With so many flavors and spices, wine pairing with butter chicken can be difficult. One of the most popular and flavorful Indian dishes is butter chicken, a rich and creamy curry made with marinated chicken in a tomato-based sauce.
Best White Wines to Pair with Butter Chicken
White wines are a great choice for butter chicken because they tend to be light and crisp, which complements the creaminess of the dish. Some of our favorite white wines to pair with butter chicken include:
- Chardonnay: This is a classic pairing for butter chicken. Look for a Chardonnay that is not too oaky or buttery, as this can overwhelm the dish.
- Sauvignon Blanc: This wine has a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter chicken. Check out our Angels Gate Sauvignon Blanc Pairing with Butter Chicken.
- Chenin Blanc: This wine has a honeyed sweetness that pairs well with the spices in the dish.
- Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling can be a great match for the spiciness of butter chicken.
- Gewürztraminer: This wine has a floral, spicy flavor that complements the dish.
Best Red Wines to Pair with Butter Chicken
While red wines are not typically the first choice for pairing with butter chicken, there are some that can work well. Look for lighter red wines that have low tannins and high acidity. Some good options include:
- Pinot Noir: This wine has a light body and fruity flavor that pairs well with the spices in the dish.
- Merlot: Look for a Merlot that is not too heavy or tannic, as this can clash with the butter chicken.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine can be a bit heavy for butter chicken, but if you choose a lighter style it can work well.
Ada & I have done the research and found that butter chicken pairs well with both red and white wine. If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay, Soave, Grenache Blanc, or Riesling. These white wines bring out the subtle flavors in the dish while also balancing its creamy texture. For those who prefer red wines, stick to light acidic red wine with a touch of sweetness such as Zinfandel, Lambrusco, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, or Beaujolais Villages. The best wine with butter chicken will be your choice alone, but we hope we’re helping!
It’s important to keep in mind that if your butter chicken is spicy, you’ll want to go for sweeter wines, such as an off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer. Curry dishes have a reputation for being difficult to match with wine, but with the right pairing, you can enhance the flavors of the dish and create a harmonious dining experience.
Sparkling Wines and Champagne
Sparkling wines and Champagne can be a great choice for pairing with butter chicken, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Look for a dry or extra-dry style, as a sweet wine can clash with the spices in the dish.
Understanding Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the 1950s in Delhi. It was invented by a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral, who owned a restaurant called Moti Mahal. The dish was created by cooking leftover tandoori chicken in a tomato-based gravy, which was then enriched with butter and cream. The dish quickly became popular and is now a staple in Indian cuisine.
Butter chicken is made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. The chicken is then cooked in a tomato-based gravy that is enriched with butter and cream. The dish has a rich, creamy texture and a mildly spiced flavor.
Sides
When enjoying a delicious plate of butter chicken, it’s important to pair it with the right wine to enhance the flavors of the dish. But what about the sides? Here are our recommendations for pairing wine with some of the most common butter chicken sides.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a staple side dish that’s often served alongside butter chicken. This fragrant, long-grain rice pairs well with a variety of wines, but we recommend sticking with white wines that have a crisp acidity to balance out the richness of the butter chicken. Some of our top picks include:
- Sauvignon Blanc: This wine has a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the fragrant spices in butter chicken.
- Pinot Grigio: With its light, refreshing taste, Pinot Grigio is a great choice for those who prefer milder wine.
- Chenin Blanc: This versatile wine has a slightly sweet taste that complements the sweetness of the butter chicken.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a classic Indian bread that’s perfect for soaking up the rich sauce in butter chicken. When it comes to pairing wine with naan bread, we recommend going with a red wine that has a bold flavor to stand up to the strong flavors of the bread and the dish. Some of our top picks include:
- Shiraz: This full-bodied wine has a bold, spicy flavor that pairs well with the complex flavors of butter chicken.
- Malbec: With its rich, fruity taste and bold tannins, Malbec is a great choice for those who prefer a bolder wine.
- Zinfandel: This wine has a bold, fruity flavor with a hint of spice that pairs well with the bold flavors of naan bread.
Kachumber Salad
Kachumber salad is a refreshing side dish made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. This light, refreshing salad pairs well with a variety of white wines that have a crisp, refreshing taste. Some of our top picks include:
- Riesling: This wine has a sweet, fruity taste with a crisp acidity that pairs well with the refreshing flavors of kachumber salad.
- Pinot Grigio: With its light, refreshing taste, Pinot Grigio is a great choice for those who prefer milder wine.
- Chardonnay: This wine has a buttery, oaky flavor that pairs well with the richness of the butter chicken while also complementing the refreshing flavors of the salad.
When it comes to what wine goes with butter chicken sides, it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors. Whether you prefer a bold red or a crisp white, there’s a wine out there that will perfectly complement your meal.
Recommendations
Butter chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of wines. Some of the best wines to pair with butter chicken are Chardonnay, Soave, Grenache Blanc, and Riesling. These white wines bring out the subtle flavors in the dish while also balancing its creamy texture.
In general, when deciding on the ideal wine to accompany butter chicken, it is crucial to select a wine that enhances the flavors of the dish without overshadowing them. Whether you opt for a white wine, a red wine, or an alternative option, the perfect pairing has the potential to enhance your dining experience significantly.