What To Serve With Tandoori Chicken? 25 Best Side Dishes

Greetings, fellow foodies and culinary connoisseurs!

If you’re here, I’m guessing you’ve got some Tandoori Chicken on your hands and you’re looking to take your meal to the next level.

Well, you’ve come to the right place because today, we’re talking about the 25 BEST side dishes to pair with this delicious Indian dish.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal?

Can’t I just serve it with some boring old rice and call it a day?”

And to that, I say, “Hold up, buttercup!

If you’re going to do Tandoori Chicken justice, you need to pair it with some seriously tasty and complementary sides.”

So, get ready to say goodbye to those basic side dishes and hello to a whole new world of culinary delight.

What To Serve With Tandoori Chicken? 25 Best Side Dishes

Tandoori chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.

When serving it with other dishes, it’s important to choose side dishes that will complement the flavors of the tandoori chicken.

Here are 25 great options for side dishes when serving tandoori chicken:

Starchy Sides

Hold onto your taste buds because we’re about to dive into the world of STARCHY SIDES.

These carb-loaded companions are the perfect way to round out your Tandoori Chicken feast.

And remember, if anyone tells you that carbs are the enemy, just give them a wink and a nod and keep on eating!

So without further ado, here are the 5 best starchy sides to serve with your Tandoori Chicken:

• Naan bread: Soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious Tandoori Chicken juices. Plus, naan bread is basically a utensil AND a side dish all in one!
• Basmati rice: If you want to keep things simple, you can never go wrong with a bowl of fluffy basmati rice. It’s a classic for a reason, folks.
• Roasted potatoes: Not just for Sunday dinner anymore! Roasted potatoes are the perfect way to add some heartiness to your meal. Plus, you can jazz them up with some fun seasoning combos.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Who says you can’t have a little BBQ flair with your Tandoori Chicken? Grilled corn on the cob is the perfect way to add a little sweetness and crunch to your meal.
• Garlic bread: Alright, I know this isn’t technically an Indian side dish, but hear me out. Garlic bread is the perfect way to add some indulgence to your meal. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Vegetable Sides

Get ready to add some color to your meal because we’re moving on to the VEGGIE SIDE of things.

Whether you’re a die-hard veggie lover or just trying to balance out your meal, these side dishes are sure to impress.

So, let’s get to it!

• Sauteed spinach: Popeye was onto something! Sauteed spinach is a quick and easy way to get some greens into your meal. Plus, it’s a great way to pretend you’re a fancy chef without all the fuss.
• Grilled asparagus: Asparagus might get a bad rap, but grilled asparagus is a game changer. It’s crispy, crunchy, and oh-so flavorful.
• Roasted cauliflower: If you’re looking for a veggie side that packs a punch, roasted cauliflower is the way to go. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a little bit smoky. Plus, it’s a great way to trick your brain into thinking you’re eating something indulgent.
• Roasted eggplant: Whether you call it aubergine or eggplant, this purple beauty is the perfect way to add some depth to your meal. Roasted eggplant is tender, savory, and a little bit sweet.
• Stir-fried okra: Okra might be a polarizing veggie, but hear me out. When it’s stir-fried, it’s crispy, slightly spicy, and oh-so-tasty. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up and try something new.

Bean and Lentil Sides

Alright, it’s time to mix things up and add some zest to your meal! We’re moving on to the BEAN AND LENTIL SIDE of things.

These sides are the perfect way to add some protein, flavor, and color to your plate.

• Chana masala (spicy chickpea curry): If you’re looking for a side dish with some kick, chana masala is the way to go. It’s loaded with spices, tender chickpeas, and a whole lot of flavor.
• Dal makhani (buttery lentil stew): This side dish might sound simple, but trust us, it’s anything but. Dal makhani is creamy, buttery, and a little bit smoky. It’s the perfect way to add some warmth to your meal.
• Rajma (red kidney bean curry): Rajma might be a staple in Indian cuisine, but it’s new to you, you’re in for a treat. This hearty bean curry is packed with flavor and protein. Plus, it’s a great way to mix up your meal routine.
• Aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry): Alright, I know we talked about roasted cauliflower earlier, but hear me out. When you mix it with some tender potatoes and a spicy curry sauce, it’s a whole new ball game. Aloo gobi is hearty, spicy, and oh so delicious.
• Baingan bharta (smoky eggplant mash): If you’re a fan of baba ganoush, you’re going to love baingan bharta. It’s a smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy side dish that’s the perfect complement to your Tandoori Chicken.

Side Salads

Alright, it’s time to add some freshness to your meal with some SIDE SALADS.

I know, I know, salads might not be the most exciting thing in the world, but trust me, these salads are anything but boring.

• Cucumber and tomato salad: If you’re looking for a side dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, look no further than a cucumber and tomato salad. It’s the perfect complement to the rich, spicy flavors of your Tandoori Chicken.
• Raita (yogurt dip): Alright, I know this technically isn’t a salad, but hear me out. Raita is a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy dip that’s the perfect way to cool down your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
• Mixed greens salad with citrus dressing: If you’re looking for a salad with a little more oomph, try a mixed greens salad with a citrus dressing. It’s tangy, sweet, and a little bit savory.
• Grilled vegetable salad: Grilled veggies might be the unsung hero of side dishes. When you toss them in a salad with some greens and a light dressing, you’ve got a side dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-tasty.
• Red onion and cilantro salad: Alright, this one might be a little unconventional, but hear me out. When you mix some thinly sliced red onion with some fresh cilantro and a tangy dressing, you’ve got a side dish that’s bold, refreshing, and a little bit spicy.

Desserts

Alright, it’s time for the grand finale: DESSERT.

That’s right, we’re talking about the sweet stuff. And let’s face it, no meal is complete without a little something sweet to top it off. So, let’s indulge a little, shall we?

• Mango lassi (yogurt and mango smoothie): If you’re looking for a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, try a mango lassi. It’s creamy, sweet, and refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to cool down your taste buds after all that spice.
• Gulab jamun (syrup-soaked doughnuts): Alright, we’re getting into some serious indulgence here. Gulab jamun are like little syrup-soaked doughnuts that are sweet, sticky, and oh so delicious.
• Kheer (rice pudding with cardamom and saffron): Rice pudding might sound simple, but trust us, it’s anything but. When you add some cardamom and saffron to the mix, you’ve got a dessert that’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.
• Carrot halwa (sweet carrot pudding): Alright, I know this might sound a little weird, but trust me, it’s delicious. Carrot halwa is a sweet, creamy pudding made from grated carrots, milk, and sugar. It’s warm, comforting, and the perfect way to end your meal.
• Coconut barfi (coconut fudge): Alright, we might be pushing it with this one, but hey, we’re here to indulge. Coconut barfi is a sweet, creamy, and slightly chewy dessert made from coconut, condensed milk, and sugar. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Alright, we’ve made it to the end of this epic journey of Tandoori Chicken and all its glorious side dishes. And let me just say, my taste buds are already dancing with excitement!

We’ve covered everything from starchy sides to bean and lentil sides, and even threw in some fresh salads and sweet treats for good measure.

And remember, these are just a few of the endless options out there! So, don’t be afraid to get creative and see what kind of flavor combinations you can come up with.