Butter chicken, with its creamy, spiced sauce and tender chicken pieces, is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine. While rice is a classic and popular choice to accompany butter chicken, there are numerous other sides and accompaniments that can enhance your dining experience. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or exploring new flavor combinations, this guide will help you discover delightful alternatives to rice that pair wonderfully with butter chicken.
Classic Sides
Naan Bread
Naan bread, with its soft, pillowy texture and slightly crispy edges, is an essential accompaniment to butter chicken. Its ability to soak up the rich, creamy sauce makes it a perfect choice. You can choose from plain naan or variations like garlic naan, which adds an extra layer of flavor.
Roti
Roti, a whole wheat flatbread, offers a lighter alternative to naan. Its subtle flavor and slightly chewy texture make it an excellent vehicle for scooping up the savory butter chicken sauce. Roti can be enjoyed plain or with a touch of ghee for added richness.
Pita Bread
Pita bread, with its pocket-like structure, can be a fun and versatile side to butter chicken. You can use it to scoop up the sauce or even make pita chips for a crunchy twist. The mild flavor of pita bread complements the spiced butter chicken without overpowering it.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower, seasoned with a blend of spices, adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your meal. The caramelization from roasting enhances its natural sweetness, providing a balanced contrast to the creamy butter chicken.
Saag Paneer
Saag paneer, a dish featuring paneer cheese cooked with spinach and spices, pairs wonderfully with butter chicken. The rich, creamy texture of the paneer and the earthy flavors of spinach create a harmonious balance with the buttery chicken sauce.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi, a dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower, offers a comforting and flavorful side. Its mildly spiced and slightly tangy taste complements the rich, creamy butter chicken, making it a satisfying addition to your meal.
Salads
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita, a cooling yogurt-based side with fresh cucumbers and a hint of cumin, provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of butter chicken. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor help balance the richness of the dish.
Kachumber Salad
Kachumber salad, with its mix of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice, offers a crisp and tangy accompaniment. The lightness of the salad contrasts nicely with the heavy, creamy butter chicken.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad, made with chickpeas, diced vegetables, and a lemon-tahini dressing, adds a protein-packed and flavorful side. Its hearty texture and zesty dressing complement the buttery richness of the chicken.
Grains and Starches
Quinoa
Quinoa, with its nutty flavor and fluffy texture, serves as a light and nutritious alternative to rice. Its subtle taste pairs well with the creamy butter chicken, and it provides a healthy boost of protein and fiber.
Couscous
Couscous, a quick and easy-to-prepare grain, offers a light and fluffy texture that complements butter chicken. You can add herbs and spices to the couscous to enhance its flavor and create a more dynamic side dish.
Polenta
Polenta, with its creamy and slightly sweet flavor, provides a unique twist on traditional sides. It can be served soft or allowed to set and sliced into wedges, offering a versatile accompaniment to butter chicken.
Bread and Biscuits
Paratha
Paratha, a flaky and buttery flatbread, is another excellent choice to accompany butter chicken. Its layers and slightly crispy texture make it ideal for scooping up the rich sauce.
Cheese Biscuits
Cheese biscuits, with their savory, cheesy flavor, offer a comforting and indulgent side. Their crumbly texture pairs well with the creamy butter chicken, adding a touch of richness to your meal.
Stuffed Paratha
Stuffed paratha, filled with ingredients like potatoes, paneer, or spiced vegetables, provides a hearty and flavorful side. The stuffed filling complements the creamy butter chicken and adds an extra layer of taste and texture.
Vegetable Dishes
Baingan Bharta
Baingan bharta, a smoky eggplant dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices, adds a robust and flavorful side to your butter chicken. The smoky, charred flavor of the eggplant contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
Bhindi Masala
Bhindi masala, a stir-fried okra dish with spices and onions, offers a crunchy and flavorful addition to your meal. Its earthy flavor and slight spiciness make it a great complement to the rich butter chicken.
Dal Tadka
Dal tadka, a spiced lentil dish with a tempering of garlic, cumin, and mustard seeds, adds a comforting and hearty side. The lentils' earthy flavor and spiced richness enhance the overall dining experience with butter chicken.
Sauces and Condiments
Mint Chutney
Mint chutney, made with fresh mint, cilantro, and a hint of lime, provides a refreshing and tangy contrast to the creamy butter chicken. Its bright flavors add a burst of freshness to each bite.
Onion Salad
Onion salad, with its sliced onions, tomatoes, and a splash of lemon juice, offers a crisp and tangy side. It provides a zesty counterpoint to the richness of the butter chicken.
Tamarind Chutney
Tamarind chutney, with its sweet and tangy flavor, adds a unique touch to your meal. Its rich, complex taste complements the creamy butter chicken and adds a layer of depth to the dining experience.
Desserts
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun, with its sweet, syrup-soaked dough balls, provides a rich and indulgent ending to your meal. The warm, sweet flavors contrast nicely with the savory butter chicken.
Rasgulla
Rasgulla, a light and spongy dessert made from chenna, offers a sweet and refreshing conclusion. Its delicate flavor and syrupy texture provide a satisfying end to the rich butter chicken meal.
Kheer
Kheer, a creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts, provides a comforting and sweet finish. Its smooth texture and spiced flavor offer a perfect balance to the meal.
Beverages
Lassi
Lassi, a yogurt-based drink, offers a cooling and refreshing complement to butter chicken. You can choose from sweet lassi, flavored with fruits or spices, or salty lassi, for a savory twist.
Chai
Chai, with its aromatic spices and creamy texture, serves as a warm and comforting beverage. Its spiced flavor complements the richness of butter chicken and provides a satisfying drink option.
Mango Smoothie
Mango smoothie, with its creamy texture and tropical flavor, offers a sweet and refreshing pairing. Its fruity notes provide a delightful contrast to the savory butter chicken.
Conclusion
Butter chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be complemented by a wide range of sides, vegetables, breads, and beverages. Whether you opt for classic naan and cucumber raita or explore unique options like quinoa and cheese biscuits, there are countless ways to enhance your butter chicken experience. Experiment with these suggestions to find your perfect combination and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
