What To Serve With Tandoori Chicken (23 BEST Ideas!)

Made by marinading chicken in yoghurt and a selection of fragrant herbs and spices before roasting in the oven, tandoori chicken is hugely popular with fans of Indian cuisine. 

The result is smokey, chargrilled chicken that’s mouthwateringly tender and bursting full of flavour. 

Who needs to order a takeaway when you can make food this delicious at home?

The dish is believed to have originated in the Harappan civilization, dating back over 5,000 years, and its roots are found in the northern region of Punjab, which spans current day India and Pakistan. 

Today, it’s hugely significant in Indian and Punjabi cuisine. 

Often served for special occasions like wedding and festivals, it’s symbolic of the spirit of communal dining and it often brings people together to celebrate the essence of Indian culture and cuisine. 

If you’re making your own tandoori chicken, you’ll need to plan your sides and accompaniments. 

Looking for a quick answer? 

Some of the best choices for what to serve with tandoori chicken include naan bread, basmati rice, mint yoghurt sauce, cucumber raita, lentil dhal, saag, roti, and biriyani. 

Let’s take a look at some more ideas… 

Traditional Accompaniments

When you’re planning to serve tandoori chicken, you’ll enhance the experience with a few traditional sides.

These classic accompaniments balance the spicy, smoky flavours of the chicken and provide a complete, satisfying meal.

Naan Bread

You simply can’t go wrong with naan bread.

This fluffy, leavened bread is ideal for scooping up the chicken and the sauce, providing a soft contrast to the dish’s robust flavours.

It’s typically cooked in a tandoor, giving it that characteristic char and subtle smokiness.

• How to eat: Tear off a piece of naan and use it to wrap a morsel of chicken.
• Variety: Consider garlic or butter naan for additional flavour.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a fragrant, long-grain rice that’s light and fluffy, serving as the perfect base to your tandoori chicken.

It’s traditionally steamed with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to infuse it with a delicate aroma.

• Cooking tip: Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Serving suggestion: Mound the rice on your plate and place tandoori chicken pieces on top.

Mint Yoghurt Sauce

A cool mint yoghurt sauce offsets the heat of the tandoori chicken brilliantly.

It’s a simple blend of yoghurt, mint, cucumber, and seasonings such as cumin, coriander, and sometimes a hint of garlic.

• Ingredients: Mix yoghurt with finely chopped mint and cucumbers, then season to taste.
• Use: Drizzle over the chicken or use as a dip for both the chicken and naan bread.

Onion Bhajis

Onion bhajis are a traditional Indian accompaniment that are a great option for what to serve with tandoori chicken, and they can be a side dish or a starter. 

Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce for extra texture and crunch. 

Vegetable Side Dishes

When pairing tandoori chicken with vegetable side dishes, you want to complement the smoky flavour with a variety of textures and tastes.

Here are a few delightful sides to elevate your meal.

Grilled Vegetables

Grarring veggies is a splendid choice to match the tandoori’s char.

Bell peppers, zucchini, and onionsskewered and cooked until lightly charred not only mirror the chook’s grilling notes but also add a colourful set to your plate.

Refreshing Salads

A crisp salad, with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice, offers a sharp contrast to the spicy chicken.

Try a cucumber raita – yoghurt mixed with grated cucumber, and an emphasis on mint – for a cool and creamy side that tempers the heat.

Dhal (Lentil Stew)

A classic Indian dhal brings comforting warmth through its spices and heartiness.

It serves as a perfect counterpoint with its creamy texture and subtle spices that do not overpower but complement the robust flavours of your tandoori chicken.

Saag (Spinach Dish)

Lastly, saag provides a verdant and nutrient-rich addition.

This dish, often made with spinach or mustard greens, is lightly seasoned to allow the natural flavours to shine, making it a fitting accompaniment to the spiced poultry.

Breads and Rice

Complementing your tandoori chicken with the right type of bread and rice not only adds to the meal’s substance but also to its flavour profile.

Roti

A traditional and wholesome choice, roti is an unleavened bread, perfect for scooping up the chicken and the accompanying sauce.

You’ll find that its slightly smoky taste, achieved from being cooked on a flat griddle, pairs wonderfully with the spices of the tandoori chicken.

