Serve Chicken Tikka Masala alongside Naan and Minted Cucumber Salad, Steamed Basmati Rice, Crunchy Leafy Green Salad, Cheesy Fried Potatoes, and Crunchy Vegetable Samosas.
Naan and Minted Cucumber Salad
Naan bread is one of the main foods in the Indian cuisine.
For a lighter option, try Crunchy Vegetable Samosas. Crunchy Vegetable Samosas
Anything covered in pastry will work wonders when next to your chicken tikka masala.
Chicken tikka masala is by far one of the most popular dishes in the Indian cuisine, and for some good reasons.
The chicken is marinated in yogurt, but also in spices.
It is cooked in a specific oven until it goes juicy and soft.
Sauces can be pretty diversified - some of them are based on cream, while others are based on tomato.
Now, the dish may seem a bit boring by itself - knowing what to serve with chicken tikka masala will open up a world of opportunities.
Sure, personal preferences should dictate, but then, not everything works.
Here is everything you need to know.
7 Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tikka Masala
Here are some top choices when not sure what to serve with chicken tikka masala - or consider beer can chicken side ideas for backyard meals if the menu shifts.
1 - Naan and Minted Cucumber Salad
Naan bread is one of the main foods in the Indian cuisine.
It goes with the chicken tikka masala and helps it become less nauseous.
To enjoy the mix, you can dip the naan bread in the main dish.
The bread will absorb the flavor and simply taste better.
As for the salad, minted cucumber can turn a boring salad into a fancy one - great if you are trying to impress someone; try cucumber soup side pairings for chilled freshness as inspiration.
2 - Steamed Basmati Rice
You just cannot go wrong with rice when it comes to a saucy dish, and chicken tikka masala makes no exception either.
While most types of rice will do, there is something about the aromatic profile of Basmati rice.
Steam it to preserve some of its flavors.
If you are more about a colorful side dish, stick to stir fry rice - or see chicken fried rice side ideas for vibrant plating for more stir-fry options.
It does have some different flavors too, but the color is what makes the difference.
All in all, the side dish should be ready in about 20 minutes, so you are less likely to waste too much time.
3 - Crunchy Leafy Green Salad
Looking for something light as a side dish? A salad will work wonders.
It will refresh your palate a little and provide a cooling effect for the main dish.
On the same note, the crunchy profile is just as good with chicken tikka masala because the texture is different, so they work well together.
Mix together all sorts of leafy greens and use a salad dressing you like - just a matter of personal preferences here; consider fried green tomatoes side options for a Southern crunch if a crispy element is wanted.
While it may seem tempting, it may be a good idea to keep the list of ingredients to a minimum - two or three will do.
Too many different aromas and flavors could make it confusing.
4 - Cheesy Fried Potatoes
Potatoes make the perfect side dish for many foods, and the same goes for chicken tikka masala.
There are more ways to prepare potatoes for this dish, but frying them is standard.
As for the actual shape, it is a matter of what you like - some people prefer potato sticks, while others like slices.
You might as well chop them - up to you.
Fried potatoes are easy to make and should not take more than 20 minutes - for another quick fried vegetable, see fried okra quick side ideas.
They have a slightly sweet flavor that will not make the meal too heavy.
Opt for light cheese on top of them.
5 - Crunchy Vegetable Samosas
Anything covered in pastry will work wonders when next to your chicken tikka masala.
Samosas make the perfect side dish, but there are some rules to follow.
Classic samosas are made with certain types of flour - you can use anything, even filo pastry.
As for what goes inside, opt for spinach. You need something light.
Other types of meat are also accepted, but the chances are they will make the meal feel heavy.
Remember, you want to complement your chicken tikka masala, rather than challenge it with a different type of meat; light vegetable choices like those in vegetable soup side ideas for light pairings work well.
6 - Homemade Mango Chutney
Pickles and chutneys are extremely common in Indian cuisine and can easily change the direction of a meal.
A simple chutney will complement a meal, but it can also ruin a good combination, so it requires plenty of attention.
Mango chutney is excellent for chicken tikka masala, but try to make it yourself; for other mango-forward pairings see mango salsa chicken side ideas for bright accompaniments.
Things you can find in commerce are not that rich in taste - instead, they are incredibly sweet and rich in sugar.
As for the recipe, it may take a few hours to cook once you prepare all the ingredients, so start early.
7 - Homemade Creamy Raita
Sauces can make the difference as side dishes and can turn a dish into an actual meal.
Now, the sauce must be carefully chosen.
Chicken tikka masala brings in a wide variety of tastes - slightly spicy.
Therefore, the sauce must be neutral and mellow.
A classy creamy raita is excellent if you make it yourself.
There are lots of different recipes for it, but they all revolve around the same main ingredients - besides, preparing this side dish should not take more than 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Naan and Minted Cucumber Salad Naan bread is one of the main foods in the Indian cuisine. While most types of rice will do, there is something about the aromatic profile of Basmati rice.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. Naan and Minted Cucumber Salad Naan bread is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.
Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
Rotisserie chicken pairs with many of the same sides. rotisserie chicken side pairings for versatile menus and Peruvian chicken side suggestions for bold flavors both work depending on the meal focus.