Are you wondering what goes well with chicken tikka masala? Stick around as we share a list of the most popular chicken tikka masala side dishes in this article.

Chicken tikka masala is one of the famous dishes in Indian cuisine. It is the source of the meal known as “chicken tikka masala,” which consists of grilled chicken chunks in an onion and tomato gravy.

It is among the most well-liked meals among the locals and its worldwide adaptations. The meal is often made with chicken that has been marinated in spices, herbs, and yogurt.

However, other materials such as butter, coconut milk, tomatoes, and cream can also be used to prepare the marinade dressing.

In American Indian restaurants and takeaways, chicken tikka masala is one of the most often ordered dishes.

There are numerous side dishes to choose from, including pilau rice, naan bread, and onion bhaji. Let’s explore the best side dishes to serve with chicken tikka masala below.

What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala

1. Tandoori Roti

Another well-liked food that goes well with chicken tikka masala is tandoori roti. It differs from your typical flatbread or tortilla made of flour; therefore, you must use caution.

Whole wheat flour and plain flour are typically used to make tandoori roti, along with a few essential components, including baking powder, yogurt, butter, and salt.

The dough is then stretched out and prepared for cooking in the tandoor oven.

As a result, it has a pleasant, charred flavor that complements the moderate spice of chicken tikka masala.

In addition, tandoori roti has higher fiber content and lower fat content than other varieties like tortillas.

2. Cucumber Raita

Cucumber raita is a simple meal made by combining grated cucumbers with seasonings and yogurt.

It is a fantastic side dish that can be swiftly prepared to go with chicken tikka masala.

Fresh cucumbers’ flavor is improved when combined with green or red chilies, yogurt, and cumin.

Also, keep in mind that yogurt’s cooling impact serves as a suitable counterbalance to chicken tikka masala’s heat.

By adjusting the amount of yogurt, you can change the raita’s texture to your liking.

3. Pilau Rice

Jasmine rice cooked in flavored water with spices and oil is a simple but satisfying side dish to go with chicken tikka masala.

Pilau rice is the name given to this dish, which is popular throughout the majority of India.

Pilau typically functions as an all-in-one dish since it has a flavor that counteracts the heat and heaviness of chicken tikka masala.

While numerous ingredients can be used to prepare your pilau rice, these are usually included: Thyme, cardamom, basil, cinnamon, and cumin seed, which are added to the pan’s heated oil along with other spices.

4. Plain Rice

Plain rice is another straightforward side dish that pairs well with Indian cuisine.

Plain and pilau rice might sound like similar dishes to you, but it’s a whole other dish. Both basmati and jasmine rice is fragrant options that combine well with Indian spices in this situation.

Cooking your rice in a mixture of boiling water and freshly squeezed lemon juice is one method to serve it since the citrus flavor helps to highlight the mild flavor of the rice. To add more color and taste during cooking, you may also add some veggies like peas, beans, or carrots.

This would make the dish more nutrient-dense overall.

5. Onion Salad

Onion salad is another fantastic option for a side dish to pair with your chicken tikka masala. It is incredibly easy to prepare and tastes best when served with rice or toast.

Typically, this dish consists of seasoned, oil-and-vinegar-dressed, thinly sliced onions or freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Due to the strong flavor that perfectly complements the rich flavor of chicken tikka masala, onions are a crucial ingredient.

Naturally, you might customize your onion salad by including more veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers.

These veggies give your dish color and crunch, which is always a plus.

6. Mixed Green Salad

Salad is a quick and simple side dish to choose from, especially when you’re pressed for time. However, it is a straightforward but wonderful side dish for chicken tikka masala. The secret is to serve salad as a side dish with contrasting flavors and textures.

Therefore, choosing something crunchy that can provide a wonderful contrast to the softness of the tikka masala sauce is the best option.

A mixed green salad, which is typically produced by combining lettuce leaves with red onion, tomato, and cucumber, is one option you can go for.

You could add some dressing to this dish, such as French or Italian dressing, according to your taste preferences.

7. Mixed Vegetable Pakora

Veggies are another quick, simple side dish that goes well with chicken tikka masala. A good vegetable must be chosen for your pakora, which is essentially a deep-fried vegetable in a seasoned batter.

The finest options are onion or spinach since they complement the flavorful chicken tikka masala.

For instance, you may try combining potatoes, spinach leaves, and thinly sliced onions to make mixed vegetable pakora.

Then, before cooking it to a crisp and golden brown, cover this combination in a seasoned batter made of chickpea flour and water.

Additionally, you can use any type of vegetable you desire, including cauliflower, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes.

8. Samosas

When served alongside your chicken tikka masala, anything pastry-covered will work wonderfully. There are a few guidelines to follow, but samosas make the ideal side dish. Samosas are traditionally baked with a certain type of flour, although you may use any kind of flour, even filo pastry.

When it comes to the filling, go with spinach. You require a lightweight item.

Keep in mind that you want to enhance your entrée rather than compete with it by serving another sort of meat.

Final Words

Even though all of these best side dishes are generally healthy choices to serve with chicken tikka masala, you should still pick your sides wisely and limit your intake of fried, processed, and sugary foods.

That’s because if you eat too many of these side dishes, they can easily become a full dinner on their own.

This is why you should try to consume fruits and seasonal vegetables in moderation whenever you can.

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