Biryani

Biryani is a rich, layered rice dish, cooked with a blend of spices, often including saffron, which gives it a distinctive aroma and a golden hue.

It typically includes pieces of meat or vegetables, but when served alongside tandoori chicken, it’s usually prepared without additional protein to allow the flavours of the chicken to stand out.

Pulao

For something less intense than biryani but equally flavourful, pulao (or pilaf) is a great choice.

It’s a one-pot rice dish cooked with a light blend of spices, such as cumin and cloves, and sometimes mixed with peas or other vegetables.

Pulao acts as a delicately spiced canvas that complements the bold tastes of the tandoori chicken.

(For more ideas, check out what to add to rice pilaf). 

Condiments and Sauces

Complementing your tandoori chicken with the right condiments and sauces can elevate the dish.

These accompaniments bring coolness, zest, or a tangy punch that enhances the overall flavour of your meal.

Raita

Raita is a cooling and creamy yoghurt-based condiment that often includes cucumber, mint, and spices.

You’ll find it’s a perfect counterbalance to the smoky spice of tandoori chicken.

• Classic Cucumber Raita:
  • Yoghurt: Creamy texture
  • Cucumber: Freshness
  • Mint: Aromatic lift

Chutneys

Chutneys are diverse in their ingredients, and you can explore a range from sweet to spicy to suit your taste when it comes to what to serve with tandoori chicken.

• Popular Chutneys:
  • Mint Chutney: Vibrant and refreshing
  • Tamarind Chutney: Sweet and tangy

Pickles

Indian pickles, known as achar, add a bold, zesty kick to your meal.

With their piquant flavours, they integrate well with the spices of tandoori chicken.

• Typical Ingredients in Achar:
  • Mango or lime: Sour base
  • Spices: Complex flavour profiles

Beverage Pairings

Finding the right drinks to complement the rich flavours of tandoori chicken enhances your dining experience.

Consider these popular beverage options that can cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing counterpoint to the spices.

Lassi

Your ideal companion to tandoori chicken is undoubtedly the lassi.

This traditional yogurt-based drink can be sweet or salty, with the former often flavoured with mango, making it a delightful respite from the heat.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Sweet Lassi: Best with spicy tandoori chicken to balance the heat.
• Salty Lassi: Offers a savoury twist, perfect for you if you prefer less sweetness.

Chai

A comforting cup of chai might not be conventional, but it’s a warm, spicy tea that can surprisingly complement tandoori chicken.

A well-brewed masala chai, with its aromatic spices, could be your cup of tea if you’re after something soothing.

• Steep with cardamom, cloves, and ginger for an authentic taste.
• Enjoy moderately after your meal for the best experience.

Indian Pale Ales

For those inclined towards a hoppy beverage, Indian Pale Ales (IPAs) are a stellar choice.

Their bitterness and citrus notes cut through the richness of the chicken, making them an excellent palate cleanser.

• Look for IPAs with tropical fruit notes to echo the spices in tandoori.
• Moderation is key – too hoppy can overpower, so choose a milder IPA to complement, not compete.

Desserts

After savouring the vibrant flavours of tandoori chicken, indulge your sweet tooth with classic Indian desserts that provide a blissful end to your meal.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a beloved dessert that you’ll find irresistible.

These deep-fried golden balls made of milk solids are soaked in a sweet, cardamom-scented syrup.

They are best served warm, which makes them a gooey delight to end your meal with.

Kulfi

Kulfi takes the essence of ice cream and gives it an Indian twist.

This frozen dairy dessert is denser and creamier than traditional ice cream and often comes in flavours like pistachio, mango, and saffron.

Treat yourself to a slice or a mould of Kulfi for a refreshing post-meal experience.

Rasmalai

Rasmalai is a delicate and flavourful treat, consisting of soft, flattened balls of paneer soaked in a creamy, saffron-infused milk syrup, often garnished with fine chopped nuts.

It’s light yet indulgent, making it a fantastic option for what to serve with tandoori chicken. 

Which of these sides are your favourites? 

Are there any others that you would add to the table? 

Leave a comment and share your ideas below! 

For more mealtime ideas, check out what to eat with salsa chicken.