What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

Are you wondering what to serve with tandoori chicken?

The perfect accompaniment to a delicious, slow-cooked meat dish can be tricky. But fear not!

We’ve got your back with this article–it’s jam-packed with ideas for the 12 best side dishes that perfectly complement and complete this classic Indian meal.

From creamy curries to flavorful flatbreads, we’ll show you how easy it is to turn your tandoori chicken dinner into an unforgettable feast.

Read on as we uncover the sides that suit the special flavors of tandoori chicken like no other!

What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Spicy Lentil Soup

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This Spicy Lentil Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold winter day.

It’s packed with flavor and has a nice kick to it.

The soup is also very filling and satisfying.

The taste of this soup is bold and spicy.

The lentils are cooked until they are soft and creamy, and the broth is rich and flavorful.

The texture of the soup is thick and hearty.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.

First, try serving it with some crusty bread on the side.

This will help soak up all the delicious broth.

You can also top the soup with some shredded cheese, diced avocado, or chopped green onions.

All of these toppings will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

2. Mashed Cauliflower

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Mashed cauliflower is a delicious and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes.

It’s packed with nutrients, low in calories, and has a similar taste and texture to mashed potatoes.

Plus, it’s easy to make.

Simply steam or roast cauliflower florets until they’re soft, then mash them with a fork or potato masher.

For an even creamier mashed cauliflower, use a food processor or blender.

One of the best things about mashed cauliflower is that it’s so versatile.

You can flavor it however you like.

For example, try adding garlic, cheese, herbs, or spices.

Or, use mashed cauliflower as a base for other dishes like shepherd’s pie or veggie-loaded mac and cheese.

To make sure your mashed cauliflower is extra flavorful, be sure to use roasted or steamed cauliflower rather than boiled.

This will help retain more of the cauliflower’s natural flavors.

And, don’t forget to season your mash with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Caramelized Onions

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Caramelized onions are a delicious side dish that can elevate any meal.

They have a rich, sweet flavor that is perfect for balancing tandoori chicken’s spices.

Caramelized onions are also soft and creamy, making them a great contrast to the chicken’s crispy skin.

There are a few things you can do to ensure your caramelized onions turn out perfectly.

First, make sure to slice your onions thin so they cook evenly.

You’ll also want to cook them slowly over low heat so they don’t burn.

stirring frequently.

Finally, add a touch of sugar at the end to help the onions caramelize even more.

4. Garlic Naan

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Garlic naan is a delicious, fluffy Indian flatbread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven).

It is usually made with white flour, but whole wheat flour can also be used.

The dough is kneaded with water, oil, and yogurt and then flavored with garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, and other spices.

The taste of garlic naan is slightly buttery and garlicky, with a soft and chewy texture.

It pairs well with curries, stews, or any dish that has a lot of sauce.

If you want to elevate your garlic naan, try serving it with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) or butter.

You can also brush the naan with some olive oil before baking it for a richer flavor.

• If you don’t have a tandoor, you can cook the naan in a cast iron skillet or on a griddle over high heat.
• To get that traditional tandoori flavor, you can add a little bit of charcoal to the skillet or griddle while cooking the naan.

5. Raita

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Raita is a delicious Indian dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course.

It is made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices and can be served either cold or warm.

The dish has a refreshing taste and a creamy texture.

There are many ways to elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable.

One way is to add fresh fruits or vegetables to the raita.

This will give the dish a sweetness and an extra crunch.

Another way to enjoy raita is to top it with grilled chicken or lamb.

This will give the dish a smoky flavor and make it more filling.

6. Tamarind Chutney

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Tamarind chutney is a delicious, sweet, and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with tandoori chicken.

The tamarind fruit gives the chutney its characteristic sourness, while the addition of sugar balances out the flavors.

This chutney can be made as spicy or as mild as you like, depending on your preference.

When it comes to texture, tamarind chutney is thick and sticky, making it the perfect dipping sauce for tandoori chicken.

