Nothing quite beats the flavor of butter chicken. This classic and popular Indian dish is the answer to comfort food cravings from all around the world. There’s much to love in its sweet and creamy sauce, but the true pleasure of butter chicken lies in its versatile and complementary nature to any meal.
For maximum enjoyment of this beloved dish, one should consider the type of side that go best with butter chicken. With so many possibilities, it can almost feel a bit overwhelming to make the right decision. Read on to discover the best side dishes to enjoy with butter chicken.
Rice or Naan
Rice and naan are the most popular Indian side dishes and the perfect foils for butter chicken. That creamy, warm, and spicy soup-like sauce is just waiting to be swiped up with either one. Any rice dish can work well with butter chicken, from plain basmati to fried rice, and from biryani to jeera rice.
Likewise, Opt for naan or garlic naan for a delicious take on the combination of bread and butter chicken. Try baking your own naan for the ultimate combination of texture, flavor, and sheer deliciousness.
Salad
An easy, and often forgotten, the side dish is a light and fresh salad. Crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumbers provide the much – needed happy contrast to the rich and velvety sauce.
And with the variety of microgreens and seed mixes, now more than ever salads have the potential to be truly scrumptious. Some favorite toppings that work well with butter chicken include roasted nuts, fruits such as mangos or red grapes, mild feta cheese, and a sweet and tangy dressing such as honey mustard or Italian.
Roasted Veggies
A great way to add flavor and texture to any meal is roasted vegetables. Beetroot, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts are particularly delicious when roasted with some coconut cooking oil, garlic, and seasoning. Check also benefits of oats, it’s not all about veggies!
Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a creamy mashed potato? The smooth, soft, and luxurious texture of mashed potatoes perfectly complements the creamy gravy of butter chicken. Jazz it up with some minced garlic, butter, and/or cream.
Chutney or Yogurt
Adding a little excitement to your meal? Chutney or plain yogurt makes a great addition to the butter chicken experience. Chutney is a South Asian condiment made of sweet, tart, tangy, and spicy ingredients.
Yogurt, on the other hand, creates a pleasant cooling effect that can help to balance the spiciness of butter chicken. Plain yogurt will do the job, or if you prefer a twist, consider making a quick and easy raita – a yogurt-based dip with cucumber, tomato, and fresh herbs.
So if you’re wondering what to eat with butter chicken, the possibilities are endless. From chutney to roasted veggies; from picnic-style salads to a classic mashed potato, and from rice to naan – there’s something for everyone. Get creative, have some fun, and enjoy the ease and deliciousness of butter chicken with any one of these easy and tasty side dishes.
Butter Chicken calories – is it healthy?
Butter chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine that is loved by many due to its creamy, spicy taste. However, its high-calorie count has led to questions about its health benefits. Is the taste worth the calories?
Butter chicken is a mildly spicy tomato-based sauce cooked with Indian herbs, onions, and cream. It is typically served with chunks of chicken cooked in clarified butter. The buttery richness of the sauce gives butter chicken its signature flavor and creamy texture.
One cup of butter chicken contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on whether it is made with white or dark meat. Adding naan bread, a type of Indian flatbread, to the meal adds another 200 calories.
Despite its high-calorie count, butter chicken offers some health benefits. One serving is packed with 20-25 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of fuel for your muscles and cells (almost like tuna). Additionally, butter chicken is made with an array of spices and herbs like garlic, turmeric, and cumin, which provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to help protect your body from damage and disease.
Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is used to make traditional butter chicken and contains beneficial fatty acids that are easily absorbed and used by the body. However, due to the heavy cream and clarified butter, the dish is high in saturated fat and simple carbs, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.
If you are on a diet, it is recommended to limit your butter chicken intake. The dish can be balanced by adding plenty of fruits and vegetables and opting for low-calorie carbs like quinoa or brown rice instead of naan bread.
For those who still want to enjoy butter chicken without worrying about their waistline, it is recommended to look for restaurants that use skinless chicken, a low-fat cream, and healthier options like olive oil to prepare their dishes. As with any dish, including salmon or tilapia, moderation is key.
In conclusion, the answer to whether butter chicken is healthy depends on your lifestyle and diet. While it can be unhealthy if eaten often and in high quantities, it offers health benefits like protein and antioxidants. Balancing it with a nutritious meal and limiting intake is recommended for those on a diet. For those who want to indulge, moderation and healthier options are key.
