true delight.
11. Mint-Coriander Chutney
There’s something truly special about homemade chutney, and for me, my mom’s mint-coriander chutney is pure magic. Made with fresh mint, coriander leaves, green chilies, and the hero of the dish, lemon juice, it’s tangy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.
When served with butter chicken, this chutney takes the meal to the next level, adding a burst of freshness that balances the rich, creamy curry. I can guarantee, one bite with this chutney will brighten your whole day!
Mint-coriander chutney isn’t just for butter chicken. It also pairs beautifully with snacks, chaats, parathas, kebabs, and even rice dishes, making it one of the most versatile condiments in Indian cuisine.
12. Mango Lassi or Sweet Lassi
No Indian meal feels complete without a touch of sweetness, and what better way to end a butter chicken meal than with a glass of mango lassi?
Smooth, creamy, and refreshing, this drink is made with mango pulp, yogurt, and a hint of cream for richness.
Honestly, a butter chicken dinner feels incomplete without something sweet to balance it, and mango lassi does the job perfectly. It cools the palate, satisfies your sweet cravings, and leaves everyone at the table smiling.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it the perfect side dishes to pair with your butter chicken! From tangy to spicy, crunchy to creamy, and even a little sweet at the end, this list has everything you need to turn an ordinary dinner into a truly memorable family feast.
Whether you try one or all of these side dishes, you’re guaranteed to impress your loved ones and make your butter chicken night unforgettable.
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