Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its rich, creamy, and spicy flavors. This iconic dish originated in the city of Delhi in the 1950s and has since become a staple of Indian cuisine. When it comes to serving butter chicken, there are several options to consider, each complementing the dish’s unique flavors in its own way.
Traditional Sides
In Indian cuisine, butter chicken is often served with a variety of traditional sides that help to balance its rich and creamy flavors. Some of the most common sides served with butter chicken include:
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Its unique nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it an ideal accompaniment to butter chicken. The rice helps to soak up the creamy tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a type of leavened flatbread that is commonly served with butter chicken. The bread’s soft, slightly puffed texture and mild flavor provide a nice contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the dish. Naan bread is often used to scoop up the creamy sauce, adding to the overall dining experience.
Roti
Roti is a type of whole wheat flatbread that is commonly served with butter chicken. The bread’s dense, slightly dry texture provides a nice contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. Roti is often served with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) on top, which adds to the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.
Vegetable Sides
In addition to traditional sides, butter chicken is often served with a variety of vegetable sides that help to balance its rich flavors. Some of the most common vegetable sides served with butter chicken include:
Saag Aloo
Saag aloo is a spicy mustard green dish that is made with potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. The dish’s slightly bitter flavor and crunchy texture provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken.
Palak Paneer
Palak paneer is a creamy spinach dish that is made with paneer (Indian cheese), spinach puree, and a blend of spices. The dish’s mild flavor and creamy texture provide a nice contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of butter chicken.
Salads and Raitas
Butter chicken is often served with a variety of salads and raitas that help to cool down the palate. Some of the most common salads and raitas served with butter chicken include:
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is a cool and creamy side dish that is made with yogurt, cucumber, cumin, and coriander. The dish’s mild flavor and refreshing texture provide a nice contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of butter chicken.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Tomato and cucumber salad is a simple and refreshing side dish that is made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a blend of spices. The dish’s crunchy texture and tangy flavor provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken.
Beverages
Butter chicken is often served with a variety of beverages that help to complement its unique flavors. Some of the most common beverages served with butter chicken include:
Mango Lassi
Mango lassi is a popular Indian drink that is made with yogurt, mango puree, and a blend of spices. The drink’s sweet and creamy flavor provides a nice contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of butter chicken.
Chai
Chai is a popular Indian tea that is made with black tea leaves, milk, sugar, and a blend of spices. The tea’s strong and slightly sweet flavor provides a nice contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken.
Desserts
Butter chicken is often served with a variety of desserts that help to round off the meal. Some of the most common desserts served with butter chicken include:
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a popular Indian dessert that is made with deep-fried dumplings soaked in a sweet and fragrant syrup. The dessert’s sweet and sticky flavor provides a nice contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of butter chicken.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a popular Indian ice cream that is made with milk, cream, and a blend of spices. The ice cream’s creamy texture and sweet flavor provide a nice contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of butter chicken.
In conclusion, butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, salads, raitas, beverages, and desserts. Whether you prefer traditional sides like basmati rice and naan bread or more modern options like saag aloo and palak paneer, there’s something for everyone when it comes to serving butter chicken. So next time you’re in the mood for this iconic Indian dish, be sure to try out some of these options and experience the full range of flavors that butter chicken has to offer.
| Traditional Sides | Vegetable Sides | Salads and Raitas | Beverages | Desserts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | Saag Aloo | Cucumber Raita | Mango Lassi | Gulab Jamun |
| Naan Bread | Palak Paneer | Tomato and Cucumber Salad | Chai | Kulfi |
| Roti |
Note: The table above provides a summary of the different options that can be served with butter chicken.
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish that originated in the city of Delhi. It is a rich and creamy tomato-based curry made with marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and served in a velvety butter sauce. The dish is known for its smooth and creamy texture, which is achieved by adding a generous amount of butter and heavy cream to the sauce.
The flavor profile of Butter Chicken is a perfect balance of spices, tanginess, and richness. The dish is typically flavored with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and garam masala, which gives it a distinct aroma and taste. The acidity from the tomatoes and the creaminess from the butter and heavy cream balance out the heat from the spices, making it a dish that is both flavorful and comforting.
What is typically served with Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is typically served with a variety of side dishes, including basmati rice, naan bread, and roti. Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is commonly served with Indian curries, and it pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy sauce of the Butter Chicken. Naan bread and roti are types of Indian flatbreads that are perfect for scooping up the sauce.
In addition to these staples, Butter Chicken is often served with a variety of vegetables, including sautéed spinach, bell peppers, and carrots. Raita, a yogurt-based side dish, is also commonly served with Butter Chicken to help cool down the palate. The combination of these side dishes helps to balance out the richness of the Butter Chicken and adds texture and variety to the meal.
Can I make Butter Chicken at home?
Yes, you can make Butter Chicken at home with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. The key to making a good Butter Chicken is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh tomatoes, heavy cream, and a blend of spices. You will also need to marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking it in a tandoor or oven.
To make Butter Chicken at home, you can start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Then, cook the chicken in a tandoor or oven until it is tender and lightly charred. While the chicken is cooking, you can make the sauce by sautéing onions, ginger, and garlic in butter, then adding a can of crushed tomatoes and a blend of spices. Finally, add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully coated.
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
Butter Chicken is a mildly spicy dish, but the level of heat can vary depending on the recipe and the type of chili peppers used. The dish typically includes a small amount of cayenne pepper or red chili powder, which adds a subtle kick of heat. However, the creaminess of the sauce helps to balance out the heat, making it a dish that is accessible to a wide range of palates.
If you are concerned about the heat level of the dish, you can always adjust the amount of chili peppers or omit them altogether. Additionally, you can serve the dish with a side of raita or yogurt to help cool down the palate. Overall, Butter Chicken is a dish that is flavorful and aromatic, but not overwhelmingly spicy.
Can I make Butter Chicken without a tandoor?
Yes, you can make Butter Chicken without a tandoor. While a tandoor is traditionally used to cook the chicken in Butter Chicken, you can achieve similar results using a conventional oven or grill. To cook the chicken in an oven, simply marinate it in yogurt and spices, then bake it in a preheated oven until it is tender and lightly charred.
Alternatively, you can grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it is cooked through and lightly charred. This will give the chicken a similar smoky flavor to the tandoor-cooked version. Once the chicken is cooked, you can add it to the sauce and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully coated.
Is Butter Chicken a healthy dish?
Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that is high in calories and fat. The sauce is made with a generous amount of butter and heavy cream, which adds to the calorie count. Additionally, the dish typically includes a significant amount of sodium from the spices and the chicken broth.
However, Butter Chicken can be made healthier by using lower-fat ingredients and reducing the amount of butter and cream in the sauce. You can also serve the dish with a variety of vegetables and whole grains to balance out the meal. Additionally, using leaner protein sources, such as chicken breast, can help to reduce the calorie count of the dish.
Can I serve Butter Chicken at a dinner party?
Yes, Butter Chicken is a great dish to serve at a dinner party. The dish is impressive and flavorful, and it is sure to be a hit with your guests. To make the dish more special, you can serve it with a variety of side dishes, including basmati rice, naan bread, and raita.
You can also garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and serve it with a side of papadum or other Indian snacks. To make the dish more interactive, you can set up a buffet with all the components of the meal, including the chicken, sauce, rice, and naan bread. This will allow your guests to serve themselves and customize their meal to their liking.