We all know chicken tikka masala (a British-Indian curry of marinated grilled chicken in a spiced tomato-cream sauce) is the star of the show, right?
When we think about the perfect side dishes, it's like craft services for our palate.
We need something that holds its own and doesn't get overshadowed by those rich, creamy flavors.
Remember that one time we served plain rice and everyone just stared at it? Yeah, never again!
We'll share some killer options that go with the dish perfectly, with a few surprises thrown in.
Grab your forks, because this chicken tikka masala dinner just got a serious upgrade!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Chicken Tikka Masala
Here's a quick rundown of our top picks for sides to serve with chicken tikka masala:
1 - Garlic Naan
Garlic naan (a leavened flatbread popular in South Asia) is the bread that makes us wonder why we even bother with regular bread. It has that soft, chewy texture we didn't know we needed.
The garlic flavor is total bliss. Dipping it in curry?
It's like a cozy hug for our mouths.
Pairing it with chicken tikka masala is an easy choice, and for similar garlic-focused meals see garlic butter shrimp side ideas.
Plus, it's great for mopping up every last drop of sauce. Seriously, don't skip the naan.
2 - Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a nice option that can really save our dinner; for heartier grain alternatives see wild rice side recipes.
We simply rinse it first to kick out that excess starch (rinsing removes surface starch to prevent clumping). Then, we let it soak to improve the texture while cooking.
The nutty aroma fills the air, making us even hungrier. Plus, it's easy to customize.
A little bit of turmeric can jazz it up if we want some colour too!
3 - Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo gobi (a dry North Indian stir-fry seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and coriander) is a potato and cauliflower combo that's hard to resist. This dish stands out with its bright spices.
It pairs nicely with chicken tikka masala and rice; for other cauliflower-based sides see buffalo cauliflower side options.
Just toss in some turmeric for that bright yellow glow. Cooking this on medium heat gets everything nice and tender.
Get ready for a nice aroma that fills the kitchen. Don't rush it; let the flavors mingle.
4 - Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita (a yogurt-based condiment with grated cucumber and spices) is like a refreshing chill in a hot curry dish. We whip it up with yogurt, cucumber, and spices.
The coolness balances out the spiciness.
It's our go-to for cutting down the heat. A sprinkle of cumin adds a flavor twist.
Serving it chilled makes a noticeable difference. It's super easy to prep.
Grate some cucumber, mix, and voilà-instant side!
We've used it at gatherings. It's always a hit with guests.
5 - Samosas
Samosas (usually triangular fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas) are stuffed pastries that bring fun to any meal. Flaky crusts hold spicy fillings, usually potatoes and peas.
They can be baked or fried. Dipping them in chutney adds extra flavor.
These little pockets are crunchy and crispy. We really like them with our chicken tikka masala.
Make sure to watch the heat while frying. Burnt samosas are a sad sight.
Perfect for sharing, or not. We might hog them all.
6 - Spiced Lentil Dal
Spiced lentil dal (a stew of lentils such as red lentils or masoor, often tempered with cumin and turmeric) is like that friend who shows up at every gathering. It's warm and comforting.
We can whip it up in no time.
Lentils cook fast and soak up flavors. Toss in spices like cumin and coriander for a kick.
Pair it with rice or naan. It bridges everything at the table.
Feeling adventurous? Add some spinach or tomatoes for a twist.
Leftovers? They blend well in wraps or soups.
We get creative with this staple; it's super adaptable!
7 - Mango Chutney
Mango chutney (a sweet-spicy condiment made from ripe mangoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices) is like a party in a jar. It adds a sweet and tangy twist to any meal.
We find it pairs great with chicken tikka masala or as a dip with samosas; for fruity, savory pairings see mango salsa chicken side ideas.
A little goes a long way. Just a spoonful can amp up flavor.
Choosing between spicy or mild varies our experience. Homemade is always fresher, and we can adjust the sweetness.
Don't forget it's also fantastic on sandwiches. Try it with cheese for a tasty surprise.
8 - Onion Bhajis
Ever had a craving for crispy goodness? Onion bhajis are our go-to snack.
They offer a crunchy texture (from thinly sliced onions bound with chickpea flour) with a pop of flavor.
We layer thin sliced onions with spiced batter, then fry until golden. The aroma blends different spices beautifully.
Pair them with chutney for dipping; for creamy, savory dips see onion dip side suggestions.
Make sure the oil is hot enough; soggy bhajis are a disappointment. Fresh is always better, so fry them just before serving.
9 - Saag Paneer
Want to spice up your meal? Saag paneer gives us that creamy, tasty vibe we crave.
This dish features soft cheese (paneer, a non-melting Indian cottage cheese) and spinach cooked in fragrant spices. It's filling and comforting.
The combination of flavors really shines through. Serving it with naan or rice works well.
We can easily adjust the spice levels to our liking.
Fresh spinach is key for the best flavour. Don't skip the garam masala.
Saag paneer also makes a fab leftover option.
10 - Bombay Potatoes
Bombay potatoes (often cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves and turmeric) are spiced potatoes that kick things up a notch. We toss them in turmeric, cumin, and coriander for flavor.
They pair nicely with chicken tikka masala. Crispy on the edges and soft inside, they hit the spot.
We find them super versatile. They're fantastic as a side or on a brunch table.
Cut the potatoes into even pieces for quick cooking. Add fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
If they cool down, a quick reheat gives them a new life.
11 - Tandoori Grilled Vegetables
Tandoori grilled veggies (marinated in yogurt and tandoori spices like paprika and garam masala) are the smoky stars of any meal. We're talking charred goodness with a spicy kick.
These veggies soak up all those fantastic tandoori spices for intense flavor. Experiment with seasonal veggies; it totally changes the vibe.
Grilling adds that easy crispness. It'll take your dish from basic to bold.
Marinate them for a while; it amplifies the taste. Serving them alongside chicken tikka masala creates a colorful feast.
A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens everything up.
12 - Papadum with Chutney
Papadum with chutney? What a combo.
These crispy bites (thin lentil or chickpea crisps traditionally served in Indian restaurants) are a must-have with any meal.
We fry or bake them for that crunch. Dipping them in spicy or sweet chutney makes a difference.
Only takes minutes to prep. We store them for a quick snack.
Experimenting with our favorite chutneys always adds fun. Mix it up with onion chutney or mint to surprise our palates.
They're great for nibbling while waiting for the main dish. It's a tasty way to kick things off.
13 - Kachumber Salad
What's better than a salad that's got crunch and some zing? Kachumber salad is our go-to for that cool vibe on a spicy plate.
It's a blend of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a splash of lemon (often seasoned with cilantro and a pinch of chaat masala). It brings freshness to the table.
We like to toss in some fresh herbs for that extra kick. Simple to make, no cooking required.
Chill it a bit for a refreshing treat. Pair it with any spicy dish for that balance.
Great for potlucks or casual meals.
This salad shines with minimal effort. Just chop and mix.
It complements all the flavors.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
