What To Serve With Chicken Curry (29 Best Ideas!)

A chicken curry is a fantastic staple recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, and whether you prepare it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, and whether you like it mild and fragrant or super spicy, it makes for a wonderful, warming midweek treat. 

To ensure a balanced meal, you’ll need to think about the side dishes and accompaniments that you want to prepare. 

Looking for a quick answer? 

The best choices for what to serve with chicken curry include basmati rice, naan bread, roti, aloo gobi, saag aloo, cucumber salad, and mango chutney.

Read on for more ideas and easy to follow recipes…  

Rice Options

When serving chicken curry, selecting the right rice can enhance your dining experience.

Here are some tasty options to consider:

• Basmati Rice: Aromatic and light, basmati rice is a classic choice. It has a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the rich flavours of your curry.
  • Cooking tip: Soak the rice for 20-30 minutes before cooking to achieve optimal fluffiness.
• Brown Rice: Offering a nuttier flavour and more fibre, brown rice is ideal if you’re looking for a healthier option.
  • Cooking tip: It takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
• Jasmine Rice: Slightly stickier than basmati, jasmine rice has a sweet aroma that complements the spices in your curry.
  • Cooking tip: Rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve a non-clumpy texture.

You may also wish to explore different cooking methods:

Method	Description	Rice Type Suitability
Steaming	Preserves the fragrance and separates the grains.	Basmati, Jasmine
Boiling	Simple and straightforward; allows for easy texture adjustments.	Basmati, Brown
Pilaf	Rice is sautéed in oil before water is added, resulting in a richer taste.	Basmati, Jasmine

Bread Varieties

When enjoying a chicken curry, selecting the right type of bread to complement the dish can make all the difference.

With an endless variety of breads available worldwide, a few stand out for their ability to pair harmoniously with the spicy and rich flavours of curry.

• Naan Bread: A classic choice, naan is a soft and fluffy flatbread that’s traditionally baked in a tandoor oven. Its slight chewiness and ability to soak up sauces make it an ideal companion for chicken curry.
  • Variants: Garlic Naan, Butter Naan, Peshwari Naan
• Roti or Chapati: These are thinner and more pliable than naan, making them perfect for scooping up curry and vegetables alike.
  • Quick Tip: Try whole wheat chapatis for a healthier option.
• Paratha: A layered flatbread that’s often pan-fried to attain a crispy exterior, parathas add a delightful crunch and can be stuffed with various fillings.
  • Suggested Filling: Aloo (potato), Gobi (cauliflower)

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Bread Type	Texture	Best For
Naan	Soft	Absorbing sauce, general pairing
Roti	Flexible	Scooping up chunks of meat
Paratha	Crispy	Adding a textural contrast

Vegetable Side Dishes

When you’re serving chicken curry, pairing it with some vegetable side dishes can really round off your meal.

Here’s a selection of veggies that are great choices for what to serve with chicken curry… 

Aloo Gobi: A classic Indian dish made from potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi), seasoned with turmeric and other spices.

It’s a hearty addition that goes well with the chicken curry.

(You’ll also enjoy what to serve with mango chicken!) 

Saag Aloo: Spinach and potatoes are sautéed with garlic and spices, creating a nutritious and warming side dish.

It provides a smooth texture contrast with the creamy curry.

Stir-fried Okra: Also known as “bhindi”, okra can be quickly stir-fried with some mustard seeds and chilli, offering a crispy, slightly sticky accompaniment.

Cumin-Spiced Carrots and Peas: Lightly sautéed with cumin seeds and finished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Simple yet packed with flavour.

Vegetable	Cooking Style	Seasoning
Green beans	Blanched or stir-fried	Mustard seeds, coconut flakes
Courgette	Grilled or roasted	Coriander, cumin
Bell peppers	Roasted or stir-fried	Fennel seeds, garlic

 

Remember to adjust the spices in your vegetable sides to complement the level of heat in your chicken curry. If your curry is quite spicy, you might opt for milder seasonings in your side dishes.

Quick tip: Garnish your vegetables with fresh coriander or a squirt of lemon for a vibrant burst of flavour just before serving. 

Salads and Raitas

When enjoying your chicken curry, incorporating a refreshing salad or a cooling raita can bring balance to your meal.

Here are options you might like to prepare:

Simple Cucumber Salad

• Ingredients: Cucumbers, red onion, coriander, lemon juice, salt
• Preparation: Slice cucumbers thinly, chop red onions, and mix with coriander. Dress with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Carrot and Beetroot Salad

• Ingredients: Grated carrots, grated beetroot, toasted seeds, lemon dressing
• Preparation: Combine grated carrots and beetroot with a handful of mixed toasted seeds. Drizzle with a light lemon dressing for zest.

