Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, comes from North India. Its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken make it a beloved dish worldwide. However, to fully enjoy this dish, you should pair it with the right accompaniments. So, what is butter chicken traditionally eaten with? Let’s explore the best options that complement this flavorful dish.
1. Naan: The Perfect Bread Companion
Naan remains one of the most popular accompaniments to butter chicken. Cooks bake this soft, fluffy flatbread in a tandoor oven, giving it a light, charred texture. Because naan can absorb the rich, creamy sauce without breaking apart, it serves as the perfect bread for scooping up every bite of butter chicken.
Naan’s versatility and ability to soak up the sauce make it a popular choice in Indian restaurants and homes alike. You can explore more types of naan that pair perfectly with butter chicken.
Varieties of Naan
- Plain naan: This simple, classic choice lets the butter chicken’s flavors shine through.
- Garlic naan: With the infusion of garlic, this naan adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Butter naan: Brushed with melted butter, this variety enhances the buttery richness of the dish.
- Cheese naan: For those craving indulgence, cheese-stuffed naan adds another layer of richness.
Naan is a staple in Indian restaurants and homes alike. Its soft texture and versatility make it the perfect partner for butter chicken. Moreover, naan’s ability to hold up to the thick sauce explains why it remains a favorite.
Learn more about the varieties of naan to find the perfect match for your butter chicken meal.
2. Basmati Rice: A Fragrant Balance
While naan remains popular, many people also enjoy butter chicken with basmati rice. This fragrant rice has long grains and a delicate aroma, which balances the rich flavors of the dish. In addition, basmati rice offers a lighter alternative to bread, perfect for those who want a less filling meal.
Why Basmati Rice Works
- Light and fluffy: The rice grains stay separate, making it easy to mix with the sauce.
- Fragrant: The aroma of basmati enhances the overall dining experience.
- Healthy: Basmati rice provides a lower-calorie alternative to bread, without compromising on taste.
Rice Variations
- Jeera rice: This cumin-flavored rice adds a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs well with the spices in butter chicken.
- Pilaf or pulao: These lightly spiced rice dishes, often cooked with vegetables and spices, bring complexity to the meal.
Overall, rice serves as a healthy, gluten-free alternative to bread. Its simplicity allows the rich flavors of butter chicken to take center stage.
Check out the different varieties of basmati rice to choose the right rice for your butter chicken feast.
If you’re looking for different types of rice, consider pairing your butter chicken with side dishes like rice and stir-fries to create a wholesome meal.
3. Roti or Chapati: A Daily Favorite
For everyday meals, many people choose roti or chapati with butter chicken. These whole wheat flatbreads are lighter than naan, making them a healthier option. Cooks prepare roti by rolling the dough thin and cooking it on a flat griddle, giving it a soft texture that complements butter chicken.
Benefits of Roti
- Made from whole wheat: Roti provides more fiber and nutrients compared to naan.
- Low in fat: Unlike naan, roti doesn’t require added fats, keeping it lighter.
- Perfect for scooping: Roti’s thin but sturdy texture makes it ideal for picking up pieces of chicken and sauce.
In many Indian households, people pair butter chicken with freshly made rotis. This combination allows for a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and lighter than naan.
Read about the health benefits of whole wheat rotis, which make them a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
Pairing butter chicken with roti or healthier flatbreads is an everyday choice in Indian households, making it a balanced meal option.
4. Paratha: The Flaky Indulgence
For a richer bread, many opt for paratha. Made with layers of dough and ghee, parathas develop a crispy, flaky texture. This indulgent bread complements butter chicken by adding another level of richness.
Different Types of Parathas
- Plain paratha: Crisp and buttery, perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Stuffed paratha: For more flavor, cooks fill parathas with potatoes, paneer, or other vegetables.
Parathas are richer than both roti and naan, making them a special treat when paired with butter chicken. The buttery, flaky texture adds decadence to the meal, creating an irresistible combination.
5. Kulcha: The North Indian Delight
Likewise, kulcha offers another bread option for butter chicken. Similar to naan but denser, kulcha absorbs the thick sauce well. Many people in North India pair it with rich curries like butter chicken.
Varieties of Kulcha
- Plain kulcha: Soft and chewy, ideal for soaking up the sauce.
- Stuffed kulcha: Cooks often stuff kulcha with potatoes, paneer, or onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Kulcha offers a delightful alternative to naan, with its chewy texture perfectly complementing the creamy butter chicken.
6. Roomali Roti: The Delicate Wrap
Some prefer roomali roti, a paper-thin flatbread that pairs well with butter chicken. Its delicate texture doesn’t overpower the dish and allows you to wrap the tender chicken pieces with ease. Cooks make roomali roti by stretching the dough until it becomes almost translucent, then cooking it on a hot griddle.
Why Roomali Roti Works
- Thin and light: Its delicate texture allows the flavors of butter chicken to stand out.
- Great for wrapping: Roomali roti is perfect for wrapping chicken and sauce together in one bite.
People often enjoy roomali roti with butter chicken as street food, thanks to its light texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy curry.
7. Sides and Accompaniments
Beyond bread and rice, several sides complement butter chicken by adding freshness and crunch to the meal.
Popular Sides for Butter Chicken
- Onion and cucumber salad: Thinly sliced onions and cucumbers, with a squeeze of lemon juice, provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy butter chicken.
- Mint chutney: This cooling dip made with mint and yogurt balances the warm spices of the dish.
- Indian pickles (achar): Spicy and tangy pickles add bursts of flavor that cut through the creaminess.
These sides offer variety, ensuring each bite of butter chicken has balance and freshness.
8. Raita: Cooling Yogurt Dip
Finally, many people serve raita with butter chicken. This yogurt-based dip cools the palate and balances the richness of the dish.
Types of Raita
- Cucumber raita: Grated cucumber mixed with yogurt provides a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
- Boondi raita: Small fried gram flour balls in yogurt add crunch and texture to the meal.
Raita adds a refreshing element to butter chicken, making it essential for balancing out the meal’s richness.
FAQs
What is butter chicken traditionally eaten with?
People traditionally eat butter chicken with naan or basmati rice. Both absorb the rich sauce and complement the dish.
Can I eat butter chicken with paratha or chapati?
Yes, paratha and chapati are great choices. Paratha offers a flaky, buttery texture, while chapati provides a lighter, whole-wheat option.
Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken has mild spices. The cream and butter in the sauce balance the heat, making it perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.
By choosing from these traditional breads, rice, and sides, you can enhance your butter chicken experience. Whether you prefer the soft, fluffy naan, the fragrant basmati rice, or the healthy whole-wheat roti, each accompaniment brings out the best in this rich, flavorful dish. Add some cooling raita or a refreshing salad to create a meal full of balance and flavor.