Butter Chicken is a seriously one of the most popular Indian dishes with a deep, buttery taste, but knowing what the best sides to put can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a simple hearty curry on the sofa in-front of netflix, or a formal dinner party, this popular dish is always a winner.
We’ve got all the best butter chicken sides right here, complete with some healthy options, and even some plant-based options if you’d prefer. Also if you’re looking for a more traditional route, we recommend you check out our article on our favourite Indian Sides for Butter Chicken.
Let’s dig in…
What sides go with Butter Chicken?
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to rice or potatoes, and roasting it brings out a whole new level of flavor. Simply toss your cauliflower florets in some olive oil and spices, then roast in the oven until crispy.
Green Beans
Green beans are the perfect side dish for Butter Chicken because they are light and fresh, and they pair well with the creamy sauce. You can either steam them or fry them in a pan with some garlic for extra flavor.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a classic Indian bread that is delicious when soaked in the butter chicken sauce. It’s the perfect way to mop up all that goodness!
Mashed Potatoes
Although often over-looked, the humble mashed potato works very well here – they go especially well with Butter Chicken. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the fluffy mashed potatoes, and you can even add some green peas for extra flavor and color.
Basmati Rice
Rice is a classic side dish for Butter Chicken, and it’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious sauce. Basmati rice is a popular Indian rice that has a nutty flavor and pairs well with the other flavors in the dish.
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is a refreshing Indian yogurt salad that is perfect for cutting through the richness of the Butter Chicken. It’s made with cucumbers, yogurt, and spices, and it’s the perfect cooling side dish.
Papadums
Papadums are a type of Indian flatbread that is made from lentils or chickpeas. They are light and crispy, and they make the perfect accompaniment to Butter Chicken. Simply serve them with some chutney or yogurt on the side.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian side dish that is made with potatoes, cauliflower, and spices. It pairs well with the rich flavors of Butter Chicken, and it’s a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal.
Pickled Onions
Pickled onions are a great way to add some acidity and sweetness to the dish, and they also make a great garnish. Simply slice some onions and soak them in vinegar overnight, then drain them before serving.
Plant-based Options for Butter Chicken
If you’re looking for some plant-based sides to go with your Butter Chicken, then fear not! There are plenty of options out there.
Of course, Butter “Chicken” itself is not plant-based, but if you’re looking for an alternative to replace the meat protein, you can do so with torn tofu, olive oil, cornstarch and salt. Check out Nora Cooks for more information on creating a plant-based Butter Chicken.
Onto the vegan sides:
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a delicious low-carb alternative to regular rice, and it soaks up the Butter Chicken sauce just as well. Simply grate a head of cauliflower, then fry in a pan with some spices until cooked.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a healthy grain that is packed with protein, making it a great option for those looking for a meat-free meal. Simply cook your quinoa according to the package instructions, then add it to your Butter Chicken.
Green Peas
Green peas are a classic Indian ingredient, and they make a delicious plant-based side for Butter Chicken. They are packed with nutrients, and they pair well with the other flavors in the dish.
Mustard greens
Mustard greens are a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Indian cuisine. They have a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the rich Butter Chicken sauce. You can cook them in a pan with some spices, or you can steam them.
There are plenty of delicious sides that go well with Butter Chicken, so there’s no need to feel limited. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect side dish for your meal.
Roasted Asapragus
The more char, the better. Roasted asaparagus is often over-looked, but well worth serving as a veggie side to your Butter Chicken curry.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable that is frequently used in Indian cooking. They have a slightly harsh flavor that complements the rich Butter Chicken sauce. You may either sauté them in a pan with spices or steam them.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that pairs well with the creamy Butter Chicken sauce.
Sauté kale in a pan with some spices until it’s cooked to your liking, and be sure to add in some crushed garlic to bring out the flavour.
Steamed Broccoli
Broccoli is a healthy vegetable that is packed with nutrients, making it a great option for those looking for a meat-free meal. Simply steam your broccoli until it’s cooked to your liking, then add it to your Butter Chicken.
There are plenty of delicious plant-based sides that go well with Butter Chicken
Spinach
Spinach is a classic Indian ingredient, and it’s a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing Indian yogurt salad that is perfect for cutting through the richness of the Butter Chicken. It’s made with cucumbers, yogurt, and spices, and it’s the perfect cooling side dish.
Best Condiments to go with Butter Chicken
Lemon yogurt dressing
This tart and tangy dressing is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the Butter Chicken. Simply mix together some plain yogurt, lemon juice, and diced cucumber, then pour it over your Butter Chicken.
Mint yogurt sauce
This refreshing sauce is perfect for those hot summer days. Simply mix together some plain yogurt, mint leaves, and diced cucumber, then pour it over your Butter Chicken and capture that fresh flavor.
Tamarind chutney
This sweet and tangy chutney is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine. It pairs well with the rich flavors of Butter Chicken, and it’s the perfect way to add some sweetness to your meal.
Coconut yogurt
This creamy and flavorful yogurt is the perfect way to cool down your spice level. Simply mix together some plain yogurt, coconut milk, and diced cucumber, then pour it over your Butter Chicken.
Sour Cream
Still too spicy? Bring the heat right down with a dollop of sour cream. This not only looks great for all your instagrammers out there, but it adds a luxurious taste that really rounds off any curry, especially a milder curry like Butter Chicken.
Other Options for Butter Chicken
If you’re looking for some other options for Butter Chicken, then here are a few ideas:
- Add some chopped tomatoes to your Butter Chicken for a fresh and juicy flavor.
- Try using ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter for a richer flavor.
- Add some chopped onions and garlic to your Butter Chicken for a more pungent flavor.
- Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more moist and flavorful dish.
- Experiment by replacing the chicken with tikka masala, and pair with a delicious side dish of your choice.
- Soak your rice in some water before cooking it to make it more fluffy and tender.
- Use Basmati rice instead of regular rice for a more aromatic flavor.
- Add some chopped cilantro to your Butter Chicken for a fresh and herby flavor.
- Brown Sugar can give the dish a sweet quality – check it out!
- Lemon Juice can brighten up the flavors in your dish.
- Garam Masala is a spice blend that is commonly used in Indian cuisine, and it can really elevate the flavors of your Butter Chicken.
- Cumin is another spice that is frequently used in Indian cuisine, and it can add a nice depth of flavor to your Butter Chicken.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors for your own personal taste. Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your own preferences, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen.
Whats actually in Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish that is made with a creamy tomato sauce, indian spices and chicken.
The sauce is typically flavored with spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder creating a mild flavor that’s easy on the spice. There are also many variations of Butter Chicken, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors for your own personal taste.
Best sides to go with Butter Chicken?
All the above mentioned are incredible, but if we had to pick our 3 absolute favs, they would be, in no particular order:
- Basmati Rice – The classic Choice
- Naan Bread – Again, its a classic
- Roasted Asparagus – entirely underrated, but the perfect partner