Mint Raita

• Ingredients: Natural yoghurt, fresh mint, cumin, salt
• Preparation: Finely chop mint and mix with yoghurt. Add roasted cumin powder and salt to taste.

Cucumber Raita

• Ingredients: Natural yoghurt, grated cucumber, garlic, seasoning
• Preparation: Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber. Add to yoghurt with crushed garlic and season well.

Remember, the key is to create a balance of flavours that complements your main dish.

A tangy salad can cut through the richness of the curry, while a creamy raita can soothe the palate, especially if your curry is particularly spicy. 

Pickles and Chutneys

Complementing your chicken curry with an array of pickles and chutneys can elevate the flavours of your meal.

These condiments add a tangy or sweet note and introduce a new texture to your palate.

Add poppadoms as well for dipping and scooping!

• Mango Chutney: This sweet and tangy chutney is a classic choice. Its fruity flavour blends well with the spices of the curry.
  • Tip: Look for chutneys with pieces of mango for added texture.
• Lime Pickle: For a robust, tart element, lime pickle is a superb option. It’s quite intense, so a small amount goes a long way.
  • Tip: If you find it too strong, mix a bit of the pickle with yogurt to mellow it down.
• Mint Chutney: Fresh and zesty, mint chutney provides a cooling sensation, which can be a pleasant contrast to the heat of a curry.
  • Tip: Pair with a cucumber raita to enhance its refreshing effect.
• Red Onion Chutney: This chutney brings a sweet yet piquant touch that complements the rich curry.
  • Tip: Opt for a version with a hint of vinegar to cut through the creaminess of your chicken curry.

Here’s a simple table that outlines the flavour profile and pairing advice:

Chutney Type	Flavour Profile	Pairing Advice
Mango	Sweet and Tangy	Suits well with almost any curry
Lime	Robust and Tart	Use sparingly or mix with yogurt
Mint	Fresh and Zesty	Combine with cucumber raita for extra freshness
Red Onion	Sweet and Piquant	Pick one with a bit of vinegar

 

Refreshing Beverages

When you’re savouring the rich flavours of chicken curry, pairing it with a refreshing beverage can be a great choice.

Here are some delightful choices for drinks when it comes to what to serve with chicken curry:

1. Mango Lassi: A creamy, sweet drink that balances the spiciness of curry.
   • Ingredients: Fresh mango, yogurt, milk, and a touch of sugar.
   • Method: Blend until smooth and serve chilled.
2. Iced Mint Tea: Mint has a cooling effect which complements hot dishes.
   • Ingredients: Mint leaves, tea, honey, and ice cubes.
   • Method: Brew tea, add honey to taste, and infuse with mint. Cool and add ice.
3. Chilled Lemonade: Its zest cuts through the richness of the curry.
   • Ingredients: Lemon juice, sugar, and water.
   • Method: Mix to your preferred sweetness and serve over ice.

For those who enjoy a bit of fizz, consider:

• Sparkling Water: Simple and hydrating.
• Ginger Beer: Its spiciness can match the intensity of the curry.

Alcoholic Options: 

• Craft Beers: A pale ale or wheat beer can be quite refreshing.
• Wine Lovers: A chilled Riesling or Rosé complements the complex curry flavours well.

Desserts

After enjoying the rich flavours of chicken curry, you might fancy something sweet to cleanse your palate.

Here are a few dessert options to consider:

• Mango Lassi: This refreshing and creamy drink is perfect to balance out the spices of the curry. It’s made by blending ripe mangoes, yoghurt, and a touch of sugar. Simply garnish with a mint leaf for an extra touch of freshness.
• Gulab Jamun: These are warm, syrupy balls of dough made from milk solids that are then deep-fried and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. They’re a traditional dessert that pairs beautifully with the complexity of curry.
• Rice Pudding: Known as kheer, this rich and creamy pudding is made with rice, milk, and sugar, and is seasoned with cardamom, raisins, saffron, and nuts. It has a comforting texture that will soothe your taste buds.
• Fruit Salad: A simple, light option is a fruit salad that utilizes seasonal fruits. Toss them with a bit of lime juice and a sprinkling of chaat masala for a unique twist.

Here is a quick serving suggestion table:

Dessert	Serving Suggestion
Mango Lassi	Serve chilled with a sprig of mint
Gulab Jamun	Best served warm with optional ice cream
Rice Pudding	Enjoy cold or at room temperature