10 Best Tandoori Chicken Sides You’ll Enjoy

I was at a loss for what side dish to serve with my tandoori chicken. I knew I wanted something flavorful and unique, but I wasn’t sure where to start.

That’s when I decided to do some research on side dishes that would pair well with tandoori chicken.

As I read about tandoori chicken, I learned that it is a very popular dish in Indian cuisine. The chicken is marinated in spices and yogurt and then cooked in a tandoor or clay oven.

It has a unique flavor, and smoky aroma, and it is quite spicy.

But I still had no clue what side dish to serve with my tandoori chicken. I then decided to ask my friends and family for their help. As I was determined to carry out my own experiments in the kitchen.

After some trial and error, I’ve figured out a list of side dishes to serve with tandoori chicken. Here they are:

Sides For Tandoori Chicken

1. Samosas
2. Tzatziki
3. Saffron Rice
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls
5. Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
6. Naan
7. Aloo Chaat
8. Biryani
9. Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
10. Pulao

Samosas

I haven’t been able to properly articulate to anyone how well samosas go with tandoori chicken. But I’ll try.

Samosas are these fried or baked pastries that are usually stuffed with potatoes, garam masala, fennel seeds, green peas, and spices. They have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. And when you take a bite of it, the juices from the filling explode in your mouth. It’s an amazing feeling.

I like to pair my tandoori chicken with samosas because of the spice from the chicken pairs well with the spices in the pastry. And the crispy exterior of the samosa contrasts nicely with the moist and juicy chicken.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt dip that is made with cucumber, garlic, dill, and olive oil. It’s thick, creamy, and has a refreshing cucumber flavor.

I love to pair tzatziki with tandoori chicken because it helps cool down the spice from the chicken. And the creaminess of the yogurt pairs well with the juiciness of the chicken.

This dish works well as a side or an appetizer. It has a taste and texture that will tantalize your taste buds.

Saffron Rice

Saffron rice is a type of rice that is cooked with saffron, a spice that comes from the crocus flower. It has a beautiful yellow color and a subtle but distinctive flavor.

I love to pair tandoori chicken with saffron rice because the rice helps soak up the spice from the chicken. And the saffron gives the rice a beautiful flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

Let’s not even talk about how inviting the saffron color and fragrance. Everything about this side dish makes it a perfect pairing for tandoori chicken.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Vegetable spring rolls are a type of Chinese pastry that is made with vegetables and spices. They are usually fried or baked, and they have a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

I enjoy pairing tandoori chicken with vegetable spring rolls because the vegetables in the spring roll contrast nicely with the spice of the chicken. And the crispy exterior of the spring roll pairs well with the moist and juicy chicken.

This is one popular side dish that you’ll often find on Chinese restaurant menus.

Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)

If you have never had paneer, it is a type of Indian cottage cheese that is made with milk and lemon juice. It has a soft and crumbly texture, and it can be used in savory or sweet dishes.

I enjoy eating tandoori chicken with paneer because the cheese helps cool down the spice from the chicken. And the soft and crumbly texture of the cheese pairs well with the moist and juicy chicken.

Paneer is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some of my favorites are:

Paneer Kabab – these are little balls of paneer and vegetables that are skewered and grilled.  They’re a bright and entertaining addition to the dish, with the essential deep, rich flavors of the marinade it’s been soaking in. The cheese and peppers, and onions go extremely well with tandoori chicken.

Hariyali Paneer Tikka: I love these! It’s a simple cottage cheese dish marinated in a green herb paste usually comprising of dhania and pudina chutney (cilantro and mint leaves marinade). The flavors are so fresh and vibrant, and the paneer pairs perfectly with the chicken. It’s a fantastic vegetarian side dish as well.

Paneer Fingers: This is a perfect side dish for kids or anyone who loves finger foods. Paneer fingers are small pieces of paneer that have been coated in a batter and fried. They are usually served with a dipping sauce, such as ketchup or chutney.

From the foregoing, it is easy to see that paneer is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It also serves as an excellent sidekick for tandoori chicken.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Naan

Where I come from, we adore naan. It’s a type of Indian flatbread that is made with flour, water, yeast, milk, and yogurt. It’s usually baked in a tandoor (clay oven), which gives it a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior.

I love to eat naan with tandoori chicken because the bread helps soak up the spice from the chicken. And the soft and fluffy interior of the naan pairs well with the moist and juicy chicken.

Naan is a delicious and versatile bread. It is easy to eat it in so many different ways. You can eat it plain, or you can top it with butter, cheese, garlic, or any number of other toppings.

No matter how you eat it, naan is a delicious side dish that pairs well with tandoori chicken.

Aloo Chat

Every time I eat aloo chat, I am reminded of my childhood. Aloo chat is a type of Indian street food that is made with potatoes, onion, and spices. It is usually served on a small piece of bread or on a cracker.

We all know that tandoori chicken is quite spicy. And this is where all chat comes in as the perfect side dish. The aloo chat helps cool down the spice from the chicken. And the small piece of bread or cracker helps absorb any excess moisture from the chicken.

Aloo chat is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. And it pairs perfectly with tandoori chicken. It is great for busy people who want a quick and tasty snack.

Biryani

Who doesn’t love Biryani? This Indian rice dish is made with basmati rice, spices, chicken, lamb, or vegetables. It is usually served with raita (yogurt dip), which helps cool down the spice from the biryani.

Biryani is a hearty and filling side dish. It is perfect for people who want a little something extra with their tandoori chicken.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

There is nothing I love more than a good side dish. And these air fryer cauliflower steaks are no exception.

Cauliflower is a great alternative to meat. It is low in calories and high in fiber. And it pairs perfectly with tandoori chicken.

These air fryer cauliflower steaks are easy to make and so delicious. I love to eat them with a side of raita or chutney.

Pulao

I don’t know about you, but I love rice. And pulao is a type of rice dish that is made with spices, vegetables, and meat. It is usually served with raita (a yogurt-based side dish) or salad.

Pulao is a great side dish for tandoori chicken, and there are so many ways to eat it. Furthermore, you can make it into several different dishes. For example, you can add chicken to it and make chicken pulao. Or you can add lamb to it and make lamb pulao.

You can also have Kabuli chana pulao (Chickpea Pilaf), Kashmiri fruit pulao, mushroom pulao, peas pulao, or vegetable pulao.

Pulao is indeed a delicious side dish that can be made in many different ways. And it pairs perfectly with tandoori chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Chicken Tandoori healthy?

Chicken Tandoori is a healthy dish as it is low in fat and calories. It is also a good source of protein.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Tandoori?

There are many side dishes that go well with Chicken Tandoori, such as naan, aloo chat, pulao, etc.

What is the best way to eat Chicken Tandoori?

There is no one specific way to eat Chicken Tandoori. It can be eaten with rice, bread, or on its own. You can also add vegetables or other side dishes to make a complete meal.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the taste of tandoori chicken. The spices used in this dish are unique and create a flavor that is unmatched by any other cuisine.

If you’re looking for side dishes to serve with your tandoori chicken, look no further. Biryani, samosa, paneer, and other side dishes are the perfect complements to this delicious dish.

So, go ahead and enjoy your tandoori chicken with these delicious side dishes.