Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish consisting of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a tandoor oven With its vibrant red color and smoky, charred flavors, tandoori chicken makes for an exciting meal However, coming up with tasty side dishes that complement the bold flavors of the chicken can be tricky.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 delicious side dish ideas to serve with tandoori chicken. Whether you’re looking for something cooling and creamy, warm and comforting, or fresh and crunchy, there’s sure to be an option that perfectly complements your tandoori chicken dinner.
Complementary Flavors for Tandoori Chicken Side Dishes
When selecting side dishes for tandoori chicken, keep the rich and complex flavors of the dish in mind:
- Smoky and mildly spicy from the tandoor oven cooking method
- Warming spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and chili powder
- Cooling notes from the yogurt marinade
- Savory and slightly salty flavors
Look for sides that either echo some of these flavors or provide contrast through creaminess crunch, tang and/or sweetness. Aim for a balance of textures as well.
12 Delicious Tandoori Chicken Side Dishes
1. Naan
Fluffy naan bread is a classic pairing with tandoori chicken. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, it picks up the same smoky char while offering a neutral base for the chicken’s flavors. Dip the naan in any extra sauce or marinade from the chicken. For added flavor, try garlic naan or naan brushed with ghee or butter.
2. Basmati Rice
Plain basmati rice provides the perfect blank canvas for the dynamic flavors of tandoori chicken. The mild, nutty aroma won’t compete but rather lets the bolder tastes shine. For a more complex option, make cumin rice, turmeric rice, or biryani.
3. Raita
Cooling cucumber or mint raita balances out tandoori chicken’s heat. The yogurt-based dip also provides a creamy contrast to the chicken’s charred exterior. Sprinkle with chaat masala or cumin for extra spice.
4. Vegetable Curry
A vegetable curry made with cauliflower, chickpeas, or other produce adds moisture and vegetal flavors. Opt for a sauce with a touch of heat, like vindaloo, to complement the tandoori chicken. Add dal for a protein boost.
5. Cucumber Salad
Fresh cucumber salad offers crunch and cooling relief from the chicken’s heat. Toss sliced cucumbers with lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and chaat masala. The tangy, peppery flavors make the perfect foil for tandoori chicken.
6. Spicy Lentils
Warming lentil soup or spicy dal provides protein and texture contrast to the chicken. The earthy, simmered lentils also balance the bold seasoning of the tandoori chicken. Garnish with cilantro or mint.
7. Samosas
Both crunchy and flaky, vegetable-stuffed samosas make for delightful tandoori chicken accompaniments. The crispy shell contrasts the chicken’s tenderness. Choose samosas with fillings like spicy potatoes or peas to complement the dinner’s flavors.
8. Mango Chutney
Sweet, sticky mango chutney counters tandoori chicken’s heat with fruity flavors and a jammy texture. Drizzle over the chicken or serve alongside for dipping. The natural sweetness balances out the spices.
9. Pulao Rice
This aromatic, pilaf-style rice includes whole spices and sautéed veggies. The extra flavor stands up to the chicken well and provides texture. Try versions with peas, carrots, and onions for a well-rounded meal.
10. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower florets offer both crunchy and tender bits, contrasting the tandoori chicken’s texture. Roast them with just a bit of oil, salt, and garam masala for a spicy profile that echoes the chicken.
11. Garlic Flatbread
Warm garlic naan, roti, or other flatbread served alongside tandoori chicken soaks up any rich sauces or dressings. The hit of roasted garlic adds another layer of flavor. Fresh herb options like cilantro or mint work too.
12. Yogurt Side Salad
A yogurt- or raita-based salad (think chopped veggies mixed into raita) brings a cool, creamy contrast to the chicken. The savory, tangy dressing also enhances the tandoori flavors. Top with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
Tips for Serving Tandoori Chicken Sides
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Focus on 1-2 cooked vegetable sides along with rice and/or bread. Round out the meal with a fresh salad and/or yogurt-based dip.
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Opt for vegetable sides that echo tandoori chicken’s spices, like cauliflower curried in garam masala or lentils simmered with cumin.
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Cooling raita, crispy salads, and fresh chutneys balance out the chicken’s heat. Don’t overlook these.
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Naan, pulao rice, and vegetable curries are very traditional pairings. But don’t be afraid to also try less expected sides like roasted veggies.
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Don’t forget garnishes! Cilantro, mint, toasted nuts or seeds, and a squeeze of lime elevate simple sides.
With its complex flavors and textures, tandoori chicken warrants equally thoughtful side dish pairings. Using spices, produce, grains, and condiments native to Indian cuisine, you can easily compose a meal that properly showcases this iconic dish. Try out some of these tasty tandoori chicken side ideas for a complementary – and delicious – feast.
Potato & Vegetable Sides
Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices, as a one-pot dish, are perfect to serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on stovetop.
Get the Spicy Bombay Potatoes recipe.
his Air Fryer Cauliflower seasoned with spices is easy to make and amazingly delicious topped with cilantro yogurt sauce. Enjoy as a wonderful low-carb side dish or appetizer.
Get the Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe.
This fragrant and flavorful Turmeric Rice is a healthy alternative to your usual white rice. Try my recipe to know how to easily make this vibrant rice on the stovetop or in the instant pot.
Get the Turmeric Yellow Rice recipe.
Aromatic Basmati Rice flavored with lemon juice, mustard seeds, ginger and topped with roasted peanuts.
Get the Lemon Rice recipe.
This fragrant and flavorful Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) is a staple in most Indian homes. Basmati rice is cooked with whole spices and green peas. Pair this peas pulao as a side dish with any chicken dish.
Get the Peas Pulao recipe.
A quick and easy meal – Quinoa & Vegetable Pulao. Quinoa has become a popular choice due to its high protein content and it is perfect paired with veggies for a healthy side dish.
Get the Quinoa & Vegetable Pilaf recipe.
One-pot Vegetable Biryani is so easy to cook with the same authentic flavors! Fragrant basmati rice cooked with lots of vegetables, and aromatic whole spices and herbs.
Get the Vegetable Biryani recipe.
Want to make a complete Indian meal? Check out Indian dinner menu ideas and fusion Indian recipes.
What do you like to serve with your Tandoori Chicken curries? Share in the comments your favorite sides.
Easy and Authentic Tandoori Chicken Meal At Home
FAQ
What is a good accompaniment for tandoori chicken?
- Naan or Roti bread: These soft, fluffy breads are perfect for scooping up bits of chicken and soaking up the marinade.
- Cucumber Raita: is a cool, creamy yogurt dip with cucumber and mint that complements the dish’s spiciness.
- Jeera Rice:
- Grilled Vegetables:
What to eat with tandoori roast chicken?
- Raita. A simple, herb-flecked condiment made of yogurt and cucumber, homemade Raita served on the side takes this chicken dinner over the top. …
- Naan. It’s pretty easy to buy good naan, many stores carry it. …
- Rice. You could serve plain basmati rice, or make it fancy!
What vegetables go with tandoori?
- Carrots.
- Cauliflower.
- Onion.
- Bell pepper.
- Zucchini.
- Squashes (like butternut or acorn)
- Brussels sprouts.
What salad goes well with tandoori chicken?
- Indianish potato salad – just a no brainer.
- Grilled gunpowder potatoes.
- Indianish slaw.
- Kachumber – tomato cucumber chili salad.
- Chana chaat – Indian chickpea salad.
- Mint raita – a little drizzle to bring it all together.