If you want to elevate this dish, try serving the chutney with some chopped onions and cilantro.

You can also add a pinch of chaat masala to give it some extra flavor.

7. Cucumber Salad

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This cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for tandoori chicken.

It’s light, refreshing, and has a great crunch.

The best part about this salad is that it’s so easy to make.

All you need are some cucumbers, diced onion, diced tomatoes, and a simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil.

The key to making a great cucumber salad is to get the right balance of flavors.

You want the salad to be slightly acidic but not too tart.

The lemon juice should complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and the bitterness of the onion.

The olive oil will help round out all the flavors and add a nice richness to the dish.

To elevate this dish, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.

You could also add crumbled feta cheese or sliced Kalamata olives.

Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

This cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your taste.

8. Achar

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Achar is a type of Indian pickle that is usually made with vegetables or fruits that are preserved in vinegar or oil.

The most common type of achar is mango achar, which is made with green mangoes that are pickled in a mixture of oil, vinegar, salt, and spices.

Achar has a sour and salty taste, with a slightly crunchy texture from the vegetables or fruits that are used.

It is often eaten as a side dish with rice or bread.

Achar can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes, such as curries or stews.

To elevate the dish, try serving achar with fresh chilies, onions, and cilantro.

You can also experiment with different types of fruit or vegetables to make your own unique achar recipe.

9. Mint Yogurt Sauce

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Mint yogurt sauce is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any dish.

The yogurt base is light and tangy, while the mint adds a bright and herby flavor.

This sauce is delicious on its own or paired with other ingredients.

The taste and texture of mint yogurt sauce are perfect for dipping, spreading, or spooning over your favorite dishes.

The yogurt base is light and tangy, while the mint adds a bright and herby flavor.

This sauce is delicious on its own or paired with other ingredients.

There are endless ways to elevate your dish with mint yogurt sauce.

Try adding it to roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish.

Or use it as a dipping sauce for bread or naan.

You can also add chopped fresh herbs, diced cucumber, or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.

10. Rice Pudding

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Rice pudding is classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in so many different ways.

The rice is cooked in milk until it’s soft and creamy and then sweetened with sugar or another sweetener of your choice.

You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the pudding an extra bit of flavor.

The great thing about rice pudding is that it can be enjoyed either warm or cold.

If you prefer your pudding on the warmer side, simply reheat it before serving.

For a cold and refreshing treat, try chilling the pudding in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight).

There are endless ways to elevate this simple dish.

One way is to top it with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas.

Another option is to stir in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips.

And for an extra-indulgent treat, serve the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

11. Gulab Jamun

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Gulab jamun is a dessert that originates from India.

It is made of khoya, which is a type of milk solid and flour, and shaped into small balls.

These balls are then fried and soaked in sugar syrup.

The finished product is soft, sticky, and sweet.

Gulab jamun has a very distinct taste and texture.

The outside is crisp, while the inside is soft and gooey.

When you bite into it, the syrup will ooze out.

The best way to eat gulab jamun is to let it sit in the syrup for a few minutes so that it absorbs some of the sweetness.

There are many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to stuff the balls with nuts before frying them.

This will add some crunch to the otherwise soft dessert.

Another way is to serve them with ice cream or whipped cream.

Gulab jamun can also be served warm or cold- both ways are delicious.

12. Lassi Yogurt Drink

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Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that originates from India.

It is refreshing, cooling, and perfect for a hot summer day.

Lassis can be either sweet or savory, depending on your preference.

The taste of lassi is slightly tangy and creamy, with a hint of sweetness.

The texture is thick and smooth.

There are many ways to elevate the dish and make it more interesting.

You could add some chopped fruit to the mix or use flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt.

You could also add spices like cardamom or ginger to give the lassi more flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of different side dishes that go great with tandoori chicken.

From salads to sauces, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration on what to serve with your next tandoori chicken dish.

Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great ideas.