What To Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Chicken Tikka Masala, a flavorful and spicy curry, is a favorite dish for many. The tender chicken pieces, marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce, offer a burst of flavors with every bite.

But what makes a Chicken Tikka Masala meal truly complete are the side dishes. The right sides can complement the robust flavors of the curry, adding variety, texture, and additional flavors to your meal.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with chicken tikka masala are basmati rice, sambar, dal makhani, chana masala, vegetarian curry, gobi manchurian, garlic naan, paneer tikka, aloo gobi, raita, tandoori roti, jeera rice, biryani, poppadoms, and mango chutney.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, with its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, is a classic side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala. The delicate flavor of the rice is a perfect counterpoint to the bold, spicy flavors of the curry. You can also use it to soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring none of it goes to waste.

2. Sambar

Sambar, a tangy and spicy lentil soup from South India, is a great side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices adds depth to your meal and complements the rich flavors of the Chicken Tikka Masala.

3. Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani, a creamy, flavorful lentil dish from North India, pairs well with Chicken Tikka Masala. The creamy texture and mild flavors of the dal makhani provide a soothing balance to the spiciness of the chicken tikka masala.

4. Chana Masala

Chana Masala, a spicy chickpea curry, is a flavorful and hearty side dish that complements Chicken Tikka Masala. The robust flavors of the chana masala stand up to the bold flavors of the tikka masala, making for a satisfying and flavor-packed meal.

5. Vegetarian Curry

A vegetable-based curry is a wonderful side dish to serve with Chicken Tikka Masala. The assortment of vegetables adds a variety of textures and flavors to your meal, while the curry spices complement the flavors of the tikka masala.

6. Gobi Manchurian

Gobi Manchurian, an Indo-Chinese dish of fried cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy sauce, is a tasty and unique side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala. The crispy, spicy cauliflower contrasts nicely with the creamy, spicy tikka masala, making for a well-rounded meal.

7. Garlic Naan

Garlic naan, a type of Indian flatbread flavored with garlic, is perfect for scooping up the rich, creamy sauce of Chicken Tikka Masala. The naan's soft, chewy texture and subtle garlic flavor make it a delicious and practical side dish.

8. Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka, a dish of marinated and grilled Indian cheese, adds a different texture and a mild, creamy flavor that pairs wonderfully with Chicken Tikka Masala. The smoky flavor of the grilled paneer adds an extra dimension to the meal.

9. Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi, a spiced potato and cauliflower dish, is a hearty and flavorful side that pairs well with Chicken Tikka Masala. The vegetables are cooked with a variety of spices, offering a different flavor profile that complements the tikka masala.

10. Raita

Raita, a yogurt-based side dish often mixed with cucumber, mint, or other vegetables, offers a cooling contrast to the spicy Chicken Tikka Masala. It's a refreshing side dish that adds a creamy texture to your meal.

11. Tandoori Roti

Tandoori roti, a type of Indian bread cooked in a tandoor oven, has a slightly smoky flavor and a chewy texture that's perfect for dipping into Chicken Tikka Masala. It's a classic Indian side dish that adds a satisfying, starchy component to your meal.

12. Jeera Rice

Jeera rice, a simple Indian dish where basmati rice is cooked with cumin seeds, offers a subtle flavor that doesn't overpower the Chicken Tikka Masala. The cumin adds a slight warmth and earthiness that complements the flavors of the tikka masala.

13. Biryani

Biryani, a flavorful and aromatic rice dish cooked with spices and often mixed with vegetables or meat, is a hearty and satisfying side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala. The array of spices used in biryani pairs well with the bold flavors of the tikka masala, creating a meal full of layered flavors and aromas.

14. Poppadoms

Poppadoms, thin, crispy Indian wafers, add a delightful crunch to your meal. They're a great contrast to the creamy chicken tikka masala, and they can also be used to scoop up the sauce. Plus, they're usually served with a variety of chutneys, adding even more flavor options to your meal.

15. Mango Chutney

Mango chutney, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is an excellent side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala. It adds a different flavor profile to your meal, and the sweetness of the mango is a nice contrast to the spicy curry. Plus, it's a great condiment for naan or poppadoms.

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